Typhoon Ondoy like any other natural disasters that hit our country had left us with unforgettable and painful experiences. But there are valuable lessons we should remember from all of them…lessons to keep us all going…

…The destruction of lives and livelihood is usually caused by lack of preparedness – with or without calamity. The following are the things each family should prepare for before calamity happens.

• Dispose your garbage properly so it won’t clog the drainage and become the source of infection.
• Make sure that power lines are stable or firmly connected; shut down the main power if necessary.
• Boil your drinking water for two minutes or more; save sterilized water. 
• Store foods that are not easy to perish.
• Complete vaccination for children.
• Prepare a “first aid kit”, fire extinguisher, flashlight or candle, and battery-operated radio.

• Listen only to reports and reminders coming from the proper authorities.
• Calmly follow all the reminders during evacuation.
• Be careful not to step on open manholes and street gutter.
• Avoid the path near or leading to the river.
• Using a rope, head to the part where the current is coming from. Never loose your grip on the rope.