Being vigilant is the first step to prepare for the typhoon season. When news of a typhoon is aired on news programs, be updated on the prevailing conditions, especially the path of the typhoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provide up-to-date information on the weather.
In an impending typhoon, here are some tips from Meralco to guide everyone as they prepare for it and help avoid accidents and inconveniences.
Before Typhoon
During a typhoon, 30,000 to 40,000 customers are calling Meralco’s 16211 hotline. That makes it very difficult for customers to connect to a call center representative. In cases like this, you can use other ways to connect to Meralco. You can text 0917-559-2824 or 0920-9292824 or give online feedback. If the power outage in your place covers a large area, rest assured that there are already Meralco people working on it. If, on the other hand, only a house or a block is experiencing power outage, it is imperative that you report the case to Meralco.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provide up-to-date information on the weather.
In an impending typhoon, here are some tips from Meralco to guide everyone as they prepare for it and help avoid accidents and inconveniences.
Before Typhoon
- Be informed. Tune in to TV, radio stations and the internet for weather updates.
- Store water. Water service may be interrupted for days.
- Store food that will not spoil even without refrigeration. Have a supply of canned goods and instant food like noodles and biscuits.
- Prepare a typhoon kit which includes a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, raincoats and medicines.
- Anticipate possible power outages. Charge gadgets that may be helpful during a power failure like cellphones and rechargeable lamps.
- Check gutters and make sure they are not clogged.
- Secure things that may be blown away. Seal windows and doors and check your roof if it is firmly secured.
- Trim your trees and report trees that are touching Meralco lines.
- Help organize your village association to be typhoon prepared.
- Post important contact numbers near the telephone like Meralco, telephone companies, village security, etc.
- Coordinate with MMDA or your local government unit (LGU) if your house is near billboards so that they will bring down the tarpaulin banners to prevent accidents.
- Tune in to TV and radio stations for emergency information.
- In case of very strong winds, go to the center of the house, hallway or any part that is least exposed to external glass windows.
- If a power failure occurs, turn off and unplug all appliances.
- If your house is flooded, turn off the main switch and move your appliances and other valuables to a higher area in your house.
- Check your house for damages. Damage to loadside electrical facilities should be immediately repaired by a qualified electrician.
- Don’t operate wet electrical appliances and have them checked by a qualified repairman.
- Help in road clearing and surveying for damaged Meralco facilities in your area and have your village administrator report these to Meralco.
- Call Meralco to report power outages and monitor status on electricity restoration through radio. This will help prevent congesting the Meralco Call Center with follow up calls. Meralco will provide regular updates through different radio stations.
During a typhoon, 30,000 to 40,000 customers are calling Meralco’s 16211 hotline. That makes it very difficult for customers to connect to a call center representative. In cases like this, you can use other ways to connect to Meralco. You can text 0917-559-2824 or 0920-9292824 or give online feedback. If the power outage in your place covers a large area, rest assured that there are already Meralco people working on it. If, on the other hand, only a house or a block is experiencing power outage, it is imperative that you report the case to Meralco.