The rains are upon us, but thankfully, Century homes are built to withstand rains and floods. They are structurally sound, built to exacting engineering and construction standards. In short, when you’re home during the rainy season, you’re safe.
Still, safety and preparedness go a long way when the weather gets wet. Here are some things to keep in mind as the storms come:
- Stay updated about the weather and local floods.
Keep an eye on PAGASA’s social channels and updates. Its Facebook and Twitter accounts are always active with regular updates. Twitter is particularly good for breaking news and feedback from everyday people who are experiencing floods or traffic difficulties in real-time. You can also share your own information or real-time experiences via social platforms, the driving app Waze, or simply through your own messaging network, to keep friends and loved ones updated and safe from harm, especially if they’re on the road.
- Keep an emergency kit handy.
Brownouts still happen, particularly when typhoons pass through. So if the power is out and you’re waiting on electricity services to fix posts or busted transformers, it’s good to have the following:
a flashlight – most people use their mobile phones for this, but a real flashlight is better than using up precious battery power on your phone;
candles and matches – some brownouts are longer than others, and you’ll want the comfort of sustained light through a night of heavy rain
a first aid kit – you never know what you’ll slip on or bump into while walking through a dark house. Or if you’ve just come in from some horrendous weather. Keep antiseptic, band-aids, and paracetamol close, just in case.
- Avoid flooded areas and flowing water.
It goes without saying, right? And yet some people try to brave these conditions. “If I can just get past this flooded area, I’ll be home in no time…” Sometimes, it’s just not worth the risk. Take the long way round or, if that’s not possible, hunker down somewhere safe until the road is passable again. Do not risk walking or riding through a street with flowing water, especially if it’s on the rise.
- Secure crucial documents and valuables, should things get a little worrisome.
If you’re at home and you feel like water is going to come in (for example, in ground-level homes), move crucial stuff upstairs. Or have some handy plastic bags available to wrap important documents in (passports, paperwork, valuables, etc.), for extra protection. Sounds like paranoia sometimes, but definitely a lifesaver if you find yourself in such a situation.
Of course, if things get hairy, try to stay home and stay safe. If you’re a Century resident and you need updates or assistance for anything rain-related, call your PMO and they’ll be happy to help!
