'Yolanda' Super Typhoon Lesson: What To Do When You're Caught in a Typhoon Unprepared [EXPERT INTERVIEW]

Super typhoon Haiyan's arrival in the Philippines struck fear to a nation that is used to getting strong winds and lots of rain. Although the landfall of Haiyan, locally known in the Southeast Asian country as Yolanda, is highly publicised, there are still many who are caught in the hurricane-like force of Haiyan unprepared.

In an interview with IBTimes Australia, rescue and disaster preparedness expert Ralph Atienza-Mckenzie answers questions that a person caught in a storm should know when unprepared for such a situation. Atienza-Mckenzie, who served in the military, led a local rescue team in the Philippines.

Salucop: What should the people in affected areas prepare for in the coming days now that Haiyan has arrived in the country?

Atienza-Mckenzie: There are a lot of things that Filipinos should prepare for when it comes to storms but it is vital to take a look at structures in most places in the Philippines especially those areas that are affected now. Even if the Philippines is prone to typhoons, most structures are made out of light materials which in cases like Haiyan, these structures don't give adequate protection.

I would like to say that preparation takes months or years and there is a need for the government to actually work on disaster preparedness way before the typhoon season comes.

In the case of those who are unprepared, the most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings. Different procedures would be necessary for different locations. If you live beside a river, if you live beside a mountain slope, things like these.

Salucop: What are the most common problems you've seen on how local government units or agencies in the Philippines operate when disasters like typhoons hit the country?

Atienza-Mckenzie: Well it is sad to say that most local government agencies are one, not really prepared in dealing with any kind of natural disasters. When it comes to equipment, they will only think of procuring it or buying it, for example, rubber boats, when the disaster already happened. There is no foresight and they always tend to allocate budget for anything and everything except for disaster preparedness equipment. I'm a strong believer to better have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Salucop: What should a person in rural areas affected do in this situation if say, their home is not sturdy enough?

Atienza-Mckenzie: If you are in doubt that your home can give you a sense of protection, it is always advisable to evacuate yourself and your family to government-provided facilities.

Salucop: What if the government structures aren't nearby? What should one do then?

Atienza-Mckenzie: You can do precautionary measures by tying down your home with ropes to hold it down especially if it is one of those nipa huts. If you are out in the street, you seek shelter. It is important not to stay out in the open because of flying debris. You should stay away from trees, power lines -these are the basics. If you are in a low -lying area seek higher ground because with storms like Haiyan, it is likely that there will be flooding.

It all boils down to foresight. Since the Philippines is always hit by storms and other natural disasters, people should always be prepared with items like water, food, dry clothes especially if you live in a remote area where it is difficult for the government to actually reach you. But of course, let's say you are unprepared, the first thing to do is contact relatives who are elsewhere and tell them where you are and who is with you. If you don't have your own communication system, try to get updates about your situation through your relatives or friends who have access to the internet, TV channels, etc. If you are in distress, you can also contact your friends or family who are elsewhere in the Philippines to coordinate with say, the Red Cross or with respective government agencies that can help you.

Salucop: I have seen people go on rooftops when their homes and their surrounding area are already flooded, what can you say about this?

Going to the rooftop during a typhoon is a big no-no even if your surroundings are already flooded because you have to remember that flying debris are more dangerous than a few feet of floodwater. People most of the time do that to attract attention of rescuers but there is an easier and safer way that will bring the same effect. They can use, for example, a white table cloth or blanket and writing in big bold letters getting the message out that help is needed.

The basics of disasters are the same, foresight and preparedness are still the most important but as I said, if unprepared the things I've mentioned are the only things a person in this particular situation can do. It is very limited considering that you are talking about individuals who are truly unprepared for Haiyan but it will help.