In the Philippines, disasters are a part of life. As a country situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and a frequent target of typhoons, the importance of disaster preparedness cannot be overstated. July is National Disaster Resilience Month, a time for every Filipino family to reflect, plan, and take action to be better prepared for typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies.

Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts at home. By instilling a culture of readiness within your household, you help safeguard lives, minimize damage, and respond with confidence when calamities strike. In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step actions to prepare your family before, during, and after a disaster.

Understanding the Risks in the Philippines

The Philippines faces three major types of natural disasters:

Typhoons and Floods

The country experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones yearly, bringing strong winds, heavy rains, and flash floods.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Because of active fault lines and its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, earthquakes are unpredictable yet common.

Volcanic Eruptions

With 24 active volcanoes, the threat of eruption always looms, especially near populated areas.

Fire and Man-made Disasters

Overcrowded neighborhoods and faulty wiring in homes also make fire incidents a serious concern.

Step 1: Make a Family Emergency Plan

A good plan could be the difference between safety and tragedy. Start by gathering your household for a disaster planning session.

Include the following:

Evacuation routes — Know where to go and how to get there safely.

Meeting points — Identify a safe place outside your home and a secondary location in case of separation.

Important contacts — List and memorize emergency hotlines like BFP (160), PNP (117), and local DRRM offices.

Out-of-town contact — Choose someone outside your area whom family members can contact to relay their status.

TIP: Post the plan on your fridge or family board and review it monthly.

Step 2: Prepare a Go-Bag (Emergency Kit)

Every Filipino home should have a “Go-Bag” or 72-hour emergency kit that contains basic needs during a disaster.

Must-have items:

Bottled water (3 liters per person)

Ready-to-eat food (canned goods, biscuits, instant noodles)

Flashlight and extra batteries

Whistle and multi-tool

Face masks and alcohol

First-aid kit and personal medicine

Extra clothes, blankets, and slippers

Copies of IDs and important documents in a waterproof pouch

Power bank and cellphone

Cash in small bills

TIP: Make a separate bag for each member of the family, especially for kids and senior citizens with special needs.

Step 3: Strengthen Your Home

You don’t need a brand-new house to make your home disaster-resilient. A few precautionary steps go a long way.

Typhoon-proofing tips:

Regularly check the roof for leaks or loose materials.

Reinforce doors and windows with storm shutters.

Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding.

Earthquake-proofing tips:

Anchor heavy furniture to walls.

Don’t place heavy items on high shelves.

Know your home’s structural vulnerabilities and consult a local engineer if possible.

Fire safety tips:

Install smoke alarms.

Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and near exits.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

Step 4: Educate Your Family, Especially the Kids

Children need to be involved in disaster preparedness too. Teach them what to do using simple language, games, or drills.

Helpful activities:

Practice “duck, cover, and hold” for earthquakes.

Simulate evacuation drills from the bedroom to your meeting point.

Make a fun checklist activity for packing their own Go-Bag.

TIP: Watch educational cartoons and videos about safety from government agencies like PAGASA and PHIVOLCS.

Step 5: Stay Informed

Technology is your best ally in today’s world. Use it wisely to stay updated.

Install these helpful apps:

NOAH and ARKO for flood warnings

Project Agos for real-time disaster reports

PAGASA Mobile for typhoon alerts

Batingaw for emergency preparedness tools

TIP: Follow local government units and official agencies on Facebook or Twitter for quick updates.

Step 6: Know Where to Evacuate

Familiarize yourself with the nearest evacuation centers and hospitals. Keep a printed list in your emergency kit and phone.

Coordinate with your barangay DRRM officers and attend any training or orientation they conduct. Knowing how to respond in a disaster is a community effort.

Step 7: After the Disaster

The danger doesn’t end when the storm or quake is over. Post-disaster actions are just as important:

Check for injuries and administer first aid if needed.

Listen to the radio or authorities before returning home.

Beware of structural damage, gas leaks, or downed wires.

Save receipts for any repairs or relief aid documentation.

Attend to your family’s emotional recovery—talk about what happened and assure them that they’re safe.

The Filipino Spirit of Bayanihan

Preparedness isn’t just about protecting your own home—it’s also about helping your neighbors. Share knowledge, offer assistance to vulnerable groups, and check in with elderly or solo residents.

During typhoons or quakes, bayanihan can save lives.

Disasters are inevitable, but tragedy doesn’t have to be. With proper planning, education, and communication, Filipino families can stay strong and resilient in the face of adversity. Don’t wait for the next storm or quake—start preparing today.

Let’s be ready, not scared. Because when we are prepared, we empower not just our homes—but our entire community.