10 items you should have in your emergency bag

MANILA, Philippines - The World Safety Organization declared Nov. 8, 2015 as the first World Disaster Preparedness Day. But since catastrophes and other devastating mishaps are mostly unpredictable, people are encouraged to look after themselves at all times, starting by having their own all-around emergency life kit.

Living in a country that finds itself at the mercy of typhoons, survival kit will spell a difference in a person's life. A basic emergency kit, according to survival checklist based from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council/Project DINA, should include the following:

1. Drinking water
2. Flashlight and batteries
3. Candles and matches
4. Whistle
5. First aid kit
6. Emergency medication (medicines for fever, diarrhea, wound, etc.)
7. Portable radio with batteries
8. Ready to eat food - crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, canned goods, sweet hard candies
9. Blanket
10. Personal effects/sanitary supplies (extra clothing, undergarments, tissue, soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.)

Other items you can add:

1. Old newspapers
2. Rain coat and boots
3. Slippers
4. IDs with blood type and important documents
5. Money
6. Pen and paper
7. Rope (avoid nylon)

Ayala Malls in collaboration with Luna Collective of Cebu also came up with an emergency bag that can significantly help Filipinos in times of emergency. For every 2 bags bought, the other one will be given to someone who needs it the most such as those from Habitat Humanity, Batang Munti Foundation, orphans at Little Angels Home,etc.