US, UK to nationals in RP: Take precautions vs typhoons

With the passing of tropical cyclone "Basyang" (Conson) in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, the United States and United Kingdom advised their nationals in the Philippines to take proper safety precautions during the typhoon season. The US Embassy, in a warden message Wednesday, said the rainy season associated with the southwest monsoon, is generally expected to last until the end of September. "In preparation for the Typhoon season, the US Embassy encourages US Citizens to take the following precautionary measures in order to ensure minimal disruption or damage should a major weather event occur," the US Embassy said in its warden message. The safety precautions include: * Keep an up-to-date list of local emergency phone numbers; * Secure loose outdoor items, such as limbs, roofing material, windows (coverings), doors, patio furniture, debris (trash), etc.; * Keep vehicle fuel, generator fuel, and water tanks at no less than 2/3 capacity; * Check and charge radios; * Charge cell phones; * Protect your vital travel documents (i.e. US Passport, Birth Certificate, and picture) from potential water damage by placing them in a waterproof container; * Gather flashlights, tools, and first aid supplies; * Procure fresh batteries, hand-held radios (battery or crank operated), candles, matches, water, non-perishable food, pet supplies, and ice; * Assure an adequate supply of prescription medications; * Stay home and let your family & office know how you plan to weather the storm; and * After the storm has passed, contact your family in the United States to let them know you are okay. "In general, use prudent judgment to plan ahead for any surprises or hardships," the Embassy said. Additional information is available at the following sites: US government, American Red Cross, Philippine Red Cross, or NDCC for emergency preparedness planning. If the Embassy public phone number 301-2000 is not operational, US Citizens who require emergency assistance may contact the American Citizens Services section through acsinfomanila@state.gov, the US Embassy Facebook page, or by calling the United States at the following numbers: 202-501-4444 (if calling from outside the United States or Canada) or 1-888-407-4747 (if calling from within the United States or Canada). Should a typhoon occur, visa applicants with appointments should first verify if the Embassy is open for business before proceeding to the Embassy. If the Embassy is closed, applicants will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointments on a priority basis. Applicants may also contact the Embassy call center at 1-909-101-7878, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details are also available at Philippines US-visa services. In the event of an Embassy closure, those people with appointments at the Veterans Clinic or Veterans Affairs Regional Office should be advised that Veterans' Affairs personnel will call all those with appointments and reschedule on a priority basis. Contact information for Veterans Affairs is as follows: Clinic: 011-63-2-833-4566 to 69, toll free number outside of Manila: 180018888782. Regional Office: 011-63-2-528-2500, toll free number outside of Manila: 180018885252. Similarly, the United Kingdom advised its nationals in the Philippines to take precautions against typhoons. In an advisory updated Thursday (Manila time), the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office also noted flooding and landslides may occur during this season. "The typhoon season in the Philippines normally runs from July to November however typhoons can affect the country at any time. Over twenty tropical cyclones hit the country each year. This is also the rainy season and flooding and landslides may occur," it said. It added tropical depressions and cyclones typically bring strong winds and rain to the Visayas and Luzon regions. Particular care should be taken when traveling to Northern Luzon and the Bicol, Samar and Leyte regions, it added. The FCO advised British nationals to access the latest information on the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) website. "During the typhoon season you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities. You can also access Typhoon2000 for updates," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV