How to Prepare for a Typhoon
Build an emergency kit and make a family emergency plan
Know your surroundings
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone, which will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you
Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground
Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home's windows with permanent storm shutters or 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install (tape does not prevent windows from breaking!)
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down
Determine how and where to secure your boat
Install a generator for power outages
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor
Consider building a safe room
by J. Luna and P. Rivero
