When the Ground Shakes and the Storms Rage: What You Should Do Before Disaster Strikes

In a country like the Philippines—blessed with natural beauty yet burdened by frequent calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and floods—disaster preparedness is not just wise; it’s a necessity. With thousands of lives lost each year due to natural disasters, the real tragedy is that many of these could have been prevented or mitigated with proper planning and awareness. 

So what should we do before the skies darken, the ground trembles, or the floodwaters rise? This blog will serve as your guide, equipping you and your loved ones with the knowledge to survive and recover. Because the best time to prepare isn’t during the disaster—it’s now.

Understand the Common Disasters in Your Area

Preparation starts with awareness. Know which types of disasters are most likely in your location.

• Earthquakes: The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Visit PHIVOLCS for real-time updates and hazard maps.
• Typhoons: About 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility yearly. Get official forecasts from PAGASA.
• Floods: Low-lying and coastal areas are especially vulnerable. Use HazardHunterPH to check flood risks in your area.

Also stay updated with national response alerts at NDRRMC.

Create a Family Disaster Readiness Plan

A disaster readiness plan is your blueprint for survival. Involve every family member so everyone knows what to do.

Your plan should include:

• Evacuation routes
• Meeting points
• Emergency contacts
• Special needs list
• Out-of-town contact

Practice your plan regularly and share it with extended family and neighbors.

Assemble an Emergency Go Bag

A “Go Bag” or emergency kit should always be ready and accessible.

Must-have items:

• Bottled water (at least 3 days' supply)
• Ready-to-eat food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or crank radio
• First aid kit and essential medicines
• Important documents (laminated or in waterproof case)
• Whistle
• Multi-tool or Swiss knife
• Face masks and sanitizer
• Extra clothes, blanket, and rain gear
• Cash (small denominations)
• Phone and power bank

Know What To Do During an Earthquake

When the ground shakes:

“Drop, Cover, and Hold On”:

• Drop to your hands and knees.
• Cover under sturdy furniture.
• Hold on until the shaking stops.

After the quake:

• Check for injuries.
• Evacuate calmly if needed.
• Expect aftershocks.
• Stay tuned to PHIVOLCS Earthquake Bulletins.

Know What To Do During a Flood

Before the flood:

• Monitor PAGASA Flood Forecasts.
• Store water and food.
• Elevate appliances and valuables.

During the flood:

• Turn off electricity.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Evacuate to higher ground early.

After the flood:

• Disinfect water.
• Watch out for hidden hazards.
• Only return home once authorities give the all-clear.

Know What To Do During a Typhoon

Before the storm:

• Secure loose objects outside.
• Charge electronics and store water.
• Monitor updates via PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Bulletins.

During the storm:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Stay informed via radio or phone.
• Avoid flood-prone areas.

After the storm:

• Check for damage and hazards.
• Keep clear of fallen power lines.

For national advisories, follow NDRRMC Advisories.

Strengthen Your Home

Don’t just prepare yourself—prepare your home.

Things to check:

• Reinforce roofing and windows.
• Anchor heavy shelves and cabinets.
• Repair cracks or damages to the structure.
• Clear gutters and drainage.

For earthquake resilience, refer to the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Preparedness Guide.

Learn Basic First Aid and Rescue Skills

In the aftermath of disasters, emergency responders might be overwhelmed. Equip yourself with life-saving knowledge.

Learn:

• CPR and bleeding control
• Treating burns or fractures
• Safe evacuation practices

Join free or low-cost training with the Philippine Red Cross or local health centers.

Stay Informed and Connected

Stay ahead of disaster news by monitoring trusted platforms:

• PAGASA – weather alerts, typhoon bulletins
• PHIVOLCS – earthquake and volcano updates
• NDRRMC – national disaster response alerts
• Project NOAH (archived) – historical hazard data
• HazardHunterPH – hazard mapping tool

Install emergency alert apps and enable location access for faster response.

Teach Your Kids and Community

Make preparedness a community effort.

Ways to help:

• Conduct drills at home and school.
• Share this blog post with neighbors.
• Translate emergency plans into local dialects.
• Organize disaster awareness talks.

The more people are prepared, the safer your whole community will be.

Trust in God and Remain Spiritually Anchored

Natural disasters shake everything—homes, jobs, and sometimes even our faith. But in times of distress, God is still our refuge.

Psalm 46:1 KJV: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Pray together as a family. Encourage each other with Scripture. Reach out to those who are suffering. The presence of God can calm storms no science can.

Don’t Wait—Prepare Now

Disasters don’t follow schedules. Preparation must start before the warning sirens blare. Strengthen your home, prepare your family, and build your Go Bag today.

A well-prepared life is a protected life.