Typhoon Ondoy taught us a very important lesson the hard way: unpreparedness costs lives. And because typhoon season in the Philippines begins in June and ends in November, we need to get ready now.

1. Make sure your home is typhoon-proof. Repairs must be done before the rains arrive.
   
   
2. Have a typhoon supplies kit ready. It must contain the following:
   a. Water – at least three days worth, at 1 gallon per person per day
   b. Food – at least three days worth of canned goods or food that requires little preparation, such as instant noodles
   c. First aid kit – pack basic medicines for fever and flu, prescription medicines, bandages and antiseptics, thermometer, among others
   d. Tools and supplies – pack a can opener, boxes of matches or lighter, flashlight, batteries and an AM radio
   e. Clothes – pack warm clothes and toiletries for at least three days
   
   
3. Have a list of emergency numbers  ready.
   
   
4. Pack your valuables, especially important documents and family albums, in plastic water-proof boxes. Stash them in the attic or in the highest place in your house.
   
   
5. Decide on a meeting place for the family in case you get separated. Plan on where to take your pets if you have any.

Ingat!