08/11/2025
Cebu’s floods proved how fast “just rain” can turn deadly.
Hopefully it won’t happen again, but with approaching, it’s smart to prepare, especially for flash floods.
These are the survival tips most people never think about until it’s already too late. ⚓🌧️
FLASH FLOOD SURVIVAL GUIDE: THE TIPS PEOPLE ONLY LEARN AFTER A DISASTER ⚠️🌊
(Hopefully it won’t happen when hits, but if it does, this might save your life.)
1. Create a way to reach your roof.
If your house has no roof access, make one now. Prepare a ceiling hatch or an area you can break open easily. Once floodwater fills the stairs, you’re trapped.
2. Keep a real ladder nearby.
Not a chair, not a table, an actual ladder or sturdy wooden steps. Floods hit at night and in the dark. You won’t have time to improvise.
3. Keep basic rescue tools ready.
A hammer, axe, or crowbar within reach. You might need to break through a window, ceiling, or wooden wall to escape.
4. Freeze water in bottles early.
They keep your food cold when power’s out, and once melted, they’re safe drinking water. Freeze several bottles, don’t rely on one jug.
5. Seal floor drains and toilets.
Floodwater pushes up from pipes. Use thick rags, plastic, or tape. You’ll thank yourself when dirty water doesn’t bubble into your house.
6. Turn off and raise all electricals.
Unplug everything, move extension cords and appliances higher, and switch off the main breaker before floodwater arrives.
7. Keep your LPG tank high and secure.
Disconnect it, tighten the valve, and tie it upright in a safe corner. Gas leaks during floods are invisible killers.
8. Prepare DIY flotation aids.
Tie together sealed bottles, gallon jugs, or Styrofoam boxes with rope. Even a few can keep one person afloat. (anything that will float)
9. Secure pets with float support.
Use crates lined with sealed bottles or attach tied jugs to collars with rope. Don’t leave pets caged below, they panic and drown quickly.
10. Pack an “elevated survival kit.”
Store it high, near your escape route. Include flashlight, whistle, small radio, lighter, rope, first aid, dry snacks, and water.
11. Sleep in clothes you can escape in.
Wear warm, light, quick-dry clothe, something you can move in fast. Flash floods strike in seconds, often while people are asleep.
12. Charge and seal your essentials.
Keep your powerbanks, IDs, documents, and cash in waterproof bags. Store them near your grab bag, not in drawers.
13. Keep your car and pets on higher ground before it rains.
Don’t wait until the road turns into a river.
14. Store light sources in every room.
Headlamps, battery lamps, or candles inside jars (to prevent tipping). Floods always cut power first.
15. Fill your washing machine and tubs, or any container with water
For cleaning or flushing once the tap runs dry. Not drinking water, but still essential. ( if flash flood will not happen )
16. Prepare reflective signals on your roof.
Bright cloth, mirror, or flashlight ready. When trapped on a roof, visibility is life.
17. Keep ropes ready for tying and towing.
Tie yourself or others to sturdy points if current is strong, or use it to pull someone in safely.
18. Don’t rely on cars as shelter.
Cars float, flip, and trap. Once water reaches the tires, abandon it.
19. Memorize your neighborhood’s high points.
Know which buildings, schools, or hills are safe. GPS won’t help when the signal dies.
20. Have one “meeting point” for your family.
Choose a nearby high ground or relative’s home where everyone will regroup if separated.
21. Prepare garbage bags for waterproofing.
Large trash bags work as ponchos, dry storage, or makeshift flotation aids when sealed with air.
22. Bring pets and small children close during heavy rain.
Don’t assume you’ll have time to find them when floodwater rushes in.
23. And if it starts flooding fast, don’t wait. Just go up.
That’s why it’s called a flash flood, it happens in a flash. Your best chance is height and speed. Don’t wait for an official alert. Go up fast.
24. If water reaches your roof, stay calm, stay visible, conserve energy.
Make noise periodically, flash lights, or wave bright fabric. Rescue teams scan for motion and color first.
25. If rescue takes long, use floating debris wisely.
Plastic containers, foam, or coolers can support you. Stay near stable structures. Keep everyone together. (This is just a last resort )
