Bagyong Julian

As Typhoon Julian bears down on us, I can't help but remember the last time we faced a storm of this magnitude. It was Typhoon Haiyan, and it left a trail of devastation that still haunts me today.

I remember the wind howling like an banshee, so strong it seemed like it could tear the roof off our house. The rain was relentless, flooding the streets and making it impossible to go outside. We huddled together in the center of our house, praying that the storm would pass quickly.

But Julian isn't Haiyan. It's a different storm, and we're better prepared this time. We have stronger building codes, more robust emergency response systems, and a community that is more resilient than ever before.

I'm not saying that Julian is not a threat. It is. But I believe that we can weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side.

Here are a few things we can do to stay safe during Typhoon Julian:

• Stay informed about the storm's path and intensity. This information is available from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website or from local news outlets.
• Secure your home. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked. Bring in any outdoor furniture or other objects that could be blown away by the wind.
• Stock up on food and water. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three days' supply of food and water for each person in your household.
• Plan an evacuation route. In case of an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home. Have a plan in place so that you know where you will go and how you will get there.

I know that Typhoon Julian is a serious threat, but I also know that we can get through this together. By following these tips, we can stay safe and help our community weather this storm.