Safety Emergencies Disasters Guide Philippines

• 1The national emergency number 911 saved
• 2Local contacts: building security, barangay, city disaster office, nearest hospital, insurer, embassy
• 3A small go-bag: water, medication, document copies, torch, power bank, cash, first aid, masks
• 4Two ways out of the building and an agreed meeting point

1. 1

   Save 911 and the local emergency contacts in your phone today.

2. 2

   Build a go-bag and keep it accessible.

3. 3

   Learn two ways out of your building and agree a meeting point.

4. 4

   If you live near the coast, a river or a slope, learn the evacuation route before the rainy season.

5. 5

   During a severe storm, charge devices, secure loose objects and follow local instructions.

6. 6

   Never drive through moving or unknown floodwater.

7. 7

   Register with your embassy if it offers a traveller-registration service.

Prepare before the rainy season (June–November) and before any storm alert. Evacuation routes should be known before you need them.

Typhoons hit most of the country; flooding is chronic in low-lying areas like parts of Metro Manila and Banilad (Cebu). Earthquakes and volcanic activity affect specific regions. Check official weather and disaster updates rather than forwarded warnings.

This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.

• Relying on old social-media graphics for emergency numbers instead of official directories.
• Driving through floodwater — a leading cause of storm fatalities.
• Having no go-bag or meeting point until a disaster is imminent.
• Expecting embassies to replace local police, doctors, insurers or immigration authorities.
• Forwarding unverified warnings instead of checking official sources.