MANILA -- With severe storms and typhoons successively entering the country, tens of thousands have had to evacuate their homes to keep safe from floods, landslides and other risks.

In an interview last July following the onslaught of Typhoon Carina, survival and rescue expert Dr. Ted Esguerra said one of the most important things people should do is monitor the news about typhoons so they stay informed.

They also need to be ready to evacuate when ordered to by authorities.

BE READY TO EVACUATE, BRING A GO-BAG 

When the alarm is sounded, residents of flood-prone areas should not hesitate to evacuate, Esguerra said. People should not wait until the flood waters have already risen before evacuating their homes.

“Para hindi din mahirap sa main [rescue teams] na sa kasagsagan ng baha, sumusuong kami. ‘Di buwis-buhay din kami dahil hindi kayo nag-evacuate. So, pinakamaganda, evacuate ka. Maunahan mo na.”

(This makes it easier for rescuers, so we aren't risking our lives because you didn't evacuate. So the best move is to evacuate. Get ahead of the flood.)

If you need to evacuate, prepare a bag with items that you will need. Esguerra said a "go-bag" should contain the following:

STAY WITH RELATIVES IF YOU CAN

He also noted that Filipinos must be aware of what facilities and services are available at their evacuation centers.

"Halimbawa, doon sa evacuation area, meron ba doon charging area na makatawag ka sa kumag-anak mo or yung kumag-ananak mo, matawagan ka? So, kailangan ma-establish mo yun," he said. 

He said that if people can stay with relatives who reside on higher ground or safer areas, they should choose this alternative as evacuation centers may become overcrowded, or lack proper sanitation which can lead to other health risks.

“So, naalis ka dito sa baha, pero, nagkaroon ka naman ng sakit, no? Nagka-diarrhea. Worst case scenario, na-dengue ka pa kasi naging breeding ground yung area mo ngayon,” he explained.

(So you escaped the flood, but you got sick with diarrhea. Or worst-case scenario, you got dengue because the area has become a breeding ground for the disease.)

Typhoon Ofel has yet to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility but another storm, Typhoon Pepito is already barreling down towards the country.