AS Super Typhoon Karding [international name Noru] intensifies while nearing Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) issued last Sunday its “survival tips” before, during and after a typhoon.
Likewise, PRC Chairman and Sen. Richard J. Gordon announced that PRC volunteers and staff have been placed on alert and are ready to respond.
“The Red Cross takes the lead in this kind of situation; that is why our chapters in areas expected to be affected by ‘Karding’ are ready,” Gordon said.
Here are the survival tips from the PRC:
- Before the typhoon
- Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare foods that need not be cooked.
- Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
- Examine your house and repair its unstable parts.
- Always keep yourself up-to-date with the latest weather report.
- Harvest crops that have matured.
- Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
- For fishers, place boats in a safe area.
- Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.
- During the typhoon
- Stay inside the house.
- Always keep yourself up-to-date with the latest weather report.
- If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with a cover.
- Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps.
- Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases.
- If there’s a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders:
- Evacuate calmly.
- Close windows and turn off the main power switch.
- Put important appliances and belongings on high ground.
- Avoid the way leading to the river.
- After the typhoon
- If your house is badly damaged, make sure that it is already safe and stable before you enter.
- Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house.
- Watch out for live wires or outlets immersed in water.
- Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
- Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.
Gordon said PRC field volunteers and staff will monitor and report status of evacuees, overflow of dams, landslides, flooding incidents and general conditions to the PRC Operations Center.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, “Karding” is expected to make landfall in the northern part of Quezon or southern part of Aurora tonight.
The weather agency said it has not discounted the possibility the typhoon would make landfall in Polillo Islands last Sunday afternoon.