Modern Homemakers

How To Reduce The Floods At Home And Outside

by Kevyn Gohu
July 24, 2025

With the Philippines always getting hit by typhoons, here are some ways parents can flood-proof their homes.

The rainy season in the Philippines brings a familiar mix of cozy mornings, cancelled classes, and, for many families, a creeping fear of floodwater breaking into the home. As parents, it’s not just about property—it’s about our children’s safety, comfort, and sense of security. And while we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it.

Here’s an easy guide to flood-proofing your home—one practical step at a time.

With the Philippines always getting hit by typhoons, here are some ways parents can flood-proof their homes.

1. Start Small With Little Home Improvements

We know not every home is built the same, and not every budget allows for major renovations. That’s okay; we can flood-proof our houses and reduce the flooding in our homes with these simple steps:

Seal up low-level leaks: Use silicone or waterproof sealants around doors, windows, and wall cracks to keep rainwater from seeping in.
Keep the sockets covered: If they’re not elevated, then we can use one of those socket covers to prevent the water from going in. All the better if you can cut off the electricity in that particular area.
Store and pack your garbage: What usually causes floods inside and outside is the garbage from homes. Instead of just folding up boxes and big plastic bags, use them to contain smaller pieces of garbage. That way, it’s also easy to remove it should they create a blockage.
Use flood barriers or “trapal” sheets: some even just recycle steel sheets or plastic boards, taping them to the wall to prevent water from seeping in.

2. Make a Family Flood Readiness Plan

Children feel safer when they know there’s a plan. So talk them through it in a calm, reassuring way.

Create a “Baha Box” or go-bag: Include essentials like a flashlight, whistle, clean clothes, important documents in zip-locks, snacks, bottled water, meds, a charger, and a small toy or comfort item for the kids.
Practice flood drills: Much like a fire drill, calmly walk through what to do when the water starts rising. Assign small roles to older kids—they’ll feel empowered instead of afraid.
Talk about the what-ifs: There’s no sugarcoating calamities and disasters. Make sure the kids know who to call, what to do when mommy and daddy aren’t around, and where to go if the floods get worse.

3. Protect What Matters Most

If floods are common in your area, consider these longer-term options:

Raise furniture or invest in modular ones: Use hollow blocks or rubber risers under beds, cabinets, and tables.
Use waterproof storage: Store important documents, photos, and irreplaceable keepsakes in labeled plastic bins or plastic bags.
Invest in home insurance or disaster coverage (if possible): Some local banks and cooperatives offer affordable flood or calamity coverage that could give you peace of mind.

4. Stay Calm, Connected, and Compassionate

Children mirror our energy. If we panic, they panic. But if we speak with confidence, they feel protected—even in uncertain weather.

Keep the lines of communication open: Let them ask questions. Say, “Yes, it’s raining hard—but we’ve prepared, and we’re ready. You’re safe with us.”
Limit doom-scrolling: Choose one or two reliable sources like PAGASA and NDRRMC for weather updates.
Lean on community: Stay in touch with neighbors or parenting groups. A simple “Kamusta kayo?” during heavy rain makes a difference.

5. After the Flood: Take Care of You, Too

When the waters subside, cleanup can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to grieve things that were damaged. And it’s okay to ask for help.

We can control the floods at home

We know how heavy the news can feel right now. But parenting through the storm—both literally and emotionally—doesn’t mean going it alone. Typhoon Dante and Tropical Depression Emong may be coming in at the same time, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way to weather them.

And if we know some family members or people who have been battered by Typhoon Crising, then let’s extend help where and when we can. “Raising a child takes a village,” they say. These are one of those times when we are called to be that village.