The Philippines only has two seasons: dry and rainy. Though we’re already supposed to be easing into the dry season, chances are you’ll still find yourself caught in a sudden downpour when you least expect it.
Although the rainfall has become worse in recent years, it’s not something to be scared of if you’re not prepared. Consider having these items in your bag, car, or office desk to make sure you don’t get caught off guard the next time the clouds darken while you’re out!
Umbrella
In the Philippines, it’s an absolute staple to have an umbrella on your person at all times because you’ll never know when it’s gonna rain. You don’t necessarily need to bring a big umbrella everywhere you go. You can pack a small foldable one that can easily be stashed inside your bag. It’s lightweight and compact and can easily protect you from both rain and shine!
Rain Boots or Shoe Covers
Sometimes when it rains, it really pours. Floods are a common sight after a heavy rain so it’s best to be well prepared. So it’s a must to bring rain boots with you to keep your feet dry and protected. If bringing rain boots with you is too much of a hassle, you can choose to bring a shoe cover or overshoe that’s rainproof to prevent your shoes from getting wet.
Raincoat
Even though umbrellas can shield us from the rain, it doesn’t offer 100% protection as strong downpours and winds can still get us wet. Bringing a raincoat can help solve this problem as it will prevent your outfit from getting wet and having to wear wet clothes.
Powerbank & Charger
Always have a powerbank ready: heavy rain equals heavy traffic so chances that your phone will die during transit will be higher. Make sure to always charge your powerbank up to 100% so when your phone dies and you’re nowhere near an electrical outlet, you can still be able to communicate with loved ones on each other’s whereabouts.
Snack & Water
Continuous severe rainfall can leave us stranded in one area for hours, possibly where there aren’t any nearby places to eat. Keep a light snack like a granola bar or some crackers that you can easily pop in your mouth and a bottle of water to fight off hunger and thirst.
First Aid Kit
Bringing an emergency kit isn’t something we usually bring on normal occasions but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you find yourself wading through a flooded area, bacteria in the water could lead to significant health problems, so it doesn’t hurt to bring a mini first aid kit, with at least a small bottle of disinfectant, gauze and bandages for cuts.
Stay Informed
The best way to know what to do or what to bring is to always be updated with the weather forecast. Watch the news for the daily forecast or keep track of the weather with an app.