What to Do in Case of Typhoon
A comprehensive guide to staying safe before, during, and after a typhoon strikes
Emergency Numbers: National Emergency Hotline: 911 • NDRRMC: (02) 8911-1406 • Red Cross: 143 • PAGASA: (02) 8284-0800
Before the Typhoon: Preparation Phase
Emergency Supply Kit (72-Hour Minimum)
Water & Food
- • 1 gallon of water per person per day (3-day supply)
- • Non-perishable food (canned goods, instant noodles, crackers)
- • Manual can opener
- • Baby food and formula (if applicable)
- • Pet food and supplies
Power & Communication
- • Flashlights and extra batteries
- • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- • Fully charged power banks
- • Portable phone chargers
- • Waterproof matches or lighters
Important Documents
- • IDs and passports (waterproof bag)
- • Insurance policies and property deeds
- • Bank account information
- • Medical records and prescriptions
- • Emergency contact list
Medical & Hygiene
- • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic
- • Prescription medications (7-day supply)
- • Toiletries and sanitation items
- • Face masks and hand sanitizer
- • Feminine hygiene products
Home Preparation Checklist
Secure Your Property
- ✓ Board up windows or apply storm shutters
- ✓ Secure outdoor furniture and decorations
- ✓ Trim tree branches near your home
- ✓ Clear gutters and drainage systems
- ✓ Reinforce garage doors
Utilities & Systems
- ✓ Know how to turn off gas, water, electricity
- ✓ Fill bathtubs with water for sanitation
- ✓ Charge all electronic devices
- ✓ Fill vehicle gas tanks
- ✓ Withdraw emergency cash
Evacuation Planning
- ✓ Identify nearest evacuation center
- ✓ Plan multiple evacuation routes
- ✓ Pack emergency "go bag"
- ✓ Arrange pet evacuation
- ✓ Inform family of meeting points
During the Typhoon: Safety Protocol
Critical Rule: Stay indoors and away from windows. Do NOT go outside during the eye of the storm - the second half can be more dangerous than the first.
DO These Things
- Stay in the strongest part of your home (interior room, away from windows)
- Monitor weather updates via battery-powered radio
- Keep emergency supplies within reach
- Stay calm and keep family members together
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire risk
- If flooding occurs, move to higher floors immediately
- Follow evacuation orders from authorities without delay
DON'T Do These Things
- Go outside during the storm or the eye of the typhoon
- Use candles or open flames (fire hazard)
- Touch downed power lines or standing water near them
- Drive through flooded areas ("Turn Around, Don't Drown")
- Use gas-powered generators indoors (carbon monoxide poisoning)
- Panic or make hasty decisions without information
- Ignore official evacuation orders
Communication During the Storm
Conserve phone battery by limiting non-essential use. Send text messages instead of calling (texts use less power and are more likely to get through). Check in with family members periodically. Monitor official social media accounts for updates (PAGASA, NDRRMC, local government).
After the Typhoon: Recovery & Safety
Warning: More injuries occur AFTER typhoons than during them. Stay alert for hazards like downed power lines, contaminated water, structural damage, and debris.
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)
Safety Assessment
- • Wait for official "all clear" before going outside
- • Check for injuries and provide first aid
- • Inspect your home for structural damage
- • Avoid damaged buildings and unstable structures
- • Watch for fallen power lines and report them
Utilities & Services
- • Check for gas leaks (smell, hissing sound)
- • Turn off utilities if damage is suspected
- • Don't use tap water until declared safe
- • Use generators outdoors only (20+ feet from home)
- • Document damage with photos for insurance
Health & Sanitation
- • Boil water for 1 minute before drinking or cooking
- • Throw away food that came in contact with floodwater
- • Discard refrigerated food if power was out for 4+ hours
- • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet
- • Watch for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, dizziness, nausea)
- • Seek medical attention for any injuries, even minor cuts (infection risk)
Recovery Process
Days 1-3
- • Contact insurance company
- • Begin cleanup and debris removal
- • Check on neighbors, especially elderly
- • Register for disaster assistance if needed
Week 1-2
- • Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- • Keep receipts for all expenses
- • Beware of scam contractors
- • Maintain hygiene to prevent disease
Long-term
- • Work with licensed contractors for major repairs
- • Review and update emergency plans
- • Replenish emergency supplies
- • Seek mental health support if needed
Official Resources & Contacts
Government Agencies
- • PAGASA: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
- • NDRRMC: (02) 8911-1406 / 8911-5061
- • OCD: (02) 8911-1406
- • DSWD: 1-800-10-9410-6565 (Hotline)
Emergency Services
- • Emergency Hotline: 911
- • Philippine Red Cross: 143
- • MMDA: 136
- • PNP: (02) 8722-0650
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Monitor weather updates regularly and follow official advisories. Your safety and your family's safety depend on preparation and quick action.