Standing Strong Together: Your Guide to Typhoon Preparedness and Safety in Metro Manila

The skies may darken and winds may howl, but the Filipino spirit remains unbreakable. As we've witnessed time and again, our strength lies not just in weathering the storm, but in how we prepare for it and support each other through it.

Recent weeks have reminded us why preparedness matters. Typhoon Tino brought devastating floods to our kababayans in Cebu and Negros Occidental, while Super Typhoon Uwan tested the resolve of communities in Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya. Our hearts go out to every family affected by these storms. Yet even in the face of such challenges, we've seen the beautiful spirit of bayanihan shine through: neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming heroes, and communities rising together.

For those of us here in Metro Manila, especially in Quezon City and surrounding areas, being prepared isn't about fear. It's about taking care of the people we love.

Understanding What the Weather Warnings Mean

When PAGASA issues typhoon warnings, knowing what they mean can help you make the right decisions for your family. The Tropical Cyclone Warning System uses five signal levels, each telling you how much time you have and what actions to take.

Signal No. 1 means winds of 39-61 km/h are expected within 36 hours. This is the time to start securing light outdoor items. Signal No. 2 (62-88 km/h winds in 24 hours) means you should complete your home preparations. When Signal No. 3 is raised (89-117 km/h), you're looking at potential significant damage with 18 hours to prepare. Signal No. 4 (118-184 km/h) indicates life-threatening conditions that require immediate evacuation. Signal No. 5, with winds exceeding 185 km/h, means catastrophic damage is imminent. This is when you must evacuate without delay.

Your Family's Emergency Kit: What Really Matters

Every household should have an emergency kit ready before typhoon season begins. Think of it as your family's safety net, packed with everything you might need for at least 72 hours.

Water is your first priority: four liters per person, per day. Pack ready-to-eat food that doesn't need cooking, along with a manual can opener. Don't forget a week's supply of any prescription medications your family needs. Include a well-stocked first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio to stay informed when the power goes out.

In today's digital world, a fully charged power bank is essential. Add a whistle for signaling if you need help, basic hygiene items, changes of clothes, raincoats, and sturdy shoes. Pack warm blankets and (critically important) waterproof copies of your family's documents: IDs, birth certificates, land titles, and insurance papers. Keep some cash in small bills, because ATMs won't work during power outages.

Store everything in waterproof bags or containers, and keep your kit somewhere you can grab it quickly.

Where to Go When You Need to Evacuate in Metro Manila

Knowing where your nearest evacuation center is located can save precious time when a typhoon threatens. Metro Manila maintains evacuation facilities across all cities, and familiarizing yourself with these locations now means one less thing to worry about during an emergency.

Quezon City has evacuation centers in all six districts, including the newly built Commonwealth Evacuation Center in District 2, Quezon Memorial Circle in District 4, and facilities at various elementary schools, high schools, covered courts, and barangay halls throughout the city.

Marikina operates 36 evacuation centers across 16 barangays, while Pasig, Makati, Manila, and Valenzuela each maintain designated evacuation sites throughout their jurisdictions.

Your barangay hall will have the most updated information about your specific evacuation center. Save these emergency hotlines in your phone right now:

Metro Manila City Emergency Hotlines:

• Caloocan City: (02) 8288-8811

• Las Piñas City: (02) 8856-3132

• Makati City: 168 / (02) 8236-5790

• Malabon City: (02) 8281-4999

• Mandaluyong City: (02) 8532-5001

• Manila City: (02) 8926-2385

• Marikina City: 161 / (02) 8646-2436

• Muntinlupa City: 137-175

• Navotas City: (02) 8281-1111

• Parañaque City: 911

• Pasay City: (02) 8831-1000

• Pasig City: (02) 8643-0000

• Quezon City: 122

• San Juan City: (02) 8718-0338

• Taguig City: (02) 8789-3200

• Valenzuela City: (02) 8352-5000

• Pateros: (02) 8642-5159

Numbers may change, please verify with LGU.

Protecting Your Home Before the Storm Arrives

When you hear that a typhoon is coming, there are practical steps you can take to protect your home and minimize damage.

Walk around your property and check your roof for any damage or loose materials. Bring everything indoors: patio furniture, potted plants, bicycles, anything that strong winds could turn into a projectile. Clean your gutters and drains so water can flow freely. If Signal No. 3 or higher is expected, consider boarding up your windows.

Trim any tree branches that hang over your home or power lines. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off the electricity, water, and gas. Fill your large containers with water for washing and sanitation. You'll need this if water service is interrupted. Charge all your phones, tablets, and laptops. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings before the power goes out.

Most importantly, create a family emergency plan. Decide on an out-of-town relative or friend who can serve as your emergency contact. Make sure everyone knows the evacuation routes and where to meet if you get separated.

When Evacuation Is the Right Choice

The government's pre-emptive evacuation policy exists for a powerful reason: it saves lives. During Super Typhoon Uwan, early evacuations resulted in only 2-3 deaths despite the storm's catastrophic strength. This stood in stark contrast to Typhoon Tino, where delayed evacuations contributed to a far higher toll.

You should evacuate immediately when Signal No. 3 or higher is raised in your area, when your barangay captain or local disaster risk reduction office orders it, or if you live in flood-prone areas near rivers or in low-lying barangays like Bagong Silangan, Tatalon, or riverside communities.

When it's time to leave, turn off your main electrical switch and close all gas valves. Lock your home, bring your emergency kit and waterproof documents, and wear appropriate clothing with sturdy shoes. Head to your designated evacuation center and register with the staff when you arrive. This registration is important as it helps authorities account for everyone and assists family members who may be looking for you.

Staying Safe During and After the Typhoon

Once the storm begins, stay indoors in an interior room away from windows. Never venture outside during the eye of the storm. That peaceful moment is temporary, and winds will resume from the opposite direction with equal or greater force. Keep listening to your battery-powered radio for updates from PAGASA and NDRRMC.

After the typhoon passes, wait for the official "all clear" from authorities before heading home. More accidents and injuries occur during the recovery phase than during the storm itself. When you do return, check your house from the outside first for any structural damage, gas leaks, or electrical hazards.

Never attempt to cross floodwater. Even six inches can knock you down, and a foot of water can sweep away a vehicle. Treat all water as contaminated until you know otherwise, and boil drinking water for at least three minutes. Stay far away from any downed power lines and always assume they're live.

The Resilience That Defines Us

What truly sets Filipinos apart is our spirit of bayanihan, the way we come together when times are toughest. During the six typhoons that struck between October and November 2024, we saw this spirit shine brilliantly. Thousands of volunteers mobilized. Relief organizations raised millions in donations within days. Ordinary citizens became heroes, conducting rescues and sharing what little they had with those who had lost everything.

This resilience isn't just about recovering from disasters but rather it's about how we prepare together, protect each other, and rebuild stronger. It's seen in the neighbor who checks on elderly residents before a storm. It's in the barangay captain who ensures no one is left behind during evacuations. It's in every family that takes the time to prepare, knowing that their readiness helps not just themselves but their entire community.

Your Lifeline: Essential Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers in your phone right now. In an emergency, having them readily available can make all the difference:

Philippine National Emergency Hotline: 911

QC Emergency Operations Center: 0916-630-6686, 0961-239-5097

Emergency Medical Services/Urban Search and Rescue: 892-843-96 (landline); 0947-884-7498 (Smart); 0927-061-5592 (Globe)

NDRRMC Hotlines: (02) 8911-5061 to 65 local 100 (02) 8911-1406 (02) 8912-2665 (02) 8912-5668 (02) 8911-1873

Red Cross Hotlines: 143 (02) 8527-8385 to 95 (02) 8527-0000 (02) 8790-2300 (02) 8790-2300 local 604 (02) 8527-0864 (Telefax)

PAGASA Hotline: (02) 824-0800

Numbers may change, please verify with LGU.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Globe: 0917-110-5686, 0917-827-2543 Smart: 0919-911-6200 Email: inquiry@dswd.gov.ph

Philippine National Police: Hotline: 117, (02) 8722-0650 Text Hotline: 0917-847-5757

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR): Direct Hotline: (02) 426-0219, (02) 426-3812, (02) 426-0246

Philippine Coast Guard: Trunkline: (02) 527-8481 to 89 Action Center: (02) 527-3877 Text Hotline: 0917-724-3682, 0918-967-4697

Building a Safer Tomorrow

At Primehomes, we believe that building resilient communities goes beyond constructing houses. It's about creating neighborhoods where families can thrive with peace of mind, knowing they're prepared for whatever challenges may come. Because when you invest in a home with us, you're not just buying property. You're investing in your family's future and becoming part of a community that stands strong together.

For more information, reach out to us:

Phone: 8706-6134 / 8706-6135

Fax: 63 2 706 5915

Email: sales@primehomes.com.ph

Stay prepared. Stay connected. Stay safe. Together, we weather every storm.