In light of the dangerous levels of storms, the National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control has issued several safety recommendations.
Before the Storm
Regularly monitor storm warning information. Reinforce and secure your home, trim tree branches; identify safe locations for shelter; proactively evacuate from unsafe houses, coastal areas, and river mouths in anticipation of rising water.
Stock up on drinking water, food supplies, medications, and essential items sufficient for at least 7 days. If there is no evacuation order from the authorities, find a safe place indoors for your family (the safest room during a storm is an interior room without windows).
Be prepared with safety measures for when the storm arrives, such as: Securing doors in the house; removing dead or diseased trees and branches; identifying outdoor items that should be brought inside; cleaning rain gutters, outdoor staircases, window wells, drainage paths, and pipes.
Areas frequently affected by storms should equip residents with response skills. Residents can protect their homes against storms using relatively simple reinforcement methods as shown in the video clips below.
Residents can protect their homes against storms using the following methods:
Using sandbags weighing 15 – 20 kg to secure roofs.
- Minimize roof displacement using sandbags: For houses with steep roofs, use sandbags weighing 15 – 20 kg, tied together with rope and placed over the roof so that the bags rest closely on the roofing panels or edges. Space the sandbags 1.5 meters apart in the middle of the roof and 1 meter at the edges. For houses with a low roof pitch, do the same but without connecting the sandbags with rope.
- Minimize metal or fibrocement roof lift with battens: Place battens on the roof spaced approximately 1.5 – 2 meters apart at the overlapping edges of the roofing panels. Drill holes at the peaks of the roofing panels and use 2mm diameter steel wire to attach the batten to the rafters. Use cement or waterproof adhesive to seal the drilled holes in the roofing panels.
- Minimize roof lift with A-frame braces anchored to the ground: For metal or fibrocement roofs, place cross braces made of wood, steel, or other materials on the roof spaced approximately 1 meter apart. Place A-frame braces with the apex touching the intersection of two roof sections, spaced about 2.5 meters apart, on the cross braces. Secure the cross braces and the A-frame braces with wire or other types of rope, then anchor the A-frame braces to stakes driven 1 – 1.5 meters deep into the ground.
- Seal doors and gaps to prevent wind from entering the house: Secure door locks firmly, use wooden sticks to brace doors and windows to prevent wind from blowing them open. Tape windows with wide adhesive tape to minimize glass breakage. Seal gaps between the top of the walls and the roof, ventilation holes in the walls, gable ends, and above doors.
- Trim or cut branches: All large trees and branches near the house should be trimmed or cut back to prevent them from falling during high winds. Note: For electrical systems and electronic devices, cut off the main power switch, lower the TV antenna, and trim any trees that may come into contact with overhead power lines.
Family members may become separated during a storm. Prepare by establishing a communication plan to reach each other. Set up a contact outside the area (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate the location and information of family members if you are separated.
Prepare an emergency kit for the family (flashlights, radios, warm clothing, blankets, first aid kits, medications, bottled water, and non-perishable food). Families with children should allow each child to create their own personal emergency kit.
During the Storm
Be cautious of accidents caused by falling houses, trees, poles, flying debris, and electric shocks. Do not seek shelter under trees, poles, or unstable objects. Stay indoors, in designated shelters, and keep away from windows and doors.
Have a flashlight ready in case of power outages; do not use candles for light while searching for items in confined spaces or near gas stoves, as this may pose a fire hazard. Be aware of tornadoes that may be caused by the storm; stay inside and in the center of the house or in the basement.
If you are ordered to evacuate, take essential items for your family and move immediately to a shelter arranged by local authorities. Stay informed with timely and accurate updates regarding positions and danger levels for rescue efforts.
After the Storm
Continue to monitor news and updates on weather conditions. Pay attention to hazards such as downed power lines and electrified water, as flooding may still occur after the storm has passed.
Avoid approaching or entering damaged buildings or flooded areas, adhere to warning signs while driving, and do not enter flooded roads or areas with obstacles (even with large vehicles), as vehicles may be swept away or present dangers.
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