As the rainy season wears on in the Philippines, ensure your family’s safety by staying vigilant and prepared with these practical tips from the 2018 KBP Golden Dove Awards Best TV Public Service Program “Red Alert.”

1. Watch for weather updates on TV, radio, and social media. If you have internet access, follow relevant social media pages for quick updates on weather conditions, flooded areas, and possible dangers.

 

2. Evacuate as soon as the signal is given or as soon as you sense danger. In times of disaster and danger, your family’s lives are more valuable than material possessions.

 

3. Know if your neighborhood is at risk during calamities. Research maps and information on websites of PAGASA or ProjectNoah, which uses mapping and data to help you know if your home is at risk for flooding, landslides, storm surges, or earthquakes and you can prepare accordingly.

 

3. As the rainy season approaches, ensure your home can withstand the elements to avoid unnecessary dangers. Repair roofs and walls as needed and make sure you don’t have any lose wires and other hazardous materials.

 

4. Plan ahead with your family. According NDRRMC spokesperson Edgar Posadas, planning ahead is key to your family’s safety. Make sure the whole family knows where the designated evacuation centers are located. Have your own safety drills. Know where to go, who to ask help from if separated from the rest, and what hotlines to call for rescue or assistance.

 

5. Prepare an emergency Go-Bag. Fill this with enough food and water for the whole family for three days. Pack essential medicines and a cellphone battery pack you can use to call for help, as well as a heavy-duty flashlight with power up to three days.

6. Prepare extra medicines and supplies for family members with illness or special needs. Have an extra set on the ready and include this in your Go-Bag.

 

7. When on the road and caught in a flood, don’t insist on driving. Find alternate routes or pull over to a safe spot until the water levels go down or rain fall subsides. If needed, leave your car and walk to higher ground.

 

8. Slow down while driving in heavy rains. Wet roads lessen friction between your tires and the road, which can cause you to lose control of your car. Avoid sudden stops and widen distance from other cars.

 

10. When in need of help, call the corresponding government agencies that can lend assistance, call the national emergency hotline at 9-1-1, or use hashtag #RescuePH

For more safety tips against crime and calamities, watch “Red Alert” with 2018 KBP Golden Dove Awards Best TV Public Affairs Program host Jeff Canoy on Wednesdays at 9:30 on DZMM TeleRadyo and “Bandila” on ABS-CBN, and on Thursdays at 6:30 pm on Jeepney TV to protect the whole family from different kinds of dangers. Watch it online on iwantv.com.ph or skyondemand.com.ph. Follow the program on Facebook at (@RedAlertABSCBN) and Twitter (@ABSCBNRedAlert). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abscbnpr.com.