Rainy season in Cebu: Safety tips every household should know

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Frequent thunderstorms now mark Cebu’s days and nights.

This has prompted authorities to remind residents to prepare for flooding and other weather-related emergencies.

On Monday, July 6, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a thunderstorm advisory.

READ: Super Typhoon Bavi still outside PAR, no direct impact on PH weather yet

The state weather bureau warned of heavy to intense rainfall, lightning, and strong winds across several parts of Cebu, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, and Consolacion.

Pagasa also warned that moderate to heavy rainfall could affect San Remigio, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Asturias, Balamban, and Toledo City.

As unstable weather continues, authorities urged residents to stay informed through official weather bulletins and take steps to protect their families and property.

These are some of their reminders.

Prepare an emergency kit

The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) advised every household to keep an emergency kit ready throughout the rainy season.

A basic emergency kit should include these items:

Flashlight

Extra batteries

Power bank

Whistle

Raincoat

Bottled drinking water

Ready-to-eat food

Basic first aid kit

Battery-operated radio

Keeping these essentials within easy reach can help families respond quickly during flooding, prolonged power outages, or emergency evacuations.

READ: ‘Catastrophic’ Super Typhoon Bavi hits US island of Rota

Know your flood risk

Pagasa encourages residents to determine whether their homes lie in flood-prone areas and familiarize themselves with their community’s warning systems, evacuation routes, and designated evacuation centers.

Families should also monitor official weather advisories regularly and prepare an evacuation plan.

Protect your home, valuables

Authorities recommend stockpiling enough food and drinking water, charging mobile phones and power banks, and placing important documents, appliances, and other valuables above expected flood levels.

Emergency equipment, including flashlights and battery-operated radios, should remain accessible in case electricity fails.

Evacuate early

If authorities issue a flood warning, residents should evacuate immediately.

Before leaving, families should move belongings to higher ground, relocate livestock when possible, and switch off the main electrical supply to prevent power-related mishaps.

Avoid floodwaters

During flooding, residents should avoid walking or driving through flooded roads.

Authorities also advise the public to stay away from rivers, creeks, and bridges because strong currents can be deadly.

To prevent waterborne diseases, households should consume only safe food and clean or boiled drinking water.

Remain cautious after floods

Flood hazards often persist even after floodwaters recede.

Before returning home, residents should inspect their houses for damage, avoid using electrical appliances until they have been checked, and report damaged power, water, or communication lines to the appropriate agencies.

Food and drinking water exposed to floodwaters should also be discarded.

Help reduce flooding

Authorities say community participation remains vital in reducing flood risks.

Residents should dispose of garbage properly, regularly clean drainage systems, and avoid clogging canals and waterways with wastes.

They also encourage the public to report illegal logging, kaingin activities, and structures that obstruct rivers and drainage channels.

Authorities remind residents that preparation, early evacuation, and close monitoring of official weather advisories remain the most effective ways to protect lives and property.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.