Is Your House Ready for Signal #4?

PH is a hot spot for typhoons. Find out how you can protect your home from the fiercest storms.

First things first. What exactly is Storm Signal #4? When this is raised, wind speeds of more than 185 kilometers per hour can be expected within twelve hours. The winds are strong enough to uproot large trees, cause severe damage to residential and commercial structures, and disrupt electricity.Because affected areas are very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon, safety and security should remain topmost priority. Here are some ways to protect your home from the typhoon’s wrath:

Repair, restore, reinforce. Your home’s first line of defense against the elements must be in tip-top shape. Check your windows, doors and roofs for any damage and signs of weakening. Make sure that these structures can withstand heavy rains and strong winds.

Secure outdoor furniture. Your garden set may be just the thing to lounge in during the summer, but during the typhoon season, it’s best to keep them indoors. If blown by the wind or washed away by the rain, they can damage property, or worse, injure people.

Get rid of the hazards. Be aware of wind-sensitive elements outside your home, such as trees, electrical posts and wires. Trim down tree branches, and report loose wires and weak electrical posts to authorities.

De-clog your drains. Check and clean the drains in your house, including the ones in your roofs.  Take this a step further and check if the drainage system in your community is also working properly.

Elevate your Appliances. Move your appliances to higher ground or any place unlikely to be reached by floodwater. This is an economical as well as a safety precaution; you don’t only protect your appliances, you also protect yourself from hazards that may be carried by raging floods.

Source: PAGASA and Project DINA