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How to Prep Your Home and (Car) for Heavy Rains and Floods
La Niña is here, bringing the threat of heavy rains, potential flooding, and storm surges. But with proper preparation, you can protect your home, car, and belongings from the worst of the elements. This comprehensive guide equips you with step-by-step instructions and practical tips to secure your house and car against the challenges of this weather phenomenon.
Prepping Your Home for Heavy Rains
Follow these precautionary measures before a typhoon to safeguard your haven.
1. Clean and maintain drainage systems.
Clearing out drains and gutters is your first line of defense against intense rainfall.
Get your home ready for the rainy season by checking your drainage systems.
- Clear out any debris, leaves, or blockages from your gutters, downspouts, and drains. Make sure your downspouts are positioned to direct water flow away from your home's foundation.
- Regularly inspect your roof and exterior walls for leaks, cracks, or damage. Promptly seal them to prevent water from seeping in.
- Check your doors and windows for gaps, applying weatherstripping as needed to create a watertight seal.
You can also book GoodWork.ph online. They have vetted and trained professionals to help you with various tasks.
2. Elevate electrical appliances and secure valuables.
If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate your electrical appliances, outlets, and water heaters to protect them from water damage. For instance, if your area experiences floods of up to three feet, raising these items at least four feet off the ground would be a safe bet. This prevents electrical hazards and potential damage to your appliances.
Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers on upper floors to keep them safe and dry. Simple measures like using blocks or pallets to raise furniture off the floor can also make a difference.
Keep sandbags on hand to place around doors and low-lying areas and block encroaching water. If you need assistance with these tasks, platforms like MyKuya and Telematico offer handyman and electrical services.
3. Put an emergency kit together.
Keep a bag stocked with essentials ready in case of emergencies.
Assemble a go bag in case you need to evacuate your home during a typhoon. Your kit should include supplies such as:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food items (canned goods and energy bars)
- Whistle
- A first-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Battery-powered radio (for staying informed)
- Any necessary medications
If you don’t know where to start, online platforms like Lazada offer a wide array of emergency kits delivered to your doorstep. You can even get discount vouchers for the shopping site using the GlobeOne app.
4. Prepare a family evacuation plan.
When facing the threat of floods, having a family evacuation plan is crucial. Gather your loved ones and discuss escape routes from your home and neighborhood, establishing safe meeting points in case you get separated. Compile a list of emergency hotline numbers, including those of local authorities, relatives, and friends, and share it with everyone in the family.
Stay informed about weather updates and advisories from reliable sources like PAGASA's website or social media account. Use Google Maps to plot your routes. Being prepared is key to keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Flood-Proofing Your Car
Follow these rainy season safety tips to protect your vehicle from La Niña’s effects.
1. Ensure your car gets regular maintenance checkups.
A well-maintained car is your best defense against the onslaught of intense rainfall.
As part of your typhoon preparedness plan, keep your car in tip-top shape, so you can brave the weather. This includes:
- Getting regular maintenance checkups to make sure your brakes, tires, and lights are functioning properly
- Checking fluid levels and topping up as needed
- Replacing worn-out wiper blades for maximum visibility during downpours
- Inspecting your tires for adequate tread depth to maintain traction on wet roads
For added convenience, you can schedule car maintenance appointments online through Rapide and ValuePlus. They offer car care services, including detailing, cleaning, and repairs.
2. Prepare an emergency kit for your car.
Don't forget to pack an emergency kit for your car, a crucial lifeline during unexpected situations on the road. Include essentials like jumper cables, a tire inflator, a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket for warmth, bottled water, and snacks.
You can easily find pre-assembled car emergency kits or personalize your own by buying individual items like jumper cables online.
3. Steer clear of flooded roads.
Stay safe on the road. Use navigation apps for real-time updates and avoid flooded routes.
During heavy rains, flooded roads pose a significant risk to drivers. Attempting to drive through them can cause permanent damage to your car. If you encounter a flooded road, prioritize safety and turn back to find an alternate route.
Stay updated on road conditions through navigation apps like Waze, which provide real-time information on traffic and street closures. Remember, drive cautiously and maintain a safe following distance.
4. Review your car insurance coverage.
Check if your car insurance provides coverage for flood damage. Many insurance providers, like GInsure, Prudential Guarantee and Malayan Insurance, offer comprehensive policies that cover this. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions, including deductibles and exclusions.
Extra Safety Measures
Go beyond the basics: Slope your yard, check your home insurance policy, and get a reliable mobile plan.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Register for emergency notifications from your community or LGU.
- Landscaping: Consider sloping your yard away from your house's foundation to redirect water flow and prevent pooling.
- Car Parking: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider parking your car at a relative or friend's house on higher ground. Or park in a multi-level parking garage to avoid potential damage.
- Sump Pump: Consider installing a sump pump to remove accumulated water through a discharge pipe.
- Home Insurance: Review your insurance policy and consider flood insurance if you live in a high-risk area.
By being proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home and car during heavy rains and floods. To stay connected, Globe offers postpaid fibers ,prepaid fiber as well as postpaid data and prepaid data packages for fast and reliable internet. VoLTE WiFi provides clear communication even in bad weather. Preparedness is key to ensuring the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings. Stay safe and dry!