Life hacks: How to be disaster-ready

The summer sun has come and gone, and you know what’s next? It’s the season of typhoons, floods, and monsoons. Before you go on panic mode and hide, here are a few disaster-preparedness tips to help you be the survivor you were born to be.

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1. Be informed and monitor events

The first thing to know is what you’re up against. Is it an earthquake? Fire? Habagat? Get the deets from reliable sources and keep track of any developments. Remember that guy who happened to drive his car right into a flooded area because he was “not informed?” Don’t be that guy. And yes, this is the time to use social media the best way you should: share and post responsibly. Don’t be part of the problem by spreading misinformation.

2. Have an emergency kit

Of course, you need to be ready for your own needs. Your kit should contain items such as fever medication, wound treatment paraphernalia, allergy medicines, Swiss Army knife, and a flashlight. Also, make sure to have a stash of cash with you just in case ATMs and banks aren’t available or accessible.

3. Know who to call for help

Make a list of all the major organizations that you can ask for help in case you’re in grave danger, namely, Philippine Red Cross, National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council, and your local city government. Make sure to also write down the contact details of whom to contact in case you encounter an emergency.

4. Map out evacuation sites and emergency shelters

Plan and know how to get to safe places in case you’re caught in a disaster. When at home, make sure your household knows where the safest place of the house to go to is. In the event of heavy rains and flooding, always seek higher ground.

5. Get fully charged

In this digital day and age, your saving grace would be your phone. If you haven’t bought a reliable power bank yet, get one now and always make sure it is fully charged. If you carry a battery-powered flashlight, buy spare batteries, too.

6. Be vigilant and help out if you can

Of course, we also have to look out for one another. Identify who in your household or company needs special attention during emergencies and plan accordingly.

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This article was first published in our August 2015 issue.