Knowing what to do in the event a typhoon hits your home isn’t just an additional chunk of helpful knowledge, but an absolutely essential guide to survival in a worst-case scenario.
What to do during a typhoon
- Stay away from floodwater. Flooding is a pretty common occurrence after a storm, which is why many people seem to think that it’s normal or even okay to wade in floodwater. However, floodwater can carry a ton of diseases and contaminated materials, or may even be hiding sharp and dangerous objects that can cause injuries or worse.
- Don’t drink or use water from the tap, and stay away from plumbing. Intense rainfall can result in the contamination of our usual water sources; sometimes, thunderstorms can also cause electrocution for people who are standing near plumbing. If you can find the main source of water in your house, turn it off. Same goes for electricity; if you can reach the fuse box safely, go for it, but DO NOT attempt this if you have to cross water to do so.
- Run if you must—but don’t forget your pets! Your furry friends aren’t equipped to survive a typhoon on their own, especially if they are trapped in a cage or on a leash. It’s also a good practice to make your pets wear tags, so that in case you get separated, you can easily find them.
What to do after a typhoon hits
- Call for help from local authorities or medical personnel.
- Check on your loved ones if they are safe and dry.
- If you’re renting a place, call your landlord and inform them of what happened. On the other hand, if you own the place, call your insurer and explain what has happened.
- Document as much as you can. This is important in helping your insurer assess the cost of the actual damage incurred.
Beginning the cleanup process
Assessing the extent of the damage is the logical next step in recovering from a typhoon’s rampage. Take note of areas with extensive water damage or leaks, or those that have been structurally compromised. Don’t try to fix it yourself; hire a professional instead. Without the right insurance, though, your wallet will likely endure a heavy toll.
Don’t wait for the next devastating storm to hit the Philippines. As early as now, find out how you can protect your house, condo unit, or commercial building from all natural risks.
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