Emergency Preparation Tips (Part 1)

Satellite Image of an Approaching Typhoon
(Photo from: PAGASA)

The Philippines, being one of the countries in the world that has a tropical climate, often experiences typhoons and flash floods. For the past years, the country had suffered and experienced damage and loss due to these calamities.

Lucena City was often said as “the catch-basin” or the lowest part here in Quezon province so we must be aware and be prepared for whatever natural or man-made calamities that may (or may not) come here in the city.

Here are some tips that can be useful during or even before the calamity comes.

For Typhoons and/or flash floods:

  • Prepare emergency lights, flashlights, transistor radios and extra batteries. Make sure that your cellphones are fully charged so that you can make emergency calls if necessary. A whistle (pito) may come in handy too if the need arises.
  • Make sure that you have enough food and drinking water that could last for a few days or for the whole week.
  • Have your first-aid kit ready. It must contain scissors, gauze bandages, adhesive bandages, alcohol or povidone iodine (or any antiseptic/disinfectant), and over-the-counter emergency medicines (for pain relief and for fever).
  • Determine if your home is strong enough to endure gusty winds and potential flash floods. Double-check your roofing and the over-all state of your house and repair any unstable parts.
  • Cut off tree trunks and branches that are near to your home as they might cause some damage when the storm arises.
  • Monitor the weather updates and take note of the Rainfall Advisories and Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS).
    PAGASA New Philippine Rain and Flood Warning System 2012*
    RED WARNING Serious flooding expected in low-lying areas Response : EVACUATION
    ORANGE WARNING Flooding is threatening Response : ALERT for possible evacuation
    YELLOW WARNING Flooding is possible Response : MONITOR the weather condition

     

    Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)**
    Public Storm
    Warning Signal No.
    Wind Speed (kph) Weather Condition
    Signal No. 1 30-60 kph The weather disturbance is expected within 36 hours
    Signal No. 2 61-100 kph A tropical cyclone is expected within 24 hours
    Signal No. 3 100-185 kph A storm is expected within 18 hours
    Signal No. 4 more than 185 kph A very intense typhoon is expected within 12 hours
  • During the storm/typhoon, stay inside the house as much as possible. Avoid wading in the floodwaters to prevent contracting diseases like leptospirosis. But if you’re unsure of your safety, you may go to the nearest designated evacuation centers in your area.

When you need to evacuate, follow these reminders:

  • Close all the windows and lock all the doors in your house.
  • Switch off the main power to prevent electrical accidents.
  • Important appliances and belongings should be on a higher place.
  • Important papers and documents must be wrapped in plastic bags or containers.
  • Make sure your domesticated animals/pets are in a safe place.
  • Bring your clothes, food, first-aid kit and emergency items with you.

Do’s and don’ts in case of flood/flash floods:

  • Do boil water before drinking. If boiling won’t be readily available, you may use chlorine tablets (ask the pharmacist for the right dose) or unscented household bleach (2 drops per liter and let it sit for 30 mins. to 1 hour) for purifying and disinfecting the water. The water that should be used must be clear. If the water is murky and cloudy, filter it first with a clean cloth.
  • Do take extra care when going to the evacuation centers. Avoid crossing flood waters that leads to the rivers.
  • Don’t attempt to cross the flood waters if you’re not sure how deep it is even if you’re inside your vehicle. Instead, leave it locked and go to a higher place.
  • Don’t let the children play and swim in the flood waters to avoid being electrocuted and to prevent them from catching flood borne diseases.

What you should do after the floods?

  • When returning to your home and there is no electricity yet, use flashlights or emergency lights instead of candles or kerosene lamps to avoid starting a fire.
  • Check and inform the authorities when you found any damages on electrical wires, electrical appliances, water supplies, etc.
  • Do not turn on the main electrical power switch of your home. Have an authorized electrician check everything first before using.

Here is the list of flood prone areas here in Lucena City:***

URBAN BARANGAYS
A. Barangay 4 – From C.M. Recto Street to San Fernando Extension.
– Gomez Street up to Dumacaa Bridge
B. Barangay 2 – From Gomez Street up to Dumacaa Bridge
C. Barangay 6 – From San Fernando Street Extension up to Dumacaa River
D. Barangay 5 – From C.T. Profugo Street Extension up to spillway (Iyam River)
– Along the Iyam River side
E. Barangay 7 – Along the Iyam River Side
F. Barangay 8 – Along the Iyam River Side
G. Barangay 9 – Milagrosa Subdivision and along Dumacaa River Side
H. Barangay 10 – Along Dumacaa River Side
I. Barangay 1 – Portion of Barangay along Iyam River Side

 

RURAL BARANGAYS
A. Barangay Dalahican – All residential areas along the sea shores
B. Barangay Talao-Talao – All residential areas along the sea shores
C. Barangay Barra – All residential areas along the sea shores
D. Barangay Cotta – From railroad track going to Cotta port
– All residential areas along Dumacaa and Iyam River Side.
E. Barangay Ransohan – All areas of Barangay Ransohan
F. Barangay Mayao Castillo – Portion of Barangay along sea shores
G. Barangay Salinas – Portion of Barangay along the rivers
H. Barangay 10 – Along Dumacaa River Side
I. Barangay 1 – Portion of Barangay along Iyam River Side

All the remaining areas of urban and rural barangays are flood free areas.

Those are the emergency preparation tips for typhoons and flash floods. For the next article, we’ll discuss about the emergency preparation tips for earthquakes and landslide, and also some fire prevention tips.


Sources:
*PAGASA New Philippine Rain and Flood Warning System 2012. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/
**The Philippine Public Storm Warning Signals. Retrieved from http://www.gov.ph/
***Ecological Profile of Lucena City 2010. Retrieved from http://lucenacity.gov.ph/
Emergency Preparation Tips for Typhoons. Retrieved from http://www.preparenow.info/
PRC gets ready for Typhoon Yolanda, issues survival tips. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org.ph/

Author: Lucenahin

is an online magazine dedicated to everything Lucenahin. Browse our collection of articles and learn more about people, places, events, and interests in Lucena City.

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