Rainy Season Preparedness: Preparation for rainy days and typhoons

It’s time to begin your preparation for rainy days as Flaviana Hilario, Deputy Administrator of PAGASA, says that the onset of the wet season may be declared during this week or the second week of June.

During the weekly economic briefing held at Malacañang, Hilario said, “Hindi pa talaga nasa-satisfy ang criteria for the onset [of the rainy season but] based sa ating monitoring, the onset will be either during the first week or second week of June.”

Nevertheless, we have to start preparing ourselves, especially our houses because PAGASA said that from June to August, there are five to eight tropical cyclones expected to hit the Philippines.

Preparation for rainy days and typhoons

Aside from thinking of things you can do during the rainy season in advance, it is more important to make sure your home is ready for the monsoon season. Even if your house is made of quality materials, you still have to do check-ups and some repairs, to make sure that it can withstand continuous rains and typhoons.

You have to make sure that your house, especially the exterior, is strong enough to survive long exposure to elements of natural disasters.

Here are things you can do to make sure your house can survive the rainy season.

Have roof maintenance at least twice a year.

The roof is a house’s first line of defense against strong winds and rain. Hence, you should make sure that you check the roof for any damages and do maintenance at least twice a year. Aside from saving the roof from being heavily damaged, this will save you some money.

Clear the gutters.

Before the rainy season, check the gutters if they are properly working. Clear them from leaves and other debris that cause clogging. Because if not, water may overflow during heavy rains and this can weigh down the roof. Aside from this, clogged gutters might also cause water to enter your house through the walls and result to molds.

Trim those trees around the house.

Trim those trees around the house to avoid accidents especially with strong winds and heavy rains. Tree, with branches hanging over your roof should also be trimmed to avoid leaves from falling into the gutters and heavy branches from falling and damaging the roof.

Secure doors and windows.

If your doors or windows are worn out, rainwater can also enter the house through them so make sure to have them repaired if needed. Also, see to it that they can be opened and closed easily and properly.

Secure electronic items at home.

If your area is prone to flooding, make sure your electronic appliances and other gadgets are secured. Keep them away from the floor, doors and windows where water can seep in.

Get rid of stagnant water.

To avoid acquiring dengue especially during this season, make sure you get rid of containers of stagnant rainwater after a heavy rainfall.