Tips on How to Survive the Typhoon Season
We’re feeling the rage of a new tropical storm closing in, and we know the typhoon season is truly upon us. A typhoon can cause so much chaos in so many ways, so it’s important that we are prepared for the worst. While it’s a nice time for a bed weather, you have to make sure that your home is secure and yourself well-equipped to weather the storm.
A typhoon can wreak havoc in many ways.
Here are some tips on how you can survive the typhoon season.
Stock up food, water, and all important stuff
You never know how bad the storm can be and how long you will be stuck inside waiting for the storm to pass. Prepare for the typhoon by having enough emergency supplies like food, water, first aid kit, and clean clothes. Also make sure to gather all important documents and gadgets and keep them secure in a plastic or air-lock bag.
Make sure everything re-chargeable is charged
Again, you don’t know how long you’re going to be stuck inside. Worst case, you may be stuck without power. You want to make sure that you can see through the dark and get news from outside. Check your flashlights and radios, and stock up extra batteries for battery-powered devices. Also as much as possible, avoid using candles and gas lamps, but keep them handy just in case all else fails.
Do a quality check of your house
The last thing you want to worry about is a leaking roof. Before the storm approaches, during a clear day do a quick inspection of your home, especially the roof, and do any necessary repair. Your roof and windows must be stable and secure in order to protect you from the heavy downpour.
Don’t attempt to go out during a heavy downpour.
Prepare your evacuation plan
Each town has its evacuation plan, but you should have your own, too. Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation centers and how to go there. This is especially important for people living near bodies of water and landslide-prone areas.
Keep pets inside
If you are a pet owner, it’s not only yourself that you should worry about. Animals get cold and scared, too, if you leave them out by themselves. As a responsible pet owner, you have to make sure your pets are inside or in a safe place and comfortable during the storm.
Turn off the main power switch
Especially during a thunderstorm, it is best to switch off the main power to prevent any of your electrical appliances from getting damaged when a bad lightning strikes. You may use your laptop or tablet as long as their chargers aren’t plugged. As part of thunderstorm safety, also try and avoid using the landline telephone and standing near windows.
The eye of the storm doesn’t mean the end.
Don’t be deceived by the eye of the storm
The calm may not be the end, so hold your horses and don’t go out right away. The eye of the storm might just be passing, and the heavy downpour would soon return. Stay tuned into the radio for official announcements that it’s safe to go outside.
If you have a car, get an inverter
There are times when a power outage, unfortunately, lasts even after a typhoon. Your batteries and other rechargeables may not last that long. In that case, keep your power inverter handy. It lets you charge your gadgets through your car’s cigarette lighter. And it’s much cheaper than a generator.
Written by: Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
