Red Cross issues typhoon 'survival tips'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday released "Survival Tips" before, during and after a typhoon.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon announced that 143 volunteers nationwide have been placed on alert 24 hours a day to monitor their respective areas.

"We should always be prepared to act immediately for any untoward incident, and to always keep in mind the 4 P’s that are vital steps towards safety and disaster resilience: predict, plan, prepare, and practice," Gordon said.

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 updated with the latest weather report.
• Harvest crops that can be yielded already.
• 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 updated 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 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.
• Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
• Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground.
• Avoid the way leading to the river.

After the typhoon

• If your house was destroyed, 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 outlet 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.

Gordon noted that the PRC will monitor, coordinate and report status of evacuees, overflow of dams, landslides, flooding incidents and general conditions.

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang added that volunteers have started packing relief items to be distributed in areas that may be affected by typhoon "Ruby."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines units are now placed under "red alert" for possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions once the typhoon makes landfall.

"Ruby" (international name Hagupit) intensified into a super typhoon before it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday. It is expected to slam into Eastern Visayas on Saturday.