THE plastic pail or “balde” is a constant fixture in every Filipino household.
But apart from its usual use of storing water, the balde is also useful during floods.
Family members can put in the pail basic items that are needed in the event of a calamity.
These basic items will help them survive if help or rescue is not immediately available.
The pails should have a cover to prevent the contents from getting wet.
It would be best if each member of the family has its own emergency kit.
Since the Philippines is vulnerable to disasters, Smart Communications Inc. is making it an advocacy to promote the culture of preparedness in each individual.
Smart has been making rounds in high-risk communities for its disaster preparedness caravan dubbed “Pamilyang Ready, Pamilyang Panalo.”
The caravan, which is targeting the households, features practical tips on how to survive during calamities like having these items in an e-balde.
Water. You don’t know how long you’ll be stranded on the roof so bring along a liter of drinking water in PET bottle.
Food. Bring with you crackers or trail mix, which are lightweight and easy to store. Do not bring food that needs cooking or those that are easily perishable.
Medicines and first aid kit. Prepare an emergency first aid kit that has two or three medicines for normal ailments such as LBM, stomachache or headache, muscle pains or cough and colds. For those taking maintenance drugs, it is wise to have a week’s worth of supply in the kit.
Cellphone kit. Put the phone and batteries in a waterproof pouch. Make sure the battery is fully charged, has a spare battery and has load.
Transistor radio. When stranded on the roof, a battery-operated or crank radio is helpful for monitoring the latest weather updates or announcement of rescue operations in your area.
Flashlight and lighter. It would help to signal rescuers particularly at night.
Important documents. Place important documents in a waterproof pouch.
Emergency Information Card. It should contain the numbers of all family members, government agencies and other institutions that can help during disasters.
Compact mirror. It’s not for the usual grooming reasons but more like to signal other people and alert choppers of your presence.
Extra shirt. Have some dry clothes to change into when the rain stops. Choose one that is bright-colored. This will make you easy to spot for rescues.
Lifesaver or salbabida. This is useful when submerged in flood waters. Inflate the salbabida, put the e-balde inside and then hold on to the flotation device.
Money. Some extra cash would come in handy.
“The safety of each community begins at home. So be prepared,” Smart Communications said in its press statement.