When disasters hit without warning, being on the road can turn from routine to risky in seconds.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or commuting by bus or motorcycle, you need to know what to do.
Recent disasters like the powerful earthquake that shook Thailand and Myanmar remind us how quickly things can change.
Here’s how to stay safe and make the right moves when disaster strikes during your travels.
1. Stay Calm and Check Your Surroundings
Everything starts with your mindset.
Panic makes things worse.
So the first thing to do is to breathe and take a second to look around.
Are there falling objects?
Is there water rising?
Are power lines down?
If you are in a car, slow down and pull over safely.
If you’re on a motorcycle, stop and find shelter or park away from trees, posts, or buildings.
Look for stable ground.
Avoid standing under signage, power lines, or anything that could collapse.
Staying calm helps you decide what to do next — not just for you, but also for your passengers and those around you.
2. Follow Disaster Safety Steps
Different disasters need different actions.
Here’s what to do depending on the situation:
If there’s an earthquake:
Pull over right away to a safe spot.
Avoid stopping under bridges, flyovers, or anything tall.
Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on.
Wait until the shaking ends.
If there’s a flood:
Never drive into flooded roads.
Water may look shallow, but it can hide holes or strong currents.
Turn around and look for a higher and safer path.
If there’s a typhoon or heavy rain:
Visibility can drop fast.
If you can’t see clearly or the wind is strong, find a safe place to stop.
Do not risk it.
Wait until the worst part of the storm passes before moving again.
Always think: “Is this safe enough for me to stay or should I move?”
If the answer is “I’m not sure,” it’s better to stop and wait.
3. Use Your Emergency Tools Wisely
When something goes wrong, your vehicle becomes your first lifeline.
Make it count.
Use hazard lights to signal distress.
This tells others that you’ve stopped for safety, not by choice.
Have an emergency kit in your car or motorcycle box.
This should include:
- Bottled water
- Easy-to-eat snacks
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Basic medicines
- A fully charged power bank
If you have passengers, make sure everyone stays inside unless it’s dangerous to do so.
Use your phone smartly — avoid draining the battery unless you’re making important calls or checking for updates.
4. Call for Help When Needed
If you’re stuck and it feels unsafe, do not wait too long.
Call for help.
Dial 911 or the nearest barangay or police station.
Give clear details — your location, what happened, and if someone is hurt.
If your vehicle insurance includes roadside assistance, call their emergency hotline.
Some towing services also work during typhoons or floods.
If you see someone else in danger, don’t rush to help unless you’re trained.
Call the authorities instead.
They are better equipped and trained for rescue.
5. Stay Updated and Follow Alerts
Knowledge can save lives.
Stay informed during the disaster using trusted sources.
If there’s signal, check updates from:
- NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council)
- PAGASA (Philippine weather authority)
- Local government units on social media or radio
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates, road closures, or floods.
But if signal is lost, rely on your car radio if available.
Stay tuned.
Instructions may change depending on how bad the situation gets.
6. Know the Evacuation Routes
Some areas have set evacuation routes during large-scale disasters.
You need to know them ahead of time.
Ask your barangay or city hall about the main roads used during emergencies.
If you’re often driving in new places, take time to learn exits, alternate routes, and landmarks.
When authorities tell you to evacuate, do not wait.
Pack up, follow the assigned path, and don’t take shortcuts.
Flooded roads or blocked paths may trap you.
Follow traffic enforcers and emergency volunteers.
They are there to guide people to safety.
READ ALSO: List of Common Road Emergencies and How to Handle Them
Lessons from Real-Life Events
A few weeks ago, strong earthquakes hit Thailand and Myanmar.
Some Filipino tourists and overseas workers were caught in the chaos.
Imagine if that happened while you were on EDSA or a mountain road.
Would you know what to do?
These stories remind us that disaster planning isn’t just for doomsday preppers.
It’s for anyone who uses the road — every single day.
You don’t need fancy gear or expensive kits.
What you need is knowledge, readiness, and a heart that stays steady in the middle of the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I’m riding public transport during a disaster?
Ask the driver to stop at a safe place if possible.
Stay calm and wait for the disaster to pass.
Avoid exiting the vehicle unless there’s an immediate danger.
2. Can motorcycles be safe during floods or earthquakes?
Motorcycles are more vulnerable.
Avoid riding during storms or when flood alerts are raised.
If an earthquake hits, stop and move away from tall objects.
3. What if my child or senior parent is with me during a disaster?
Keep them close and calm.
Stay inside the vehicle unless it’s unsafe.
Offer water, snacks, or comfort items while waiting for help.
4. Is it safe to film or take photos during a disaster on the road?
Safety comes first.
Unless you are safe and secure, avoid using your phone for anything other than checking updates or calling for help.
Conclusion
Disasters may arrive without warning, but your response doesn’t have to be uncertain.
Stay alert.
Stay calm.
Stay safe.
Pack your emergency kit.
Practice your safety steps.
And always be ready to help — or to ask for help.
The more we prepare, the more lives we protect.
And when the road shakes, floods, or blows with heavy wind, we’ll know exactly what to do.
Not out of panic.
But out of preparation.