During the coming rainy months, expect to hear more of the PAGASA rainfall warning system. This color-coded system was designed to let the public know the level of rainfall to expect within an hour.
Here’s how to tell what it means at a glance, as well as tips on how to keep your family safe!
PAGASA Rainfall Warning System: Safety Tips Families MUST Know
RED WARNING: Evacuate
When you see a red warning, it means that there will be heavy, non-stop rains within an hour, which will persist for the next two hours.
Tips for parents:
- Make sure your emergency lifeline kit is packed ready, in the event of an evacuation.
- Charge your cellphones, as well as other devices and battery packs.
- Give each family member printouts of each other’s contact details.
- Check if each family member has proper identification, in case you get separated.
- Make sure to be dressed warmly and ready to go in the event of an evacuation.
- Be alert and check outside your home to see if your neighbors are being evacuated.
ORANGE WARNING: Be Alert
When you see an orange warning, it means that there will be intense rains within one hour, which will persist for the next two hours.
Tips for parents:
- Keep tabs on local television, radio, and online media to know if the orange warning intensifies to a red warning.
- Charge all communication devices, as well as power banks and battery packs in case of power outage.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, make sure to clear precious items from bottom drawers, like gadgets, heirlooms, or even family photographs.
- If you live in a one-storey home, make sure you have a neighbor who can give you shelter as needed.
YELLOW WARNING: Monitor
When you see a yellow warning, it means there will be strong rains within one hour, which will persist for the next two hours.
Tips for parents:
- Stay indoors, if you can. But if you must head out, make sure to drive carefully!
- Make sure all family members are wearing proper rain gear, like coats, and boots.
- Take your vitamins! One of the threats of this rainy season are the diseases that can strike our loved ones.
- Charge all devices, so you can stay in contact with others, as well as stay updated on the latest weather news.
What other safety tips would you share moms and dads? Let us know in the comments below!
image above: pexels
source: ABS-CBN News
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