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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Health and Wellness devider How to stay safe during stormy weather

How to stay safe during stormy weather

Here are some must-know tips to deal with heavy rain

Published Jul 21, 2025 11:38 pm

At A Glance

  • If there is a need to evacuate from your home, leave at once. Material items can be replaced, but lives cannot.
As we continue to face such harrowing conditions, we are once again reminded of the urgency of being prepared for inclement weather. For those of you living in areas affected by the stormy weather, remember that your top priority is to stay safe and dry. Here are essential tips for dealing with heavy rain. 
Keep your devices charged
Always keep your devices at 100 percent whenever rain is expected. Try not to waste any data on doomscrolling through social media in case you need it to contact for help later on. Charge your power banks fully to prepare for possible outages. Ensure you have spare batteries for flashlights and radios. For those using candles or lanterns as a light source, don't forget to put out the fire when not in use.
Be alert at all times
Be mindful of your surroundings. Keep a steady eye on weather updates and listen for announcements from your local government. If there is a need to evacuate from your home, leave at once. Material items can be replaced, but lives cannot. Take note of emergency exits in your residence in case you have to flee. If you have to go through the flood, as much as possible, wear enclosed shoes or boots to keep your feet safe from any harmful rubbish floating around. Be wary of any wires that might be hitting the water.
Stock up on relief goods
Don't wait until it's too late. By the time a storm hits, panic buyers will have likely cleared out most shelves. Always make sure you have a stocked-up pantry with ready-to-eat meals and bottled water. Have a can opener or a knife on hand for opening containers. Other essentials you'll need are cash, medicine, flashlights, and a communication device. 
Do not go outside
As much as possible, stay indoors. Do not leave your home until the rains and floodwater have subsided. Keep a ready ear for local government announcements regarding evacuating. As much as possible, if worse comes to worst, try to wait for rescue first before attempting it yourself. 
Update your companions at all times
Always keep tabs on your loved ones. Ensure you have contact with anyone you can readily provide updates to. Have a headcount in your friend or family group chats. Mark yourself as safe on social media and turn on location sharing with trusted companions so they can keep track of your whereabouts. 
Keep safe, everyone! Here’s a list of some emergency contact numbers to keep in mind:
Philippine Red Cross Emergency Hotline: 143, Blood Hotline: 1158
Bureau of Fire Protection: (02)8426-0219 or (02)8426-0246
Philippine National Police: 117 or (02)8722-0650
NDRRMC: (02)8911-5061, loc 100
MMDA: (02)882-4151
DSWD: (02)8931-8101
DPWH: 165-02
PAG-ASA: (02)8284-0800

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Health and Wellbeing Health and Wellness safety tips typhoon
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