Preparing for typhoons

The typhoon season has begun and families should start preparing now.

Storms in the Pacific can occur at anytime of the year, but the probability is greatest from July to November.

Tips for preparing for a typhoon:
Know your area’s weather risks. Coastal areas may be subject to storm surge. High winds and flooding can occur on all parts of the island but flooding especially in low-lying areas.
Know the meaning of “watch” and “warning.” A “Typhoon Watch” means a typhoon is possible in your area. A “Typhoon Warning” means a typhoon will soon occur in your area. If the public is advised to move to a shelter or evacuate the area, do so immediately. Listen to local radio or local television for updated information several times a day, since typhoons can change direction or speed, and gain strength very quickly.
Create a family disaster plan. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate and select a location for all family members to meet if you are separated. Designate someone outside the area in which you live to act as a point of contact for your family.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and canned food for at least three-day supplies for the whole family, non-electric can opener or utility knife, prescription medications, rainwear and at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Prepare your home. Remove dead or diseased branches from trees and tall shrubs so they do not break off and cause problems during high winds. If you do not have typhoon shutters, obtain outdoor plywood and cut it to fit every window at your home. If your home is made of tin roofing and plywood, obtain cable wire with heavy-duty turnbuckle, eyebolts and U-clamps to hold and secure your house and avoid recurrence of roof damage. Typhoons Keith and Paka in 1997 and last year Super Typhoon Chaba taught us an important lesson: homes that had all windows covered and secured by cable wires survived the storm with little or no damage. Homes were often completely destroyed if windows had not been covered or taped.

Call your local Red Cross at 234-3459 for further information on how to prepare for typhoons and other disasters.

(Source: American Red Cross-NMI Chapter)