The Philippines is a tropical country. It means that there are only two seasons - sunny and rainy. It is good to get prepared for frequent and sudden rains that may occur as soon as you go outdoors.
A typhoon is the term for a tropical storm that happens in the Philippines and in nearby countries. Typhoons occur at an average of 1 per month during the rainy season.
No one wants to get wet unexpectedly. Aside from getting wet by the rain, heavy rainfall as a result of storms will likely result to floods and power outages in the country.
- Bring a reliable umbrella when going outdoors. Rain may occur as often as several times a day. The umbrella is your most reliable defense against rain. While it can shield you from the sun's rays during sunny days, it will also protect you and your things from up to 95% of the rainfall. Also, do not choose umbrellas that are either too small for you or damaged.
- Avoid going out during a typhoon. Tropical typhoons mostly happen during the rainy season. No matter how good you use your umbrella, you are no match for a typhoon that is headed your way. If you own or rent a vehicle, traveling during a storm is risky and might leave your vehicle stuck in a flooded area. Look for weather reports to know about incoming typhoons. It is always best to stay indoors during a typhoon. People will understand why you are absent for an appointment while there is a typhoon.
- Look for weather reports. You can watch local television, or search the Internet for news about the upcoming weather in your location. It will help you plan your travels. A battery-operated radio can also help tell the current and upcoming weather, but most of the news from the radio are announced in the Filipino language.
- Know and avoid flooded or flood-prone areas. Flood is not only very inconvenient for your travels, but also dangerous as you might put your lower body into the flood once you are out of alternatives. If you are a foreigner, then you have likely not encountered a flood. Flood water carries many infectious agents that can attack you if you have open wounds or a weak immune system. Floods are usually caused by heavy rainfall, but may also result from dams releasing their water to prevent overflowing.
- Have an emergency kit ready. An emergency kit that is appropriate for the rainy season contains flashlight (to give light during power outages), multi-tool (ideally consisting of screwdriver and cutter), and first aid kit. The purpose of it is clear - to be prepared during emergencies.
Rain is an event that occurs naturally, and even if it is undesirable for a lot of people, it always helps to be prepared.