What to prepare for flood evacuation

AT PRESENT, over 380,000 people have been heavily affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, with 3,100 families displaced and temporarily staying at 306 evacuation centers. 

As a result, classes, flights, and work in both government and private institutions have been canceled. Government and non-government institutions are also doing all that they can to help those in need during these times.

The storm has triggered blackouts, landslides, and flashfloods in numerous areas of the Philippines, leading to many having to evacuate in search for safety on higher ground. 

If you are at a point wherein you need to evacuate your house, or are planning on doing so soon, here are some items that you should bring along with you:

• Water (for drinking and sanitation)
• Non-perishable food
• Can opener
• Mess kit (Plate, cup, utensils)

• Radio you can easily carry (battery-powered or hand crank)
• Flashlight
• Garbage bags
• Batteries
• Matches
• Cell phone
• Charger
• Powerbank

• Sleeping bags / tent
• Blankets
• Pillows

• First aid kit (Bandages, ointment, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, gloves, cold compress, gauze / gauze pads, thermometer, tweezers, scissors, petroleum jelly / lubricant, safety pins, sunscreen)
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, napkins, etc.)
• Towels / tissues
• Medication
• Alcohol / hand sanitizer / disinfecting wipes
• Insect repellant
• Whistle / anything that makes noise

• Extra clothes and underwear
• Jacket / sweater / hoodie

• Cash
• ID / any form of identification
• Important documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Emergency contact information

In case you are stuck in a flashflood, the Philippine Red Cross recommends heading for higher ground and then staying there, as well as staying away from floodwaters as six inches of it can sweep you off your feet. 

If you are driving, go the other way when you see a flooded road, or get out of the car when you see water rising around you rapidly. 

Remember to only bring the essentials when evacuating. Having too many items on you may just slow you down.

If you need to evacuate, immediately get in contact with your barangay to know where to go. If you are not affected by the storm, take this time to go online and send monetary donations or relief goods to those in need. 

Some social media pages you can visit to donate to are the following:

1. ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.
2. ACT NCR Union
3. Agham Youth
4. Amihan Women
5. Angat Buhay / Leni Gerona Robredo
6. ASEAN Youth Advocates Network
7. Ayala Foundation Inc.
8. Brigada Kalikasan
9. Calambayanihan Organization Inc.
10. Caritas Manila Inc.
11. CSSGives Philippines
12. Donsolan Home of the Artists
13. FHMoms Donation Drive For Bagyong Kristine Victims
14. For Our Farmers PH, Inc.
15. Gabriela Women’s Party
16. GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc.
17. iLab ARAL
18. MC Maryknoll-Miriam, Identity, Spirituality, and Mission Office
19. Oragon UPB
20. Philippine Red Cross
21. Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership
22. Save the Children
23. Tanging Yaman Foundation
24. The Kindness Station
25. The Volume Project
26. Tulong Kabataan PH
27. UAPSA – PSU Urdaneta Chapter
28. Vincentian Seminarians Philippine Province
29. UNICEF Philippines
30. Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines