Emergency KIt

Bottled water. Bring enough clean drinking water to last you and your family for at least 3 days. People can survive without food, but not without water.

Food. Don't stock up on salty food items as these will require you to drink more water. Look for food that can be eaten with minimal preparation or without having to cook them. (For more tips on preparing storm-ready food, click here.)

First aid kit. This should contain the following, at the very least: Band-Aids, alcohol, antibiotics, antacids, anti-allergy meds, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and other prescription drugs that you may need.

A Swiss Army knife. This is a handy tool for anyone who's not in the comfort of his/her home. With this, you don't have to bring a separate knife, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver, and a pair of scissors.

Clothes. Getting wet in the rain will require you to change your clothes or else you'll get sick. Make it a point to bring thermal wear, including socks, to keep you warm during the storm.

Flashlight and batteries. This will help you get around during the night, especially since the power's out. Try bringing candles and waterproof matches too, just in case you run out of batteries.

Toiletries. This is particularly important for women and children. Aside from the usual soap, toothpaste and tissue paper, bring a lot of sanitary napkins and diapers.

Large garbage bags. This is where you can place all of your items. Bring extra ones for trash and for emergency situations.

Umbrella. If you're stuck in your rooftop or any open ground, this will shield you from the rain.

Fully-charged mobile phone. It's a very useful tool in asking for help from the media and the authorities, although network problems are expected during typhoons.

Whistle. This is effective in calling attention to yourself, making it easier for rescuers to find you. If you don't have one, just bring anything that can create a lot of noise.

Battery-powered radio. Listening to the news will give you updates about the rescue operations, and will help you find safe ground. Make sure that you bring a lot of batteries, though.

Cash. You'll never know when you'll get access to a commercial establishment, so it's best to keep a few bucks with you.

EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Keep these contact numbers in case of typhoon emergencies:

1. Philippine Coast Guard: 527-8481 local 6290 and 6292; 328-1098

2. Philippine National Red Cross: 527-0000

3. National Disaster Coordinating Council: 734-2120; 911-5061; 912-5668. For contact numbers of NDCC directors, click here.

4. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco): 16210

5. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA): 136 (hotline); 0920-947-2503 (towing concerns); 0920-947-1632 or 0917-561-8709 (duty officer)

LED FLASHLIGHTS THAT NEEDS NO BATTERY

* LED HEADLIGHT (IDEAL FOR KIDS AND GRANDPARENTS)

* BODY WRAP/BLANKET (FOIL)

*SWISS KNIFE (11 FACES)

* ARMY UTENSIL

* MEDICINE KIT with CONTENT

* GROOMING KIT with CONTENT

* MAGIC TOWELS

* WHISTLE

* LIGHTER

* TUMBLER with DETAILS

* ROPE and CARABINER

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL

SURVIVAL MANUAL

INCLUDES:

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

SURVIVAL TIPS

THINGS TO DO DURING EMERGENGY

FOOD PROCUREMENT

BASIC SURVIAL MEDICINE

SIGNALING TECHNIQUES

ROPES AND KNOTS