The coming typhoon, (international name Parma) locally called Pepeng is upon our country. CCN calls it a Super Typhoon, a category 5… one of the strongest ever. “The storm was upgraded to a super typhoon Thursday as it churned towards the island nation with winds of 240 kph (150 mph). The storm was about 600 miles (965 km) southeast of Manila, the Philippines’ capital on Thursday afternoon” reports CNN

Pepeng comes at the heels of the devastation wrought by the record-breaking rainfall of typhoon Ondoy which left around 70% of Metro Manila inundated. With expected landfall by Friday or Saturday, I’d like to share with you what you can do to prepare.

Preparing for a Super Typhoon

First, make sure to check out the hour-by-hour updates from PAGASA so that you have all the information you need.

A Super Typhoon can have up to 5 categories, with 5 being the highest. A Cat 5 Typhoon has winds which can reach up to 240 kph. That’s no joke. It can rip apart houses and damage property. Hurrican Katrina was such an occurance.

Here’s what you can do to prepare

1. Identify alternative shelter in your home. If you have a basement, this is the best place. Make sure everyone in the family knows where to go in case of super strong winds.
2. Put things inside that will easily be blown by the strong winds.
3. Place your pets in a secure area
4. Keep informed and know the websites and TV stations to monitor for information. Monitor goverment advisories
5. Stay inside your home. DO NOT GO OUT when the storm reaches land.
6. Stock up on food and water
7. Prepare a Disaster Kit
8. Make sure emergency supplies are refreshed.
9. Tie up stuff outside that can blown by winds.
10. Pack your bags – in case they announce an evacuation. Better be safe than sorry. 3 days of clothes inside each bag for each family member.
11. Have emergency cash on hand.

I hope this helps.

Be safe!