Safety tips

Know what each Signal means

PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) go from No. 1 to No. 5. The higher the number, the stronger the expected winds and the less time you have to prepare.

Listen to official advisories

Follow advisories from PAGASA, the NDRRMC, and your MDRRMO on radio, TV, or official social media. Avoid unverified news.

Pack your go-bag before the storm

Prepare a go-bag for every family member and keep it near the door. Check it every few months to replace expired food and medicine.

Put clean water first

Water may be contaminated after a flood. Bring enough clean drinking water for the first day of evacuation.

Do not forget maintenance medicine

Bring several days of medicine and a copy of the prescription. Pharmacies may be closed after the storm.

Flashlight, not candles

Flashlights are safer than candles. Candles can easily start fires, especially in crowded places.

Keep your go-bag light

You should be able to carry your go-bag while walking through water. Leave heavy, unnecessary items behind.

Protect your documents

Keep birth certificates, IDs, and land titles in a waterproof pouch. Digital copies help too.

Switch off the main breaker before leaving

Switch off the main breaker if you are standing somewhere dry. If the floor is wet or you are in water, do not touch the breaker.

Raise your appliances

Move appliances and valuables to a higher place before water comes in.

Evacuate early

When your barangay or MDRRMO advises evacuation, go right away. Evacuating is harder and riskier once water is high or it is dark.

Know your nearest evacuation center

Find out your barangay's evacuation center and the safest route there before a storm arrives.

Stay away from live wires

Stay away from fallen wires and posts, especially in water. Report them to your barangay or electric cooperative right away.

Watch out for open manholes

You cannot see manholes or canals in murky water. Use a stick to test the ground and follow the safe route.

Avoid fast-moving water

Even shallow fast-moving water can knock you down. Find another route or wait for help.

Move slowly through debris

Walk slowly and wear closed shoes. There may be sharp objects under the water.

Stay away from damaged structures

Do not shelter near cracked or leaning walls and houses. They may collapse.

When there is lightning

Avoid open areas, posts, and tall trees. Do not hold metal fences during lightning.

Help elderly neighbors

Elderly people move more slowly. Stay with them, bring their medicine, and do not leave them behind.

Hold children's hands

Children are easily swept away by floodwater. Hold their hands or carry them through deep parts.

Pick a route PWDs can use

Avoid stairs and narrow paths when helping a PWD or wheelchair user.

Bring pets safely

Put pets in a carrier or on a secure leash. Never leave them tied up in a house that will flood.

Avoid wading in floodwater

Floodwater can carry leptospirosis and other diseases. If you must wade, wear boots and wash right after.

Watch out for leptospirosis

If you waded through floodwater and get a fever days later, see a health center right away.

Return only when it is safe

Wait for your barangay's go-ahead before returning. Check your house for damage and do not turn the power on until it is confirmed safe.

Clean up safely

Wear gloves and boots while cleaning. Throw away food that touched floodwater.

Make a family emergency plan

Agree on where to meet, whom to call, and who will help elderly family members and children.

Charge your phone and powerbank

Before the storm arrives, fully charge your phone and powerbank so you can still communicate during outages.

Store clean water

Fill clean containers with water before the storm because supply may be cut off.

Secure outdoor items

Bring in or tie down pots, chairs, and roof sheets so strong winds cannot blow them away.

Use a whistle to call for help

Three short blasts is a common signal that you need help.

At the evacuation center

Register with officials, follow the rules, and keep the area clean to prevent illness.

Radio when there is no signal

When power and signal are down, a battery-operated radio is the most reliable source of news.