Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Prepare for Anything - the Manila Floods



The rain is showing no signs of stopping. I hope you've prepared yourselves for the worst case scenario while hoping and praying for the best. A few of my friends have had to evacuate their homes and head for higher ground. It's just really sad.



Whether you live in a high rise apartment or next to the river, always have an Emergency Kit handy. Make sure it includes:

  • Water (Store 1 gallon per person x 3 days)
  • Food (Good for at least 3 days per person; non-refrigerated, low salt, minimal cooking such as canned or dried fruit, vegetables, crackers, cereal, nuts, canned food, bottled/boxed/canned juice)
  • Cooking supplies
  • Plates and Utensils
  • Manual Can Opener
  • First Aid Kit (disposable gloves; soap; bandages; towelettes; scissors; eye wash solution; basic over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol, antihistamine, anti-diarrhea; prescription medications; medical monitoring equipment)
  • Copies of important documents and phone numbers
  • Set of clothes and rain gear for each person (from undies to shoes)
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Rubber gloves and rain boots
  • Disposable camera
  • Duct tape & utility knife
  • Heavy duty rope
  • Lighter
  • Candles
  • Blankets
  • Plastic bags

Prepare a backpack, properly labeled for each family member, in case you need to evacuate quickly. Each bag should contain:

  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Radio
  • Whistle
  • Dust mask
  • Utility Knife
  • Cash in small denominations
  • A set of clothes & shoes
  • Bottled Water & Food
  • Paper, permanent markers, tape
  • Photos of family members for identification
  • List of emergency numbers
  • Copy of identification cards and health documents
  • Medicine Kit
  • Personal hygiene kit
  • Extra keys to house and cars

Make sure these emergency numbers are saved on your phone and written down somewhere as well:

And don't leave your place unless absolutely necessary.


This really isn't the best time to be mucking around Manila.

Stay safe and dry everyone.