While we were being pelted by torrential rains last week, PAGASA kept us up-to-date with weather conditions and gave out color-coded warning signals when needed. Frankly, I paid no heed to these signals except when I would hear the RED warning signal. The color RED is always used to indicate emergency situations so most know that a red warning signal necessitates immediate action. However, it is useful to take note of the less serious warnings too as they can be good signposts of when it’s time to carry out some precautionary maintenance to your home. For example, if heavy rains are on the way it’s a really good idea to hire the services of a company like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Cincinnati to make sure your gutters are clear, otherwise blockages could cause the rain to enter your home. Our home is situated on fairly high ground and is at a safe distance from the nearest river. We were not spared from flood though when Typhoon Ondoy ravaged the city so, since then, we would always monitor weather conditions and water levels during the rainy season.

Last week’s heavy rains was not brought by a typhoon though but were due to the southwest monsoon. It would have been easier to understand Typhoon signal warnings during that time as we all know that the weather worsens when signals are raised from 1 to 4. It is no wonder that the President himself asked PAGASA to make their color-coded warning signals easier to understand. If I remember right, he suggested using cups or glasses to illustrate the amount of rainfall so people would understand what these colors signify.

If, like me, you are also unaware of what the signals really mean, here’s an infographics I found from the Official Gazette.

These signals are very important to those who are living in low-lying areas and those who live near waterways. It really pays to be prepared for any disaster that may happen and it is equally important to monitor environmental conditions during calamities. You may visit the PAGASA website for real-time weather, rainfall warning signals, and flood forecasts. If you live in Marikina, you may view real-time water levels of the Marikina River through the Marikina City Government website.

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