The 72 Hours Formula for Typhoon Preparedness

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We all need to prepare for a coming typhoon before it hits us directly. Preparation is the key so that we will not be caught off-guard and we will not be helpless. We can easily make preparations inside our homes.  It usually takes 72 hours for rescue and relief efforts to reach disaster victims and for utilities to resume normal operation. A lifeline kit is what we need to tide us over for 72 hours.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in one of their Facebook posts, suggests that we should have a lifeline kit on hand to allow us to survive for 72 hours. 

I read online that typhoons and floods are recurring events. The Philippines, alone, experiences an average of twenty typhoons yearly. In that case, we have no choice but to prepare for them when they hit us directly. 

Usually, a typhoon brings heavy rains and floods that could turn into a disaster.  That situation might isolate us in our homes or force us to evacuate. Utilities such as power, water, cellphone, and fuel may not be available during those times. Also, government and private rescue teams might not reach us immediately, so everyone should be self-sufficient and capable to survive for three days until help arrives. 

Each of us must have a lifeline kit in a small lightweight bag to tide us over for three days. That kit should contain the necessary items needed to survive for the first seventy-two hours, especially if we are trapped in our homes or if we decide to evacuate. If there's a need to evacuate your home, the kit should be easily carried at moment's notice. The kit is exclusively for immediate survival and not for long-period survival. It is different from a fixed-site disaster kit. 

When the need arises, the items inside the kit must always be usable. The contents should be checked every six months to see whether the consumable items inside will be expiring, especially water and food. They should be replaced to ensure that they are safe to consume.  

Older children should be involved in preparing their own kit before a typhoon arrives. That activity makes disaster preparedness a part of their lives. 

What are the things that should be placed inside the lifeline kit?

Water

A person can survive without eating food for 5 days, provided that water is available for drinking. That is the most important item to have. Place clean water in airtight containers. The water should be safe for drinking and can be used for washing and cooking. 

How much water do we need for 72 hours?

Each person needs 1 gallon (3.78 liters) per day. One liter can be allocated for drinking and three liters for washing. We also should have water purification supplies (One purification tablet can purify a liter of water. 1 tablet per person per day for water purification.)

Food 

The next important item to prepare is food. The members of the family should have enough food for three days. Stack only non-perishable food like canned goods, cereals, crackers, dried fruit, protein bars. Canned juice or hard candies should also be available in case a family member experiences hypoglycemia. Bring disposable plates and utensils too.

Since we receive news ahead of a coming typhoon, I suggest that we prepare those two consumable items to ensure that they are fresh.

Other items:

  • Emergency tools & gears
  • Personal effects and hygiene kit
  • Important documents and money
  • Special needs
  • First-aid kits

You can also prepare your own lifeline kits, provided they contain the necessary items like the PRC's lifeline kit. Lastly, If you need to leave your homes you can bring small toys for children so that they can be comforted at the evacuation site.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/rcmuntinlupa/posts/philippine-red-cross-lifeline-kitthe-first-72-hours-after-a-disaster-is-critical/627915720580434/

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