Let’s face it: rainy season can be something of a nuisance. Nevertheless, typhoons are a yearly occurrence, one that everyone should be well-prepared for.
This year, as the Philippines faces another turbulent wet season, it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need to make life simpler – and safer – during gloomy days.
Emergency Light Sources
Unfortunately, blackouts or brownouts are common during the rainy season. Living in a flood-prone area can cause power interruptions that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Be prepared with emergency light sources. These could be flashlights, candles, matchsticks, or anything that suits your lifestyle. Just make sure to have back up batteries or extra supplies to ensure they last.
The Right Detergent
Laundry is no easy feat during the rainy season. As many Filipinos prefer to line-dry their clothes, many don’t have access to electric dryers – and those that do may find them unusable during power outages. The solution? Having the right detergent – one that will clean clothes and leave them smelling good despite the lack of sun.
Everyone is familiar with the “kulob” smell that clothes get when dried indoors. Fortunately, detergents and fabric conditioners, such as Surf’s new Ultra Power Liquid Sun Fresh variant, are designed to help. Retailing at just P7.50 per sachet, Surf’s Sun Fresh liquid detergent cleans stains, grease, and dirt, while keeping clothes smelling fresh and floral. Pairing it with a fabric conditioner such as Surf’s Blossom Fresh & Bloom (retailing at P6 per sachet) – which softens and protects clothes from sweaty odors – can make laundry during the rainy season much easier!
Surf products are available at leading groceries nationwide
Mosquito Protection
Living in a tropical country means that mosquitoes run rampant; this is particularly true during this time of the year. Protect yourself and your family with repellents such as creams, sprays, or citronella. This is particularly true for those living in areas where dengue or malaria epidemics have broken out. Make sure to apply during the time when mosquitoes are most active, which are during sunrise and sunset.
Easy-to-Prepare Food
Kitchen setups may differ per family, but the commonalities are the same: we all need to eat. During the rainy season, it’s important to keep stock of food that is easy to prepare. While instant noodles are always a good choice, make sure that there is a way to prepare them. Will there be hot water at home?
Canned goods are great too, but is there a manual can opener with which to open them with? Consider what kinds of food are easiest to prepare, whether they be biscuits, microwaveable meals, or something else.
Little treats here and there might be good for bringing up the mood too. A box of hot chocolate or ingredients for a cozy soup might make the gloomy weather a little brighter.
Power Bank
Make sure all power banks are charged, especially when it starts to rain. Invest in one that carries a higher capacity, preferably a power bank that can deliver more than one full cycle of charge. Make sure to prioritize the most important gadgets first, such as your mobile phone.
Portable Wi-Fi
Investing in portable Wi-fi is a good idea, especially during the rainy season. Aside from being able to take it anywhere you need to go (in case of evacuations), it’s also rechargeable, meaning that when power outages strike, you likely still have enough juice to contact the necessary people in your family or at work. Just make sure to recharge and check its battery when not constantly in use.
Rain Gear
As much as we love to stay home during a typhoon, sometimes, stepping out becomes a necessity. Make sure you have the proper rain gear to get you to the places you need to be. These include umbrellas, rain coats, rain boots, and waterproof bags for your items. Ensure that you and the belongings you need to take with you are protected from rainfall!
