DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is urging households to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and resilience against natural calamities, especially this southwest monsoon (Habagat) season.
‘Habagat’ is a period of rainy weather brought by southwesterly winds that affect much of the tropics, and typically occurs in the Philippines from June to October. During this period, the country experiences increased rainfall, strong winds, and humid conditions.
“Disaster preparedness starts with the family,” Avenix Arenas, assistant department head of the Pangasinan PDRRMO and director of Pangasinan Safety and Emergency Response (PASER), said during the virtual presser hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan dubbed Pantongtongan Tayo (Pag-Usapan Natin).
Arenas stressed that every family should have a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan for both natural and human-made disasters, as it helps them respond quickly and effectively while minimizing risks and potential harm.
In observance of National Disaster Resilience Month this July with the theme: “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan,” she shares essential tips for effective preparedness to ensure family safety and resilience during calamities.
“Each family member should have a Go Bag packed with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, personal hygiene items, and important documents,” Arenas advised.
Having these items readily available helps address immediate needs, reduce stress during a crisis, and enable a safer and more organized evacuation process.
Moreover, she suggests members be familiar with the location of the nearest evacuation center, the best routes to get there, and ensure that everyone in the family has the necessary contact information.
Knowing these details helps avoid confusion and delays and allows families to evacuate quickly and safely while staying informed.
“Coordinate with your barangay officials to stay informed about local emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and any community-specific guidelines that may be in place,” she added.
Furthermore, Arenas encourages everyone to stay updated on weather and emergency announcements from reliable sources.
For updates in the province, she advised following the Pangasinan PDRRMO’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PangasinanPDRRMO.
For emergencies, residents can also contact Pangasinan 911. (MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
