Though we usually associate summer vacations with lots of fun in the sun, occasionally you may run into a brief rain shower or two. Moreover, if you’re planning to spend your vacation in the Philippines, you’ll definitely encounter a few monsoon storms, or worse, a typhoon!
Summer in the Philippines usually starts from March ‘til May. However, weather has been unpredictable in the recent years as attributed to climate change. Flooding and typhoon can be experienced as early as March. Daily weather is equally tricky — scorching sun in the morning and a downpour in the afternoon.
Let your love ones get prepared for the unpredictable weather by sending these important items with us at Metrobox Cargo, the premier freight forwarding service based in Hayward, CA:
Food grade safe water containers – The Philippine Red Cross recommends having enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours for everyone in the household. Store clean water in airtight food grade safe containers. Allocate at least one gallon (3.78 liters) per person per day for both drinking and washing.
Water purification supplies – Store enough purification tablets for your household; one tablet can purify one liter of water for drinking. Alternatively, you can use unscented household liquid bleach containing 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Add about 16 drops or ⅛ teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented versions or those combined with other cleaners.
Non-perishable food – Store only non-perishable food such as canned goods (tuna, pork and beans, luncheon meat, vienna sausage), freeze dried/air dried snacks, dried fruit, and whole grain/protein bars. For family members that are hypoglycemic, stock up on canned sweetened fruit juice and candy. Also, include baby formula and baby paraphernalia (bottles, bottled baby food, etc.), if needed. Ensure that you have food that is sufficient enough to last three days for everyone in your household.
If your family has pets, don’t forget to include enough pet food and water for them as well.
Emergency Tools/Gear – The following are must-haves and should be organized and kept together along with the non-perishable food, preferably in large plastic storage bins like those made by Rubbermaid.
Multipurpose knife such as Swiss Army knife
Manual can opener
Flashlight and batteries
Self-powered radio (hand cranked and solar)
Battery packs or cell phone chargers
Trash bags – large/extra large (not only for trash but also for hygienic purposes)
Plastic sheeting / tarp
Glow sticks
Rope (not nylon)
Blankets
Backpack ( waterproof is ideal, water resistant minimum)
Medicine dropper for bleach (water purification)
Mess kits or disposable plates and cutlery
Standard first aid kit and supplies
Personal Effects and Hygiene Kit – Don’t forget to include these as well:
Extra set of clothes for all the members of your household
Soap
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Towels (super absorbent and dries easily)
Comb/brush
Hand sanitizers
Sanitary napkins
Other – These are important considerations particularly for special members of your family household such as elderly, young children, and sick family relatives:
Medication (prescribed by a physician, over-the-counter medicine for pain/fever like paracetamol and ibuprofen, decongestants like Sinutab, and for allergies like Zyrtec and Benadryl)
Arts and Crafts materials such as Crayons, colored pencils, paper, and coloring books to keep young children entertained
Board games and playing cards for everyone
Small toys that can be easily packed and stowed
In summary, when planning and preparing for your vacation in the Philippines, consider also putting together and sending a contingency emergency kit ahead of time, in case you and your family encounter unpleasant and unpredictable weather. Finally, as a freight forwarding service company based in Hayward, CA, Metrobox Cargo ships all year round, from balikbayan-sized boxes to motor vehicles and up to 40-foot container shipments.
So go ahead and ship your contingency emergency kit as soon as possible so you can fully enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
Metro Box Cargo is a freight forwarding services company established in 2013 with two main offices – at Hayward, CA in the United States and at Teachers Village in Quezon City in the Philippines. Founded by Egay Tajonera, and his wife Mabelle, they are passionate in providing exceptional service to the Filipino community. Our company provides personalized, reliable, on-time customized door to door service for balikbayan boxes, container shipments, loose cargo and odd-sizes shipments. We also offer vehicle shipping services for cars and motorcycles.
Our friendly and helpful staff, as well as our authorized agents, are available to assist you and answer questions you may have. We have locations in northern and southern California: our two main warehouses are located in Hayward and Santa Fe Springs, and our five drop off locations can be found inside Island Pacific stores. Feel free to call or stop by. Please visit our website at www.metroboxcargo.com for more details.