Public storm warning signal #1 means an 80% chance of rain within the next 24 hours, and you should be prepared to have your home evacuated.
It’s also the first in a series of three public storm warning signals that give you plenty of time to prepare yourself, your family, and your property before the worst weather arrives. Please keep reading to learn more about public storm warning signal #1 and what it means to you.
5 steps in preparing for an emergency
1. Know your area’s risk level. Public storm warning #1 is only issued for tropical cyclones that are expected to land within 36 hours. If you live in an area at risk, monitor the latest weather forecasts and be prepared to take action.
2. Make an emergency plan. Have a plan in place so you know what to do in an emergency. Please make sure everyone in your family is aware of the plan and knows what their role is.
3. Stock up on supplies. When a public storm warning signal is issued, it’s important to have enough food, water, and other supplies to last at least three days.
The threat of tropical cyclones in the Philippines
Tropical cyclones are a real threat in the Philippines, and it’s important to be prepared. Public storm warning #1 is issued when a tropical cyclone is expected to land within 36 hours. This means that you need to take action to protect yourself and your property.
Preparation tips (1) – Inform your family and friends
As soon as you hear the public storm warning signal #1, inform your family and friends. Let them know where you are and that you are safe. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy in case you lose power or cell service. Charge your devices so you can stay connected.
Preparation tips (2) – Stock up on supplies
Now is the time to stock up on supplies. Get a generator and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Also, get some non-perishable food items and bottled water.
Have cash on hand if the power goes out and ATMs are unavailable. And finally, charge up your cell phone and have a backup battery handy.
Preparation tips (3) – Secure your home.
Now that we’re under a public storm warning signal #1, it’s time to start preparing for the worst. Here are some tips on how to secure your home -Secure all loose items in the yard and make sure anything that can fly is either inside or tied down;
-Remove plants and other things from around windows;
-Find out if you live in an evacuation zone, and if so, prepare to evacuate quickly;
-Tie down anything that can fly away, such as patio furniture or garbage cans;
-Close any shutters or curtains over windows to prevent injury from shattered glass;
-Cover any gaps in doors with pieces of wood.
Preparation tips (4) – Plan for evacuation
With public storm warning signal #1 in effect, it’s time to start preparing for the worst. Here are some tips to help you get started -Find out if your building has a meeting point and make sure you’re familiar with it.
-Get in touch with family members or friends who live outside the affected area to make arrangements for any additional needs that may arise due to evacuation.
-Find out what is open during a weather emergency and plan your route accordingly to take care of any errands before heading home or evacuating from an area.
-Plan your trip to have enough fuel, money and food for at least 72 hours.
Preparation tips (5) – Store batteries properly.
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a public storm warning signal #1 is to ensure your batteries are stored properly. Batteries can leak and cause damage if they’re not stored correctly, so keeping them in a cool, dry place is important. You should also check the expiration date on your batteries and replace them if they’re more than five years old.
If you have young children, it’s also a good idea to keep a small stock of non-perishable food and water in case you lose power and can’t get to the store.
