I Survived My First Philippine Typhoon - Here's What They Don't Tell You

I thought I knew what a typhoon was until I experienced my first one in the Philippines. I read PAGASA advisories, packed a small emergency bag, and told myself I'd be fine. The reality was messier, louder, and a lot more human. If you're preparing for your first bagyo-or helping someone who is-here are the real things the guides don't always emphasize, mixed with practical, local tips that actually helped me get through it.

The hours before: feel the calm and treat it like the real thing

PAGASA warnings are not suggestions; they're lifelines. When Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals are raised in your municipality, act immediately. Don't wait until rain starts.

What I did right:

• I monitored the PAGASA site and local radio. The wind signal system (TCWS) tells you the expected wind strength and likely impacts. If your area is under Signal No. 2 or higher, prepare to move valuables off the floor and secure outdoor items.
• I charged power banks and phones. It's the single best thing I did. Take multiple charging options (car charger, small solar panel if you have it).

What people underestimate:

• The power of silence. The "calm" before the worst winds can lull you into thinking it passed when it might not have. Don't reopen doors or go outside until your LGU/officials say the danger has passed.
• Cash. ATMs and e-payments may be down. I wish I had more small bills for sari-sari stores and tricycle drivers.

The emergency kit that actually matters in the Philippines

Many lists are generic. Here's a practical kit tailored for a Filipino household and evacuation center life:

• Water: 3–5 liters per person per day (at least 3 days). Bring water jugs and water purification tablets or boiled water plan.
• Food: Ready-to-eat (RTE) local items-instant noodles, canned goods, biscuits, rice packs, and malong/sleeping mat. Include utensils, can opener.
• Light & power: 2 power banks, headlamp, LED lamp, extra batteries, solar lamp if possible.
• Documents: Waterproof bag with IDs, medical prescriptions, important phone numbers, insurance/policy info, barangay certificate if needed.
• Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, menstrual supplies, plastic bags, mosquito coils.
• Health: Basic first aid kit, prescription meds (at least a week), paracetamol, ORS packets. If you have inhalers or chronic meds, bring extras.
• Misc: Rope, tarp, duct tape, a small multi-tool, poncho, sturdy shoes, extra clothes, baby supplies or pet supplies.

Tip: Pack your kit in a backpack you can carry long distances. If you must evacuate by boat or on foot, hands-free is essential.

Evacuation centers: it's not glamorous, but it's survivable

The moment an evacuation is ordered, move. I saw neighbors wait too long because they didn't want to "bother" the center-don't be that person.

What to expect:

• Crowding and limited privacy. Bring a malong or blanket to create a private corner.
• Food rations are basic. DSWD and volunteers do their best, but bringing some preferred snacks or comfort food helps morale.
• Sanitation issues. Always carry wet wipes and small trash bags. Avoid drinking unboiled water unless from verified relief tanks.
• Community rules. Follow the barangay volunteers; they'll tell you where to sleep and when to line up for food.

If you're helping someone elderly or with mobility issues, arrive early to request easier sleeping spaces.

During the storm: safety and small comforts

When the worst winds hit, simple choices keep people safe.

• Stay away from glass windows-move to an interior room or a sturdy table to shelter. Tape does not prevent shattered glass; use evacuation if home is unsafe.
• Generator safety: Many households use portable generators. Never run them inside enclosed spaces-carbon monoxide is invisible and deadly.
• Avoid floodwater. Don't wade through moving water. It hides open manholes, sharp debris, and electrical hazards. If you must traverse, use a stick to check depth and bottom stability.
• Keep noise to a minimum for children and pets; bring familiar items to reduce stress.

After the typhoon: the cleanup surprises

You might think the rain stops and you're done. That's when more headaches appear.

• Mold and damp: Expect mold in houses after floods. Open windows, dry walls, and wash textiles quickly. Sunlight is your best disinfectant.
• Damaged roofs/leaks: Tarp the hole immediately to avoid further water damage. Document damages for insurance or LGU assistance (photos and timestamps on your phone).
• Water safety and health: Follow DOH guidance on boiling water and avoiding contaminated sources. Watch for diarrhea, skin infections, and mosquito-borne diseases.
• Lines for aid: Relief distribution often means queuing early and patiently. Bring ID and be respectful to volunteers-they're running on limited resources and long hours.

The emotional aftermath: it's more common than you think

The day after a typhoon is noisy-not just with generators and chainsaws, but with anxiety. People cry, laugh, and argue. Post-disaster stress is real.

• The Philippine Red Cross and LGUs often provide psychosocial support. Reach out if you or your family feel overwhelmed.
• Community connections matter. Bayanihan isn't a myth; neighbors share rice and manpower. Accept help and offer help in whatever small way you can.
• Sleep and routine: Re-establishing even a small routine-meals at regular times, a quick cleanup schedule-helps stabilize everyone.

Practical local hacks I learned the hard way

• Move heavy items to higher shelves before a storm. Electronics belong on the highest dry surface, not just up off the floor.
• Keep SIM cards and chargers in a small waterproof pouch you can grab quickly.
• If you have a small PSB/portable radio (AM/FM), bring batteries. Local stations often convey vital barangay announcements when internet is down.
• Know your evacuation route. Barangay halls, schools, and churches are common shelters-ask your barangay captain where the nearest safe center is.
• Store important phone numbers offline: barangay, city disaster office, nearest hospital, and a trusted contact outside the affected area.

Insurance and documents: do this before disaster strikes

I postponed checking insurance claims and registration. Don't.

• Photograph valuables and household items and store photos in the cloud and in a physical USB drive in your emergency kit.
• Keep copies (scanned) of IDs, land titles, and insurance policies accessible so you can apply for aid faster.
• If you live in a flood-prone zone, check if your property is covered under local insurance or calamity funds.

Final notes

Typhoons are a Philippine reality. You can't control the weather, but you can control how you prepare and respond. Follow PAGASA updates, respect evacuation orders from your LGU, bring practical emergency supplies, and remember that community makes a huge difference.

If this is your first typhoon, don't let pride keep you from evacuating or asking for help. The loudest lesson I learned: a little preparation goes a long way, but humility and community get you through the rest.

Safe preparations-and keep your power bank full.

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