UNIT 3 – TYPHOON PREPAREDNESS GUIDE ALBERT S. FUENTES,RN CHERIMI A. RODRIGO, RN

WHAT IS A TYPHOON???

The Phlippines is a disaster-prone country. An average of 20 typhoons ravage the country each year, affecting millions of Filipino families and leaving a trail of deaths, injuries and damage to property worth billions of pesos.

WHAT IS PAG-ASA? Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is a Philippine national institution dedicated to provide flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, meteorological, astronomical, climatological, and other specialized information and services primarily for the protection of life

PAG-ASA ISSUES 4 LEVELS OF PUBLIC TYPHOON SIGNALS Signal Number 1 – Tropical Depression with a winds of 30-60km/h are expected to occur within 36 hours Signal Number 2 – Tropical Storm with a winds of km/h are expected to occur within 24 hours Signal Number 3 – Typhoon with winds of km/h are expected to occur within 18 hours Signal Number 4 – Super Typhoon with winds of at least 185km/h are expected to occur within 12 hours.

SUSPENSION OF CLASSES 1. Classes for Preschool are cancelled when Signal Number 1 is in effect. 2. Elementary and High school classes and below are cancelled under Signal Number Classes for Colleges and Universities and below are cancelled under Signal Number 3 and Signal Number 4.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A TYPHOON? Inspect your house if necessary repair/fixing is needed. (eg. Roof, doors, windows, ceilings)

BEFORE TYPHOON STRIKES, YOU MUST CLEAN UP YOUR HOUSE’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM SO IT WON’T GET CLOGGED UP.

> STORE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FOOD AND WATER THAT WOULD LAST FOR A FEW DAYS. CANNED GOODS ARE IDEAL ESPECIALLY IF COOKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

> PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOUSE IN AN ELEVATED POSITION ESPECIALLY ITEMS THAT GENERATE ELECTRICITY SO THAT WATER WON’T PENETRATE INTO THEM IN CASE FLOODWATER RUSHES INSIDE YOUR HOUSE.

> Harvest crops that can be yielded immediately. > For fishing folk, place boats in a safe area. > If you are living in a lowland, hazard prone and/or risked areas, the ideal resort is to evacuate as early as possible. > Always keep flashlights, candles, and batteries and first-aid supplies available. > It is important as well to have an available transistor radio (battery – powered incase power supply will be unavailable) so you can be updated about the typhoon and its current location. > Frequently listen to your local radio, television or visit Weather Philippines for storm advisories on the progress of the typhoon.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE TYPHOON? > Stay inside the house and keep calm. Postpone any travel. > Monitor to your local radio, television or visit Weather Philippines for storm advisories on the progress of the typhoon. > In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity to prevent electrical accidents. > Avoid wading through flooded areas to avoid water-transmitted diseases. > Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood. > Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded. > Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps. > Heed the advice of the local authorities if they ask you to evacuate your area. If there is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders: > Evacuate calmly. > Close the windows and turn off the main power switch. > Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground. > Avoid the way leading to or along the river.

WHAT TO DO AFTER TYPHOON? > Monitor to your radio, television or visit Weather Philippines for storm advisories on the progress of the typhoon. > Check your house for damage and make necessary repairs at once. Avoid scattered debris especially tin and lumber as there may be rusty nails protruding. > Wear proper safety gear and equipment when working in hazardous areas. > If your house was damaged, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter. > Have a knowledgeable person inspect electrical connections before using electrical appliances. > Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water. > Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities. > Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house. > Boil water before drinking it to avoid diseases. > Avoid contaminated food resulting from the lack of electricity and refrigeration. > Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding that can cause dengue.

FOOD

FIRST AID KIT

FLASHLIGHTS

MOBILE PHONES

CASH

RADIO

POWERBANKS

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO PROTECT 1.Birth Certifiates 2.Insurance Records 3.Medical Records 4.SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth records 5. Identification cards 6. Passports 7.Bank Account numbers and records 8.Contact Numbers

“There's no harm in hoping for the best as long as you're prepared for the worst.” ― Stephen King