Surviving the Storm: Essential Tips on What to Do During a Typhoon

Typhoons can strike with little warning, turning peaceful days into chaotic ones. As the winds howl and rain pours, it's crucial to stay calm, prepared, and informed. Surviving a storm isn’t just about waiting it out—it’s about having a solid plan to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here’s a practical guide on what to do before, during, and after a typhoon to help keep your family safe.

Understanding Typhoons

Typhoons are powerful tropical storms characterized by strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, and storm surges. Forming over warm ocean waters, they can cause widespread damage to coastal and inland areas alike. These storms are categorized based on wind speed and intensity. Understanding the strength and potential hazards of an approaching typhoon allows you to prepare for it.

Preparing Your Home

The first line of defense is your home. Because of the strong storms that hit the Philippines yearly, there are a number of questions on hot to make your home safe and your investment in it, secure. Here are simple steps to storm-proof your property:

1. Secure the right house insurance. When it comes to securing the structure of your house, it pays to know what house insurance packages are out there and what they cover.

2. If you took out a loan on your home, make sure you secure the one paying for it via what is called a Mortgage Redemption Insurance (MRI). A life insurance company can provide that.  However, when it comes to securing your house structure itself, you need to get house insurance from a reputable non-life insurance provider like Standard Insurance.

3. At the first instance of a storm warning, check your roof to make sure there are no loose connections, specially if strong winds are expected. Seal your windows and doors. Install storm shutters or board the windows with plywood to help protect against flying debris.

4. Clear your yard. Secure or bring indoors any loose items like outdoor furniture, tools, or garbage bins. A good practice is to trim trees and shrubs before the storm season starts. Trim off dead branches that could break off and cause damage to your windows or glass panes.

5. Clean gutters and drains to ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of flooding inside your property.

6. Inside your home, identify a safe room—preferably on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls—where your family can shelter during the storm.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit can make a huge difference. Prepare supplies that can last at least three days, including:

1. Drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day)

2. Non-perishable food (canned goods, energy bars, dried fruits)

3. Manual can opener

4. First aid supplies and prescription medications

5. Flashlights with extra batteries

6. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

7. Personal hygiene items (wet wipes, sanitizers, sanitary products)

8. Blankets, extra clothes, and supplies for infants or pets

9. Important documents stored in a waterproof container

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Sit down with your family to discuss what to do if a typhoon strikes, for example:

1. Decide on a safe room where everyone can gather.

2. Designate an emergency contact person outside your home, whom everyone can call if you get separated.

3. Agree on a meeting place in case evacuation is necessary.

4. Practice emergency drills regularly.

5. Learn how to shut off utilities like water, gas, and electricity.

6. Familiarize yourselves with local evacuation routes and shelters.

A family emergency plan might just save you from the impact of a storm.

Stay Informed

Reliable information saves lives. Monitor trusted sources like PAGASA, local news, and official weather apps for real-time updates.

Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio ready in case of power or internet outages. Follow local government social media accounts and community alert systems. Heed evacuation orders or emergency warnings from the NDRRMC without delay.

What to Do During the Typhoon

When the typhoon hits, stay aware and be ready at all times. Keep the following in mind:

1. Stay indoors, in your designated safe room.

2. Stay away from windows, glass doors, and exterior walls.

3. Do not be fooled by a sudden lull of the storm—it could be the eye of the storm, which means there is more coming.

4. Unplug appliances to to save it from damages due to power surges.

5. Avoid using electrical devices during severe weather to avoid electrification.

6. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Avoid driving through flooded roads. You might not be able to assess how deep the flooding is.

After the Storm

Once the typhoon has passed, wait for an official announcement before leaving your shelter. Then survey your surroundings, watching out for downed power lines, debris and flooding. Remember the following:

1. Wear protective gear like gloves and sturdy shoes when inspecting your home.

2. Document any damage for insurance claims. Take photos if possible.

3. If there’s structural or electrical damage, seek professional help.

4. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claims process.

Community organizations and relief agencies may also provide support and resources for recovery. Check out what these are and take advantage of them.

Be Prepared, Stay Protected

Typhoons are unpredictable, but preparation gives you the upper hand. By reinforcing your home, stocking essential supplies, and practicing your family emergency plan, you can weather the storm more safely. Stay informed, stay calm, and most importantly—stay ready.

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