Blog Number SEVEN: Public Storm Signals

Since we have already discussed things about weather patterns and disturbances, we also ought to know some important things (like warnings and signals) to help us maintain the safety atmosphere.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA is a Philippine national institution dedicated to provide flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecasts and advisories, meteorological, astronomical, climatological, and other specialized information and services primarily for the protection of life and property and in support of economic, productivity and sustainable development.

One of the forms of public warning and advisory they provide is the Public Storm Signals. As a young student scientist, I have learned that Public Storm Signals are advisory intended to provide the public or crowd warnings about weather disturbances (like storms, cyclones, hurricanes). These signals warn people about wind patterns, rainfall amount and other associated things. A Public Storm Signal warning tells the people what they should expect and carries with it an advisory for them to take the necessary precautions. The following are the warnings and precautions under each signal according to JAIME M. FORTES, JR., Deputy Commissioner of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 1:

 A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours.

 very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the 

exposed community.

 Classes suspended in the elementary level.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 2:

 A moderate tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 Winds of greater than 60 kph to 100 may be expected in at least 24 hours.

 Large nipa and cogon houses maybe partially or totally unroofed.

 Classes suspended at the high school level.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 3:

 A strong tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

 Winds of greater than 100 kph to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

 There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.

 In general, moderate to heavy damage may be expected in both the agricultural and industrial

 Sea and coastal waters will be dangerous to all sea crafts.

 Classes suspended at the all levels.

PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO.4:

 A very intense typhoon will affect the locality

 Very strong winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

 Electric power distribution and communication service may be disrupted.

 Damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

Since these Public Storm Signals are now replaced by Color-coded signals, I want to know their differences. I also want to know how these government institutions can implement or come up with these signals.

I appreciate the fact that government institutions made some efforts just to warn people. It shows their concern for others. I also appreciate the fact that Filipinos, especially during calamities go hand in hand.

I can apply my learning and insights in keeping not only myself safe, but also of the people whom I love. These things can help me warn others so that safety will remain.