Safety in the rain

Ian Alfredo Magno

AMID news of inundated homes, stranded vehicles, stranded commuters and personnel, suspended work, fallen structures and wailing sirens, who else could not be aware of tropical storm “Vinta?”

As residents, establishments and offices make an inventory of their personnel and loved ones, making sure of the latter’s safety, we could not help, as human as we only are, but be wary of our own safety as well, just in case the gushing winds and thunderstorm spin beyond tolerable levels.

Then, somehow, we find ourselves not that fully equipped to handle such circumstances, either because of unpreparedness or for sheer lack of awareness or concern, as you might say, for such an eventuality.

Thus, it helps to take a word or two from experts for guidance.  At this point, we would like to share for everyone’s consumption, this set of quick tips released by the Department of Health in its homeweb during last year’s scenario quite similar to today’s strong winds and rain courtesy of visiting “Vinta,” to wit:

Water

Make sure drinking water is from a safe source.

When in doubt, boil water for 2 minutes or longer, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe.

Food

Food should be well-cooked.

Leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests.

Food waste should be disposed properly.

Clothing

Keep yourself dry and warm.

Typhoons

Tune in to the radio or TV, or log on to the Internet, for regular updates on the weather.

Have an emergency kit ready. Fill a watertight box/container with canned goods, soda crackers, bottled water, and other ready-to-eat, non-perishable food items. Include a flashlight with extra batteries, transmitter radio with battery, mobile phone, blanket, and clothing.

During Strong Winds and Heavy Rains

Watch out for falling debris (roof tiles, signs, GI sheets, tree branches, etc.)

When inside the house or building, do not stay near the windows and watch out for broken glass.

Unplug all electrical appliances.

Do not get close to the riverbank or seashore.

During Floods

Evacuate to a higher ground.

Secure children on a higher ground or on a flotation device.

Wear a protective head gear or helmet while evacuating.

Use a rope to secure yourself.

Carry the elderly or sick on your back.

Watch out for open manholes or side ditches. Use a stick to check the safety around your feet when walking on flooded areas.

Others

Consult a doctor at once if you, or any household member, have any sign or symptom of infection. This will help prevent the spread of infection in the evacuation area.

Common infections or diseases that may spread in an evacuation area include: coughs and colds; acute gastroenteritis; skin and eye infections; measles; dengue; leptospirosis; and hepatitis A.

Do not allow children to wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases, such as leptospirosis.

Dispose all waste properly.

Maintain personal hygiene. Always wash your hands before and after eating and using the toilet.

Put safety first. Stay away from hanging wires and unstable structures.

In cases of emergency, call 911 for help.

(Lawyer Ian Alredo T. Magno is a legal officer at Philhealth. E-mail: ianalfredom@gmail.com)