MANILA, Philippines – As the country braced for Super Typhoon Karding (International Name NORU) on Sunday, Sept. 25, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) released important survival tips before, during, and after a typhoon.
Take note of the following life-saving tips:
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 fisher folks, 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 is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders:
- Evacuate calmly
2. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
3. Put important appliances and belongings on high ground.
4. 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 when 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.
In the morning of Sept. 25, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon called for a meeting to discuss the necessary actions as Karding intensifies. PRC Chapters have been working on the ground to monitor status of affected residents, flooding, and casualties, and to provide basic goods like hot meals, among others.
Initially a supertyphoon, Karding had been downgraded to a typhoon as it made its second landfall in Dingalan, Aurora on Sunday night. Consequently, no more areas in the country are placed under Signal No. 5.