Super typhoon

Supertyphoon with international name "Haiyan" just ravished central Philippines last November 8, 2013.  It first landed in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, then proceeded to Northern Cebu, Panay, then Palawan, before it exited to the West Philppine seas.  Because of its very wide area of coverage, the three main islands of the country - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were affected.  However, its wrath was felt the most in the Visayas,particularly in Tacloban, Leyte.

Prior to November 8, 2013, everybody was already bracing for the coming of the supertyphoon.  The Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, had been issuing regular updates as it approaches.  For us, ordinary citizens we were also preparing ourselves. Some tips on the preparation -

1. Pray.  Seek divine intervention for protection and strength in the midst of the calamity;
2. Prepare psychologically.  Hope for the best, but expect the worst.
3. Arm yourselves with all the necessary facts regarding the upcoming storm - the location, the strength, the possible damage it could cause.
5. Place in a backpack the following - extra shirt, light pants, undergarments, blanket, basic medicines like paracetamol, mefenamic acid and antibiotic, canned goods with the easy-open can, bread and/or biscuits, and water.
6. Get all important documents like passport, identification cards, birth certificates, employment records, transcript of school records, bankbooks, land titles,  and put it in a plastic envelope to secure them from getting wet, and place inside the backpack.
7. Using a backpack is convenient to free both of your hands which you may need in case a member of the family, especially the elderly, need assistance in case of mandatory evacuation.
8. Always have a transistor radio (battery-operated) on hand because power supply will not be available during the onset of the typhoon.  Getting updates on what is happening outside your area, as well as the location of the eye of the typhoon is important in order to prepare on the next possible move. Be vigilant and observant on what is happening around.
9. Stack-up on drinking water and food that does not spoil easily. Have an adequate supply of bread and biscuits.
10. Fill your vehicles with gas as it might be difficult to buy gasoline after the typhoon.
11. Have sufficient cash on hand in case ATMs would go off-line if power supply ran out.
12. Likewise, have an adequate supply of candles, batteries, and get your flashlights always ready on hand.  Since power supply will not be available after a supertyphoon, evenings will definitely be dark.
13. Finally, after everything has been prepared, pray, pray, pray, pray.....

Stacking up on adequate supply of drinking water is a must in times of calamity

A transistor radio has become a necessity for updates on the typhoon.