Commuters’ guide to rainy days

Commuting can be a headache that’s bound to get worse during the rainy season. Find out how you can make this necessity more bearable this wet season.

The rainy season makes it harder for Filipinos to commute to work, school or their homes. Traffic buildup and the snaking lines in PUV stations are just some of the things that make it harder to keep your cool while commuting.
But it is also this season when we need take extra care while traveling during stormy weather:

1. Bring extra footwear. With constant rains come floodwater. Be prepared and bring extra slippers, or better yet, rubber boots to protect your feet when trudging through floods.
2. Always bring an umbrella or a raincoat. Umbrellas are extra handy, especially during the wet season. Bring a raincoat to protect your whole body from strong winds and pelting rain. Be a courteous weather warrior; make sure to shake off the rain before going indoors to prevent the floor from getting wet—something which may lead to accidents. Also be mindful of your dripping umbrellas when entering buses and jeepneys so they won’t get other people wet.
3. Keep your phone charged. Before heading out to work, school or going back home, make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need to contact someone during emergencies.
4. Avoid the rush hour. If possible, leave your home earlier for work or school, and wait out the rain before going home to avoid traffic. Rush hour is generally from 6 am to 9 am, and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
5. Have an extra set of clothes ready. You never know when you will get soaked by heavy rains on the way to work or school. Prepare an extra shirt or set of clothes so you won’t have to endure wearing wet clothes and getting sick.
6. Be wary of slippery surfaces. For commuters who take the train or the bus, slippery surfaces can be dangerous, especially in crowded spaces. Make sure to hold on to railings and to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.
7. Have your first aid kit ready. Be prepared for emergencies by packing over-the-counter medicines, adhesives and other first aid essentials. Also include snacks like crackers in your kit in case you get stranded.
8. Keep yourself updated on the weather. Check on weather conditions before leaving for your commute. If the rains are strong, it’s better to wait it out rather than braving the streets. Tune in for up-to-the-minute updates from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) or from Panahon TV.
9. Arm yourself with emergency hotlines. If you find yourself or others in danger, make sure to notify emergency response teams or call for help from nearby officials. Have the hotlines ready in your phone’s list of contacts at all times.
10. Stay on high ground. In case it floods in your area, stay in dry, elevated areas and wait for the flood to subside. Do not attempt to cross ankle-deep waters unless you have boots. It is advisable that you stay in your school, office or home if it is safe and notify someone of your whereabouts.