8 Reminders for Keeping your Home Safe from a Typhoon

The rainy season is most definitely upon us. PAGASA has already warned of more intense weather disturbances and stronger typhoons, with approximately 16 more cyclones estimated to land on Philippine shores in the coming months. Typhoon “Ondoy”, which jarred the Metro in 2009, has not been forgotten, as some municipalities and Barangays are more prepared for such disastrous events because of it.  

If you are awakened one night by a heavy downpour and power outage, and scramble for a flash light to check on the kids but couldn’t find one, or if you realize one day that your child does not have any raingear to protect himself from a heavy downpour, then you certainly need to be better prepared and more vigilant.

Being on guard all the time does not denote checking the PAGASA website twice a day, or the constant re-telling of Tsunami horror stories to your children and household help that may make Manang sleep with a life vest. Being prepared denotes awareness of the current situation, possible scenarios and the implementation of simple measures to keep home and property safe.

As mothers and fathers, we are leaders of the household. Leaders always find their center in times of crisis. Leaders know exactly what steps should be taken, and should be able to exact these measures around the home. Leaders do not panic. If King Leonidas began screaming like a toddler in a tantrum when his armies were rained on by arrows, there wouldn’t be the movie “300”. With preparation comes organization, so here is a little list for you to keep and most definitely share. Some may seem banal and obvious, but they wont be once you find yourself in such a situation.

1.    Flashlights and candles
Make a quick inventory of all flashlights in the home and in your vehicles. Dispose of all broken items and batteries responsibly, and invest on sturdy, rust-proof flash lights. If you choose to recycle batteries, make sure they are always charged and that there is always a working batch in the lights. If not, purchase and update your stocks.

There should be one functioning flashlight per room, and a small pocket light on your bedside drawer and in the glove compartment of your car. The must also be one or two for the lower floors for an average-sized house. Make sure everyone knows where they are, and that younger children are thoroughly instructed not to play with them.

Keep a good batch of candles and matches beside you, making sure that children have no access to matches.

2.    OMG – Openings, Mirrors, Gutters
Check all home openings like doors and windows. Apply WD40 on window hinges ensuring they close properly. Check all glass panels for breakage and replace if necessary.

Make an ocular inspection of all mirrors and breakables at home. Replace or discard broken ones.

Check if your gutter system is functioning optimally. A professional may help you with this.

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3.    Equipment
Fire extinguishers are a must - at least three in an average household, strategically placed (in bedrooms, near the kitchen). Family members should know how to use these, and refills should be done as necessary.

Battery-operated fans or lights are optional, but almost necessary if you have an infant or elderly person at home.

A small battery-operated AM/FM radio to scan for weather updates.

4.    The main switch
This controls the influx of power in the home, and capable members of the household should be aware of where the main breaker is to turn it off be turned off to avoid electrical hazards during severe disturbances.  In the same respect, LPG tanks should be on the off position when not in use, and power cords unplugged.

5.    Charge it!
Cell phones and other electronics should always be on full charge, especially if you’re anticipating heavy rains. It also never hurts to have with it an MP3 player or Angry Birds game to kill the boredom.

6.    Keep pets safe
For every pet, one should have a carrier or kennel to keep them in safely during storms, and provide them with easy transport.

7.    Keep children calm
Make sure your kids are familiar with the scientific aspect of storms and weather disturbances. Even a toddler should know that thunder is not “the angels bowling” or  with big kids, the sign of the Apocalypse. Through age-appropriate methods, you can teach kids, and this can be an enriching activity.  

8.    Keep and update ALL emergency numbers and save them on your cell phone, print them for posting on the fridge and list them on your landline unit. Aside from the police, hospitals and fire department, list numbers of relatives, an ambulatory service, a volunteer fire brigade number, your pediatrician’s emergency number, a towing service and utility providers.

If you live in a flood-prone area and have not decided to move, it is best to consult a licensed engineer to re-structure your lower floors and drainage system. Schedule a meeting with fellow homeowners and Barangay heads for disaster coordination, and as silly as it may seem, invest in a rubber boat if you’re expecting bizarre levels of water. It may be hard to protect vehicles, but arranged safe parking can be discussed in your group meeting. These measures are definitely costly, but life can never be quantified (and so can’t the large flat screen and home theater system installed in the living area).

Though we can’t control the weather, we can definitely lessen its impact on our lives and property.  Stay vigilant to remain safe!

Photo from flickr.com