Disaster preparedness 101

We can never be too prepared when it comes to natural calamities of epic proportions, such as the killer earthquakes and typhoons that recently hit the country. Of course, there are other earthshaking stories hogging today’s headlines, such as the assorted anomalies in the government, but for now, let’s just focus on natural (and not man-made) disasters.
With the dreaded typhoon season upon us, this column sought the help of the EcoWaste Coalition on how to deal with disasters and this vigilant environmental watchdog immediately came to the rescue by coming up with disaster preparedness and survival tips (from its members and other sources) and sharing them exclusively with Philippine STAR readers.

“Through these practical tips, we hope to empower Filipino families with information that will surely ease the impact of the string of weather disturbances that is expected during the typhoon months,” says Manny Calonzo of the EcoWaste Coalition. 

The first set of tips deals with what we should do even before a typhoon sets in.  The second set lists useful things to observe during the actual occurrence of a typhoon.  And the third and final set offers tips on post-typhoon work.

I.  BEFORE THE TYPHOON STRIKES:

•  Make it a habit to read the newspapers, watch TV, listen to the radio or visit the website of  PAGASA, our weather bureau, at http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ for timely weather updates, flood advisories, and other warnings.  Channel 2’s Weather Center at http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/weather and Channel 7’s I’m Ready public service portal at http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/imready/ are useful sites to visit as well.

• Check the geophysical hazards of the community that you are a part of.   It’s extremely important to know if you live in an area that is prone to flood, landslide or storm surge.

• Seek information about the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan of your municipality or city, participate in calamity preparedness drills, know how to get to the nearest evacuation center, and be familiar with life-saving community warnings and signals.  It’s also useful to know the disaster emergency plans of the school where your kids go to, and of your own workplace.

•  Make a good list of disaster emergency hotlines, including people to contact in case of an emergency, and display such list in a prominent place.  Be sure to include the phone numbers of your barangay, church, school, hospital, and the local police and fire units, as well as the public service hotlines of the Philippine National Red Cross (527-0000, 527-8385 to 95), Philippine National Police (117), Bureau of Fire Protection (160), Metro Manila Development Authority (136), and even some media outfits (for example, TV5’s “Rescue 5” at 922-5155).

• Put together a family disaster survival kit that should include at least a three-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable food, a first-aid kit (antiseptic solutions, band aids, bandages, gauze pads, latex gloves, medical scissors), sanitation supplies (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, sanitary napkin), basic medicines, flashlights and extra batteries, battery-operated radio and spare batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, lighter or waterproof matches, rain gear, etc.  Also, keep cash on hand as the automated teller machines (ATMs) may not work due to the flood or power outage.

• Conduct a thorough inspection of your home before the weather conditions worsen. Check if the gate, doors, windows, roofs, ceilings, water spout or drainage require any fixing. Secure flower and plant pots, especially those that may fall and cause injuries.

• Contact local government units or utility companies for help in the preemptive pruning or trimming of trees to protect them from being destroyed by strong winds, and to minimize death and injury, as well as damage to property, from falling trees.  

  II.  AT THE HEIGHT OF A TYPHOON:

• Stay indoors, refrain from going out unnecessarily, especially in high-risk areas such as the riverside or seaside, and avoid outdoor activities such as cycling and playing in the rain or floodwater.  If you go outdoors, be on your guard against falling electrical cables and poles, signboards or billboards, and trees.

• Stock up on clean water and dry food that does not require refrigeration.  In case of power interruption, keep the refrigerator door closed and open it only when necessary.  Get your family disaster survival kit ready.

• Monitor the weather conditions and be prepared to move out to a safer place within your house or to a temporary shelter if needed.  Unplug all appliances and lock the doors and windows before you go.

• In case of flooding inside your home, refrain from operating electrical appliances and shut down the main switch to prevent any untoward incidents.

• Put lighted candles and lamps away from combustible materials to prevent causing fire during power disruption.

• Stay away from floodwater to avoid being swept by strong currents, or getting injured by broken glasses, metal scraps and syringes, or being exposed to hazardous chemicals or disease-causing bacteria. Keep children and pets away from floodwater.

III.  AFTER THE TYPHOON HAS PASSED:

• Check your home and surroundings for possible damage and make the necessary repairs to ensure the health and  safety of everyone.

• Report damaged electrical cables and broken streetlights and utility poles to the Meralco Call Center at 16211.  If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in a pool of water to prevent electric shock.

•  Dry wet electrical connections and appliances before turning on the main switch.

Have damaged electrical wiring fixed by an electrician to prevent fire due to faulty wiring.  Have flood-soaked electrical or gas appliances checked, evaluated, and fixed as well before using them.

• Discard refrigerated foods for composting after an extended power disruption as these may no longer be fit for human consumption and may cause food poisoning if consumed.  Clean the refrigerator before restocking.  Compost food items that have come in contact with floodwater.

• Do not use water that could be contaminated with water-borne bacteria to prepare and cook food, wash hands, brush teeth or clean dishes.  When in doubt, boil the water first.

• Clear your house and community of disaster debris in a safe and ecological way.  Do not dump or burn discards.  Instead, repair, reduce, and recycle whatever can be put to good use to conserve resources and reduce the volume of trash to be disposed of. Keep kids and pets out of the affected area until the cleanup is over.

• Handle hazardous waste such as electronic waste or e-waste with extra care.  For instance, do not toss spent mercury-containing fluorescent lamps in regular trash bins to prevent toxic spillage. 

• Secure the help of your local authorities, Meralco or other utility companies to remove fallen trees.

• Clear all potential breeding spots for dengue-causing mosquitoes such as discarded receptacles, water containers, flower vases, plant pots and trays, gully traps, roof gutters, roadside drains, etc.

Be prepared and be safe, everyone!