How to Prep for a Typhoon and What to Do

Living in the Philippines means we’re no strangers to strong rains and typhoons, especially during the wet season. That’s why knowing how to prep for a typhoon is essential for every Filipino household. Being prepared helps you stay safe, avoid panic, and protect your family when the weather suddenly turns bad.

Here’s a simple and practical guide you can follow before, during, and after a typhoon.

Before the Typhoon: Essential Safety Preparations

Stay Alert and Updated

Typhoon prep starts with awareness.

Always check weather advisories from PAGASA and your LGU.
Follow updates on Facebook pages like your mayor’s office, barangay DRRMO, and local news outlets.

Secure Your Home

Make sure your home is ready for strong winds and possible flooding.

Fix your roof and patch any weak spots.
Trim or cut tree branches that might fall on your house or power lines.
Reinforce windows and doors if you live in high-risk areas.

Stock Up on Food and Water

To avoid last-minute panic buying, prepare at least 5 days worth of supplies:

Bottled water
Rice, oats, noodles
Soup packs, canned goods, biscuits
Ready-to-eat meals
Baby formula or pet food (if applicable)

Charge Everything Early

Power interruptions are common during typhoons.

Fully charge all your devices: phone, power bank, laptop, rechargeable fans, flashlights.
Download offline entertainment like movies or TV shows to kill time.
Turn devices to power-saving mode to make batteries last longer.

Prepare Alternative Communication Tools

When signal goes down:

Use a battery-powered radio to hear updates.
Keep the number of your local DRRMO, barangay hotline, and emergency contacts.

Secure Cash and Essentials

Digital payments may not work during power outages.

Withdraw cash for transportation, food, and emergencies.

Prepare Water for Daily Use

Fill pails and containers with water for:

Bathing
Cleaning
Flushing the toilet
Washing dishes

Pack Your Go-Bag

A go-bag should be ready in case you need to evacuate. Include:

IDs & documents in waterproof envelopes
Medicines
Flashlights
Extra clothes
First-aid kit
Whistle
Snacks & water

During the Typhoon: What to Do

Prioritize Safety

Stay indoors and keep away from windows.
Turn off main switches if floodwater starts rising.
Move important items to higher shelves.

Monitor Updates

Listen to radio updates.
Follow official announcements for evacuation orders.

Be Ready to Evacuate

If your barangay instructs you to evacuate, leave immediately. Bring your go-bag and lock your home.

After the Typhoon: What You Should Do Next

Check for Hazards

When the weather clears:

Watch out for fallen wires, broken glass, and unstable structures.
Report issues to your LGU or Meralco/NGCP hotline.

Recharge and Contact Family

If power is still out:

Visit a nearby mall to charge your devices.
Stay in a budget motel overnight if you urgently need electricity to contact relatives.

Clean Up Safely

Wear gloves and proper footwear.
Use disinfectants when cleaning flooded areas.

Typhoons are part of life in the Philippines, but with the right preparation, you can keep your home and family safe. Make it a habit to stay informed, secure your essentials early, and always follow your LGU’s safety protocols.

For more practical guides and everyday tips, check out the latest articles on lifeguide.ph.