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Last Updated on November 12, 2020 by Lamudi
Amid a global health emergency, the country is battling another natural disaster days after this year’s strongest typhoon battered the land. Typhoon Ulysses brings not only heavy rainfall, but strong winds, particularly in the Luzon region.
According to Rappler, the typhoon made its first landfall in Quezon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts of up to 205 kph. The typhoon generates a “giant cord of strong winds” in the atmosphere, which extends up to the North Pacific, reaching the other side of the world, as far as Alaska, Interaksyon mentioned.
On social media, people expressed their worry over the violent, whistling winds that could damage their properties and pose safety risks for their families. Here are a couple of things you can do to secure your homes against these natural threats:
Before the Typhoon
Beware of Safety Risks
Inspect the nearby surroundings of your home. See if there are any items that can damage your home once the strong winds come. This can be a big tree being uprooted, broken fence boards that can smash your windows, or trash bins in your yard that can cause obstructions. If possible, address these things as soon as you get storm warnings.
Secure Your Roof
Roof panels thrown into the air aren’t unheard of during typhoons. This is one thing you wouldn’t want to happen in the middle of a storm when you’re trying to be safe, warm, and dry at home. That said, make sure to fasten those steel sheets with screws and bolts. Look for loose shingles, too. Nail them up before the typhoon comes.
Anchor Down Outdoor Items
Check your patio or decks and make sure that all the items there are secure. This includes furniture, such as chairs and tables, as well as appliances and other fixtures, namely barbecue grills, gardening tools, and sports equipment. Use chains and cables to secure these items. Or, you may also take them indoors if the space permits.
During the Typhoon
Keep the Windows Closed
There’s a “safety hack” going around that says it’s better to leave the windows a little open when there are strong winds outside. They say this will relieve the pressure inside the house and make windows less vulnerable to shattering. But experts say this move doesn’t help at all because there are small openings inside the home that a build-up of pressure is unlikely.
In fact, cracking the windows open can do more harm than good as it leaves you vulnerable to foreign items outside. With that, make sure to close your windows when there are strong winds.
Don’t Tape Your Windows
This is another safety myth that doesn’t prevent glass shattering. Duct tape doesn’t do anything at all in making windows stronger. While it does avoid small shards of flying glass, it creates a bigger issue: larger shards of flying glass secured by the tape. This poses a major safety risk at home and to your family.
In the event that you do see your windows bending to the pressure of strong winds, the best thing to do is to stay away from them. You, putting your whole weight on it, won’t block the shattering. It will only result in serious injuries.
After the Typhoon
Repair Your Property
As soon as the typhoon is over and it’s safe to go outside, go ahead and inspect your home. Take note of damages to your roofs and windows. Repair them as soon as possible. You wouldn’t know when the next typhoon will come. It could be weeks or days from the last, just like what happened recently, so immediate action is necessary. Again, your goal here is to prevent damaged pieces from flying around the next time a disaster hits.
Strengthen Your Windows
Although tape won’t make your windows stronger, there are window films that can withstand the pressures of storm winds. Invest in these home features to increase security in your home. It goes without saying that you must inspect your windows carefully, making sure that there are no cracks anywhere.
Unfortunately, typhoons and other natural disasters are an inescapable reality for Filipinos. Nonetheless, with decent, resilient homes, you can weather the storms now and in the future. Remember these tips in securing your properties. As you endure Typhoon Ulysses, stay safe.
