DOH issues safety reminders as Super Typhoon Mawar nears

By: Zacarian Sarao - 1 year ago

Preps stepped up as ‘Mawar’ nears PH, regains strength

In Manila, the city government on Thursday readies rescue units for the effects of Super typhoon Mawar, which will also be known as “Betty” once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility either Friday night or Saturday morning. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to report any adverse incidents caused by Super Typhoon Mawar as it approaches the country.

According to the state weather bureau, Mawar is forecaST to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday night, bringing heavy rainfall to various parts of the country.

“In preparation for the advancement of this Tropical Storm, the DOH advises the public to make necessary preparations and promptly report any untoward incidents that may be linked to this weather disturbance,” stated a recent advisory from the DOH.

In anticipation of its arrival, the DOH has provided the public with the following safety reminders to prepare for the storm:

To assist in storm readiness, the DOH has shared the following steps as reminders for the public:

Understand signs of the emergency.

Stay tuned to PAGASA weather updates for information on the scope, track, intensity, and typhoon-warning signals via radio, television, internet, or reliable media outlets.
Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the community’s Early Warning Systems (EWS).

Prepare your home:

Raise furniture and appliances off the ground to prevent water damage.
Securely close and reinforce windows and doors, and remember to switch off the electrical main switch.
Safeguard important documents by storing them at a higher level to protect them from potential flood or water damage.

Get ready for evacuation:

Conduct a thorough inspection of your house for any necessary repairs or vulnerabilities.
Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and any loose items by bringing them indoors or properly securing them.
Ensure that all electronic gadgets and emergency batteries are fully charged.
Take necessary measures to prepare your home for potential flooding.
Familiarize yourself with important emergency contact numbers.
Provide each family member with a whistle for emergency signaling.
Develop an evacuation plan that includes a safe route to higher ground.
Identify the locations of multi-story buildings and make prior arrangements with family or friends residing in higher areas for potential evacuation in the event of flooding.

Have an Emergency Go Bag/E-balde ready:

Prepare your emergency supplies, including ready-to-eat food, tools, clothing, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, flashlight, batteries, toiletries, and a COVID-19 Protection Kit (consisting of facemasks, face shields, alcohol spray, gloves, etc., as necessary).
Make sure you have an ample food supply and clean water for your entire family that will sustain you for at least three days.
Include easily accessible items such as easy-open canned goods, dried fruits, trail mixes, packaged biscuits, and other convenient food options.
Don’t forget to include a small amount of cash in your emergency kit.
Ensure that the Emergency Go Bag/E-balde is readily accessible to everyone in your household.

Apart from its own strength, Mawar is also forecast to enhance southwest monsoon by Sunday or Monday, potentially causing monsoon rains over the western areas of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas.

This storm marks the second one to impact the country this year and the first in the current month