AMID THE RAINY season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as the state’s weather bureau, urged the general public to take precautionary measures. Every year, the wet season lasts from June until November. As of writing, nine tropical cyclones have entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Considering how our country is the target point of storms and typhoons, heavy rainfalls are expected to cause flash floods and landslides. Hence, here are some practical tips to help you prepare for the rainy season:
Ready your rainwear and items
Suiting your clothes and items according to the weather is another effective method during the onslaught of the Philippine wet season. An example is putting on a raincoat and water-resistant shoes or boots.
Such rain-appropriate clothes keep you and your shoes dry but can also protect you from catching infections caused by floodwater. Who would want to contract a cold or leptospirosis, right?
Also, you can never go wrong with a handy umbrella and small purse when you are a commuter. Smaller items are easier to handle and grab, which comes with convenience while entering and exiting public transportation, such as jeepneys, trikes, and vans.
Be updated on the news
As students, we should stay updated on the news especially during stormy days. This saves us from the hassle of commuting from places around Greater Manila to the country’s capital, where most University students study.
Keep yourself posted on the news regarding suspension from your Local Government through social media, television, or even from your favorite student-publication – The Bedan. Most importantly, keep yourself dry under the safety and comfort of your homes!
Charge your electronic devices
Brownouts and blackouts are more prevalent during the rainy season. This is frustrating and problematic for us, students and professionals, who study online or work from home.
So, to keep your communications open and complete your activities due today, charge your power banks, laptops, and smartphones beforehand. Also, check your electrical wiring to minimize accidents that may damage your gadgets or cause electrocutions.
Keep yourself healthy
During this season, the polarity of the weather daily can cause sickness. So, keep yourself healthy by drinking multivitamins and keeping yourself active even through simple exercise routines. Also, maintain stocks of medicines for cough and colds just in case you feel under the weather.
Prepare for disasters
The country, as per the Asian Disaster Reduction Center’s (ARDC) records, is expecting roughly 20 typhoons each year, with five of them being naturally destructive. That being stated, disaster and calamity prevention is essential for Filipinos throughout the peak of the rainy season. One of which you can do is first assess whether your surroundings might pose any threats. Stay out of any unsafe structures that could collapse during a storm. If ever you spot a hazardous public structure surrounding your neighborhood, contact your Local Government Unit (LGU). You may also ask them regarding evacuation locations and protocols. Plus, don’t forget your first aid kits for emergency medical purposes. Better safe than sorry!
We should be more vigilant and aware of disaster preparedness during the rainy season. But remember that regardless of the season, it’s vital to stay on the watch for potential calamities. Our capacity to prepare relies on everyone’s resources in the community. This requires short and long-term preparation, from individual readiness to governmental actions.
Cartoons by Jannine Salinas
