On Schooldays and Rainy Days

To debate whether it is a good idea or not to still start the school year in the Philippines in the month of June is not wise, for now. Sure, we can consider moving the beginning of classes by the fourth quarter of the year when there are less rains and typhoons, but for now, I guess what we all have to do is to be prepared for the rainy days.

The rains and typhoon season should not come as a surprise to Filipinos anymore, as this is how our country is situated. To say that we are not prepared is not an excuse. But again, like a lot of other conditions, to prepare for the typhoons is easier said than done.

I myself is guilty of not preparing an emergency bag, yet. I used to have a packed luggage for the family in case we need to evacuate, but after a year I decided to remove the contents as we needed the extra luggage for an out of the country trip. Since then, I haven’t gotten around to coming up with an emergency bag.
As of this writing, it is the beginning of July and the sun outside is high and mighty. If my estimate is correct, it is about 33 degrees in Manila right now. I am thankful for the sun, but I also know that the rainy season is soon to make itself felt in the country. Meaning, I have to get up and start preparing an emergency bag… which I prayerfully claim our family will never have to use. The thought of having to evacuate stresses and worries me, but that is another story.


So what exactly should go into the emergency bag? Here is a list I’ve come up with based on some quick research and my own personal discernment, based on my family’s needs and lifestyle.

Clothes for each member of the family – and this means at least 3 shirts, 3 underwear, 3 jeans or leggings, shorts for my daughter.

One bath towel for each member of the family – or the girls can share, since bath towels can be very bulky.

Face towels for hand washing, face washing, and to wipe off perspiration.

Hats or bonnets

Medicines – maintenance meds, paracetamol, cough and colds medicine, allergy meds, multi-vitamins both for kids and adult members of the family.

First aid kit – bandage, cotton balls and cotton swabs, Bactidol, Betadine, alcohol, agua oxinada, digital thermometer, ointment for insect bites.

Extra contact lenses and contact lens cleaner/solution – if applicable

Hair brush or comb

Toothbrush for each member of the family

Medium-sized toothpaste or toothpaste sachets (at least 3 sachets for each family member)

Tweezers and shavers (for eyebrows and underarm hair)

Sanitary napkins and panty liners

Diapers – if applicable

Travel sized lotion (the variety that’s safe for all family members) and loose powder (to keep dry from perspiration)

Shampoo and soap for the adults

Johnson’s Top to Toe Wash for the kids – this one always goes with us even during family vacays

Dipper or tabo – for Pinoys like us, bathing and washing is close to impossible without our tabo! Hehe.

Extra sneakers or sandals – I would recommend rubberized ones or crocs since they don’t easily slip.

Socks – at least two for each family member. These will also be helpful to ward off cold weather.

Shawl and a light-weight blanket

Flashlight with extra batteries. Tip: To prevent the flashlight’s switch from accidentally getting turned on inside the bag causing the batteries to get used up and empty, make sure you insert the batteries the wrong way (positive side goes to the negative pole and vice versa). Just fix them when ready to use. Another tip: pack smaller flashlights for the kids, too.

Holy Bible

Small notebook and around 3 pens.

Activity books, crayons, pencils, small puzzles, travel-sized board games, play cards for the kids.

A stuffed toy or a small bolster pillow for the little ones to hug and draw comfort from.

Hair clips and scrunchies

Photocopy of Important Documents – passport, insurance policies, bank statements, land titles, property titles, ID cards.

ATM card of your emergency fund.

Outdoor tent – one that’s recommended both for sun and rain. Get one that will not only fit the whole family, but even your luggages, too.

Foldable umbrellas, at least one for two family members.

Canned goods – get the easy-open cans. If you can’t find those, or you find them more expensive, pack along a can opener.

Instant noodle – I personally prefer the ones that come in cups already.

Spoons, forks and a knife – stay away from the plastic disposable ones. Utensils don’t get too much space in your bag so it wont hurt if you bring your stainless utensils. One spoon and fork set for each family member

Chips and chocolates – times spent outside the home become less stressful when there are chips and sweets around.

At least three kilos of rice

Instant juices – okay, not healthy. But for me these times can be an exemption. Besides, you can’t pack fresh fruits in the emergency bag anyway.

3-in-1 Coffee

Abaniko or fan

Cash!

Garbage bags.

There, I’m sure there are more stuff I should include in the list. But it all depends on the size of the family, if there are infants or family members with special needs, and on the lifestyle of your family.

Just the same, let’s all be prepared but also pray that we will never have to evacuate and that the Lord will spare the Philippines from any more deadly calamities this year and the coming ones.