Typhoon Safety Tips from SM

When the skies darken and storm alerts dominate the news, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Typhoons in the Philippines are growing stronger and less predictable, but with the right tools and information, you can weather any storm safely. Here are five life-saving tips to help protect your home and family.

Stay Informed. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Tune in to trusted weather bulletins and updates from credible sources. A rechargeable vintage radio from Surplus ensures you stay connected even during power outages—no WiFi or signal needed.

Be Ready. Don’t wait until it’s too late to gather your emergency essentials. Ready-to-use first aid kits from Watsons and flashlights, batteries, ropes, and emergency tools from Ace Hardware can make all the difference. And remember to withdraw cash in advance, since ATMs may be inaccessible during or after a storm.

Stock Food Supplies. Secure at least three days’ worth of clean drinking water and ready-to-eat food. Visit SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket ahead of time to build your emergency pantry while supplies are still plenty.

Secure your Home. Before the storm hits, check for loose roofing, shaky windows, or rusted locks. Reinforce weak spots with tools, sealants, and home repair items from Ace Hardware, all under one roof at your nearest SM mall.

Prepare for Power Outages. Electricity is often the first thing to go during a storm. Stay comfortable and safe by investing in a portable generator. Ask the experts at Ace Hardware for energy-efficient options that can power your essentials without breaking the bank.

All these items and more are available at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela. Whether it’s a simple flashlight or a full emergency setup, you’ll find everything you need to stay storm-ready.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. And let SM help you weather any storm.

Trade Chief Encourages Consumers to Buy Local and Provides Christmas-Saving Tips

Christmas holidays traditionally bring Filipino families, relatives, and friends together. But how do we celebrate this special occasion without overspending on food or groceries for Noche Buena amid rising prices?

"To provide necessary guidance to our consumers and help them make informed choices, the DTI will continue to monitor the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities this Christmas season. We want to ensure that Filipino families have access to reasonably-priced goods and be able to have a bountiful celebration despite the current global development affecting prices of commodities", Trade Secretary Fred Pascual said during the pilot run of the Ikot Palengke Program of DTI held on 23 November 2022 in select supermarkets and public markets in Marikina City.

"It is important to keep track of your budget, spending habits, and know where to look for the best deals", he added, before offering some tips on how consumers can spend wisely this holiday season.

Tip No. 1: Plan what you will purchase ahead of time. Prepare a budget before you start shopping. Determine how much you can afford to spend on Christmas to avoid overspending, and then make a list of all your holiday commitments, including gifts, decorations, and travel.

Tip No. 2: Take advantage of the holiday season's sales, promos, and discounts. Select groceries and supermarkets usually offer promos, discounts, and sales during the holiday season. Taking advantage of this will help you save up and even acquire cashback offers.

Tips No.3: Use the DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin and Noche Buena Price Guide found on the DTI website to help you find the best value for money. There are brands that are cheaper and more affordable to meet your budget and needs.

Tip No. 4: Patronize the Diskwento Caravan (DC) or Rolling Store Caravans (RSC), which is still being conducted nationwide to bring quality BNPCs to consumers at a lower cost. DC or RSC is a DTI initiative in partnership with manufacturers and retailers of basic necessities and prime commodities. Through RSC, producers and manufacturers can sell agricultural and manufactured BNPCs directly to consumers at a lower price. This initiative lowers prices by 10% up to 15% from the SRP. Truly, it is “Presyong Panalo para sa Mamimiling Pilipino”.

Tip No. 5: Visit and participate in the Kadiwa ng Pasko (KnP) Trade Fairs, which aim to provide cheap and affordable agricultural products such as rice, sugar, vegetables, fruits, fresh meat products (pork, beef and chicken), fish and other seafood products, coffee, processed milk, instant noodles, condiments, local bags and footwear.

Secretary Pascual stressed that, “By shopping at the Kadiwa ng Pasko Centers, you are also supporting our local farmers, fishermen, manufacturers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).” Further, he announced the following schedules of the KnP Trade Fairs where producers and manufacturers will be selling essential foods at low prices in the NCR and across different regions as shown below:

The Trade Chief has pledged his full support to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s efforts to permanently establish Kadiwa rolling stores in every barangay across the country. This project is a revival of the original KADIWA program from the early 1980s, which was a farm-to-market supply chain and food distribution program that benefited low-income families.

"These rolling stores will help many consumers buy basic necessities like food products at lower prices, so keep an eye on the DTI Consumer Care Facebook page for the updated schedules of Kadiwa ng Pasko Trade Fairs and Rolling Stores Caravans which will be sustained until 2023", Secretary Pascual added.

Solane Achieves 22 Million Manhours without Lost Time Injury

Isla LPG, the company behind one of the most trusted LPG brands Solane, has achieved 22 million safe manhours for both its regular employees and contracted staff without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of April 2022.

This milestone in Health, Safety, Security and Environment means all Isla LPG employees and Isla partners, both in the plant and office, have not experienced any injury or accident that resulted to them being absent from work and thereby, losing productive work time. “At Isla LPG, we take safety seriously every step of the way, from our plants and offices to the transport of Solane LPG products to our valued customers and business partners,” said Tonito Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG. “We want all our employees and contracting partners to feel confident about our mission to provide safe and quality LPG accessible for Filipinos, and it starts with ensuring that they have a safe workplace.”

For Isla LPG, the 22M LTI-free manhours record means the company was able to achieve operations in the plant including gantry/cylinder filling, safe driving performance of haulers, no LTI in Isla’s plants and offices nationwide and no LTI for Isla contractors working on projects, installations, and partner sites.
“Safety is non-negotiable for Isla LPG. Just like how we put premium on the safety of our products through stringent measures and innovative technology, we also make sure that all our employees are working in a healthy, safe, secured, and environment-friendly workplace by integrating practices in all aspects of our businesses,” said Marvin Dela Fuente, HSSE Manager of Isla LPG.

Dela Fuente attributes this hard-earned milestone to the company’s efforts to combine regular trainings, documentations, plant operation programs and annual internal audit. He added that the company ensures that safety is instilled in everyone's hearts and minds.

“Aside from striving for zero LTI, our goal is to have no major plant operation accidents, major road transport accidents, total recordable occupational illnesses, security incidents and life-saving rules violations,” Dela Fuente added.

Isla LPG employees undergo weekly toolbox meetings to start their workweek and receive regular trainings on first aid, firefighting and Permit to Work-Job Hazards Analysis. In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Republic Act No 11058, Isla tapped Philippine Red Cross Trainers in June to conduct First Aid training for its security personnel, plant staff, and nominated employee first aiders.

Given the risk that comes with working with hazardous substances, Isla implements programs specifically for its plant operations. These include Emergency Response Procedures (ERP) where proactive and reactive approaches for plant operations are discussed and implemented, the Medical Response Strategy (MERS) where plant safety and high health standards are ensured, and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component where Isla works with the community surrounding its plants.

To review and ensure that safety procedures and practices are up-to-date and implemented, Isla also conducts annual internal safety audit on its plant operations, distributor operations, metal maintenance contractors and haulers.

Isla LPG Corp. (ILC), ISLA Petroleum & Gas Corporation’s subsidiary engaged in supply, trading, marketing and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the Philippines under the banner brand Solane (formerly Shellane), operates strategically located LPG refilling plants nationwide and has a vast network of distributors and retail stores.

5 Commuting Hacks in the New Normal

With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.

If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.

Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.

Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.

Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.

Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.

Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.

Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.

For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line.

4 Christmas Gift Ideas that are Useful amid the Pandemic

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without gift-giving. It's one of the easiest ways to share love and spark some joy among family and friends. However, with all the challenges we faced this 2020, our priorities have become clearer. So, this Yuletide season, instead of the usual toys or trinkets, you can give your loved ones something useful and significant during these times.

As you prepare for a socially distanced Christmas celebration, AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, offers some perfect gift ideas for your upcoming monito-monita.

Hobbies and passion kits. With community quarantines in place, you may know several people who have discovered a hidden talent or hobby during the lockdown. You can cheer on your family or friends as they take on this new skill or hobby by giving them tools or appliances that they may need to pursue their newfound passion. Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint set and brushes for the late-bloomer artist. Hobbies can help ease anxiety, beat stress, and give joy, while helping one spend time in a creative way.

Self-care products. Many people have become anxious over the unprecedented health crisis. Try giving them self-care kits that can lighten the mood and make your loved ones forget their worries. A few therapeutic items you can put in the self-care kit include mandala coloring books, essential oils, chocolate bars, and skincare products. As indoor plants continue to be a growing trend, your plantitos and plantitas would highly appreciate these greeneries as many of them find comfort in taking care of them.

Home office gadgets. The pandemic has forced a lot of employees to adapt to a new working environment. This Christmas, you can help them achieve a comfortable workspace at home by giving them essential supplies as gifts. Gadgets, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, are terrific options. For more affordable budget options, you can also give them computer accessories, a file storage, a planner, seat cushion, or other items for their desks. These gifts would surely relieve some stress and increase their productivity at home.

Financial protection. The pandemic has emphasized the importance of being prepared for life’s unforeseeable circumstances. With all the unexpected situations this year, it would be a great relief to know that there is a way to ensure protection for your future or that of your family. Insurance, for one, can help with this and offer peace of mind. AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget. With AXA MyLifeChoice, not only are you protected for life’s unexpected events, you also receive an investment fund, which you can use for your long-term goals or for your family. It may seem unusual, but the gift of security for your family, especially during these times, is something that is valuable even beyond the holiday season.

To know more about AXA MyLifeChoice, visit http://bit.ly/MyLifeChoiceProtect1.

Win P100K Worth of Credits from AXA Philippines!

With Christmas just around the corner, AXA Philippines, one of the country's leading insurance providers, presents an exciting holiday surprise for all of its life and general insurance customers – a chance to win P100K worth of GCash credits!

Now is your last chance to avail of this exciting opportunity! If you’re an AXA Philippines customer, all you have to do is update your contact information through the Emma by AXA app by December 15, 2020. Simply download the Emma by AXA app on the Google Play or App Store, register, update your information, and you’re all set!

Once you have updated your information, you will automatically have an entry to AXA Philippines' e-raffle where one life insurance customer and one general insurance customer will win the grand prize of P100,000 worth of GCash credits.

By downloading the Emma by AXA app, customers and non-customers alike also gain the added benefit of free access to 24/7 emergency services such as ambulance, fire, police, and roadside assistance through the Rescue Line feature – a must-have amid typhoon season and the ongoing pandemic.

The app also allows customers to monitor their policy online and conveniently access their funds, investments, transaction history, and AXA’s e-servicing features. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jbvq4

6 Helpful Tips for Home-Based Food Business Start-Ups

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine is that they gave way to many delicious food home business start-ups. However, while majority of the start-ups continue to thrive today, home-based food businesses take a lot of work and require thorough research and planning to survive the ever-changing market.

If you’ve also been thinking of starting your own food business, let Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, guide you and help you. The trusted LPG gas of many business owners, Solane helps guarantee safety and weighs your LPG with its “Timbang Challenge service” which is essential for food business owners who want to get the best value for their money. Additionally, Solane also offers these practical tips to succeed:

Know your target market. Identify which group your business will target: Is it the health buff or dessert lover? Millennials or moms? By knowing your target market, you will be able to narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers.

Conduct market research. Since the food industry is very competitive, it’s important to do your research before opening your own food business. Join online seminars, safe business networking events, and interview people who run small business to know what works and what doesn’t. You can also test your food recipes on your family and friends and ask for their feedback so you can make any necessary changes for the best product possible.

Prepare licenses and permits. Check with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and your local government unit to familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits when opening a business. These documents are required to protect public health and safety, keep track of your finances for tax purposes, and help keep you accountable for your company’s actions, while simultaneously gaining the trust of new customers.
 
Use quality equipment. Aside from the ingredients, the kitchen equipment that you use are just as essential in running a food business. Make sure to invest in durable kitchen equipment, such as an oven if your business is baked goods, or a quality stove range to keep up with the demands of your food business.

Prioritize safety. In any food business, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and sanitation to ensure food safety. Restaurant owners should provide adequate hand sanitizing solutions, require employees to regularly wash their hands, and clean all kitchen tools and surfaces. Food business owners should also use high quality and safe LPG tanks, such as Solane, which conducts a free 7-Point Safety Check upon delivery to your home to help ensure that the LPG tanks are safely installed.

Promote your business. Get your family and friends involved in helping you spread the word. Consider spending a little money to advertise your business in your online community groups, and social media. Maximize the social media platforms and e-commerce business sites by creating your own business page to help your start-up reach a bigger market.

Starting your own home-based food business may be a risk and an uphill battle, but with hard work, ample preparation, the right equipment, and these tips from Solane, you can begin this new venture with more confidence. To know more about Solane, visit www.solane.com.ph.

AXA Capitalizes on Tech to Help Customers achieve their Goals

As the country adapts to the new normal, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has embedded tech processes for their new product, Goal Getter, to provide convenience in achieving one’s goals amid the COVID-19 health crisis and community quarantine.

"Technology has helped individuals and businesses alike as the country adapts to the new normal. At AXA Philippines, we continue to shift our efforts and services to a modern platform so people can still build financial plans and secure their future even as we face uncertainties due to the current pandemic,” said AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora.

Goal Getter is an investment and life insurance plan that helps you build your funds so you can achieve financial independence and realize your goals, whether it’s starting a small business, getting a car or condominium, or pursuing a post-graduate degree. It is readily available online so no need to meet with an agent. You can get started right in the comfort and safety of your own home and be on your way to achieving your goals in three easy steps.

Through Goal Getter's online service, you can personalize your investment, enter your information, and pay. You can start with an initial payment of as low as Php10,000 and keep adding to it with as little as Php5,000 monthly top-ups.

Customers can choose to invest in either the Philippine Wealth Bond Fund or Chinese Tycoon Fund depending on their risk appetite. Goal Getter allows policyholders the freedom to choose how much and how long they want to build their savings fund for their specific life goals.

Since AXA Philippines is committed to provide the best protection for its customers and their families, Goal Getter also comes with life insurance coverage. The policyholder’s beneficiaries may receive 125 percent of the total premiums paid or the actual account value, whichever is higher.

After months of staying at home, perhaps it is time for you to get back on track of achieving your goals and all it takes is a few clicks.

To learn more about AXA Goal Getter, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/goalgetter.

Keeping the Family Team Spirit Alive in the New Normal

One silver lining of the pandemic is the new found closeness of many families who now enjoy a lot of time being together. The team spirit is strong during the lockdown as the crisis saw family members looking after one another’s safety and spending more time under one roof. As the country adapts to the new normal, AXA Philippines, the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, shares a game plan to maintain the closeness of your family—your no. 1 team—with or without a lockdown situation.

Schedule meals together at least once a week. Dining together allows the family to share their stories, thoughts, and even problems, with each other. Now that the lockdown has been eased and some are back to work at the office, continue to find time to bond and schedule meals as a family at least once or twice a week. Regularly eating meals together fosters a closer, more positive dynamic at home.

Protect each other through life’s ups and downs. Protecting one another is one of the greatest acts of love you can show your family. Helping them become financially secure is also one of the best ways to protect them. A good way to start is to have an insurance-investment plan that helps your family to continue living well in case of an untimely event. AXA Philippines’ Asset Master is a good example of an insurance product that allows you to diversify your investment, plan your estate, and protect your business.

Practice healthy habits together. Following a healthier lifestyle is easier and more fun when done with the company of people. As a bonding activity, schedule at least 30 to 60 minutes of workout sessions at least once a week with your family. Try running or playing sports together and then continue your health and wellness session by preparing nutritious meals together.

Be ‘together/apart’ with family living elsewhere. It’s unfortunate that we cannot visit our relatives’ homes as freely as we used to, but we still can bond with them just the same. Continue to spend fun times together by allotting your weekends for game or face-time night. Board game classics such as Scrabble, Twister, and chess are among several activities that have online counterparts that you can play with other people remotely.

Through life’s ups and downs, family will always remain constant, the team you can always count on. Protect and treasure each other by following these tips suggested by AXA. To know more about Asset Master, talk to a financial advisor or visit www.axa.com.ph.

AXA empowers people to live better lives by encouraging them to have a game plan, whether it’s in sports or in the hard court that is life.

Lockdown Career Tips: 5 Pointers on How to be an All-Star at Work

Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory and seize opportunities to move it forward.

Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.

Improve personal branding. Your branding is largely based on your online image -- it allows you to let employers know your story, goals, skills, and expertise. It can make you stand out and give your career a boost. To build your personal brand, make sure to update and organize all your online profiles, especially on social networking platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. On your profile, use a professional photo and quantify your accomplishments. Try to avoid posting anything that isn’t appropriate for work. You should also opt to follow leaders in your field and share top industry stories. You can also create a personal website, portfolio, or blog where you can showcase your professional journey, work, and achievements.

Keep learning. If you want to be productive during quarantine, why not take online classes? There are thousands of options that can enhance your knowledge on business, communication, marketing, financial literacy, and more. Many websites, experts and even Ivy League schools in the U.S., are offering classes for free during the lockdown so make the most of this opportunity. You can also read career advice books that can help you be a more well-rounded person at work. Whether you want to know how to achieve work-life balance, become an excellent leader, develop better work habits, or recover from a career setback, there is something for you. Once the crisis is over, you’ll have gained new learnings that can be used in your career. Additionally, think about pursuing higher education and getting your master’s degree, which sometimes is a requirement for a job or even a promotion.

Find a mentor. A mentor can benefit you and your career in many ways. They can offer valuable insight in advancing your career and be a sounding board for your ideas at work. Since you may come from different backgrounds, having a mentor can sharpen your communication skills and provide a new perspective, which can be helpful in relating to your co-workers and other individuals you cross paths in your career. A mentor is also an avenue to build your network. When looking for a mentor, it’s advisable to consider someone you know who is at a job or position you aspire to be at. Alternatively, you can reciprocate the relationship by offering them resources or promoting their projects to your network.

Gain experience. Experience is one of the key factors that hiring managers look at. Consider making use of your spare time to gain more experience in the field that you’re currently in or an area you want to transfer to, while also earning some extra income. Even at home, you can seek virtual tutoring opportunities and other online freelance jobs. Try not to spread yourself too thin and find a side hustle where you can manage your own time, like being an AXA financial advisor. During this time, you might also want to consider doing volunteer work like organizing fundraising activities, food drives or PPE donations. You can even help the community and join a cause you’re passionate about.

Be smart with money. Living from paycheck to paycheck may hinder you from taking chances on progressing your career given the fear of being left with no steady source of income. If you want to take risks and advance your career, creating a financial plan is a must. Start building an emergency fund, save up for retirement, and opt to buy the right health and life insurance products so that you’ll have a safety net when emergencies or unexpected job problems occur. AXA Philippines has an extensive portfolio of insurance and investment products that suits every need and budget.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.

5 Must-Know Tips on Preparing a Safer and Healthier Baon

With the easing of quarantine protocols in many parts of the country, employees are starting to adapt to the new normal and return to work. However, things aren't quite back to how they used to be. For instance, many restaurants are still closed, or are open but with limited capacity which, among other important issues, limits the food choices for Filipino workers during break time.

To help with this, Solane, the country's leading LPG brand, offers some tips on safely preparing healthy baon that you can bring to work.

Clean your cooking space. Prior to cooking, make sure to clean every kitchen surface and equipment that your food will come into contact with to stop bacteria from spreading. This includes the countertops, cutting boards, pans, dishes, and even utensils. Wash or wipe them down with warm, soapy water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Also, do not forget to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Cook with fresh ingredients. Now more than ever, preparing a healthy meal is essential, and cooking at home enables you to do so. Avoid canned or processed food. Instead, buy fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh food can really improve your health since it retains more nutrients. Also, you can enjoy a tastier meal because you get the most flavor possible from fresh ingredients. Try supporting local businesses and buy your groceries from them. Many reputable sellers are on social media and offer delivery.

Use insulated containers. Using an insulated lunch box and containers is the best option for packing your meals. Consider investing in them if you haven’t yet. They can keep your food warm and help minimize bacterial contamination and growth. Another advantage of having insulated containers is that they are reusable, eco-friendly, and may be safer. Single-use plastic containers and food wraps may carry a higher risk of cross-contamination.

Store food properly. To avoid rushing to cook your lunch in the morning, it's a good idea to prepare your meal the night before, or even days ahead. When prepping ahead of time, it’s also advisable to know how to store your food properly to maintain its quality. If you’re storing freshly cooked food, let your food cool first for a few minutes before putting it in your fridge to avoid spoilage. Cook a big batch, then divide it into small portions and put in separate containers for each day of the workweek. Also, always check the shelf life of the meals you make.

Turn off all heat sources. After you are done preparing your meals, make sure to turn off all the cooking equipment that you used, especially the gas stove and the LPG cylinder. Moreover, it is best to cook with a trusted liquefied petroleum gas brand like Solane to help ensure safety in the kitchen.

For more information, visit https://www.solane.com.ph/ or www.facebook.com/solane.ph.

6 Typhoon Preparation Tips

The typhoon season is upon us, and it is important to be prepared for every possible scenario that may ensue.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some tips on how to secure yourself, your family, and your home from weather disturbances and their aftermath.

Stock up on essential items. The lifespan of a typhoon varies, but it can typically last for a few days to a week. During this time, people living in affected areas are advised to stay indoors, so make sure that you have enough food and supplies until the storm passes. Stock up on necessary items, including but not limited to rice, water, and non-perishable food like ready-to-eat canned goods. It is also best to store medicine, hygiene products, and other emergency supplies.

Prepare for power outages. Due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, people may experience multiple power outages during a typhoon. To lessen the inconvenience of not having electricity, make sure that all important gadgets, such as cell phones and powerbanks, are fully charged. Also make sure emergency lights and flashlights are working and you have extra batteries, candles and a lighter on hand.

Stay updated. During calamities, it is a must to stay informed. Check reliable news sources regularly so you can monitor the storm warning signal, cancellation of classes and work, and other updates on the typhoon. Aside from that, strong typhoons can trigger other destructive events, like landslides, so stay updated for more news and the directions of local authorities.

Boost your immune system. Aside from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you should protect your health during typhoon season because heavy rains and flooding can increase the transmission of water and vector-borne diseases like typhoid fever and dengue. To avoid getting infected, make sure to drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, wash your hands, get enough sleep and exercise when you can.

Develop an evacuation plan. One can never be sure how strong a typhoon can get and how much damage it can cause. Be familiar with the location of nearby evacuation centers and the fastest routes there in case the situation becomes unsafe. In addition, memorize or list down the emergency hotlines. Also try AXA Rescue Line through the EMMA by AXA app for free and easy access to 24/7 emergency services. The app is available for download on the Google Play or App Store.

Secure your property. Before the typhoon hits, do a quality check of your house. Ensure that the roof is secure and has no holes, and check that the windows are closed, and gutters aren’t clogged. It is also best to turn off the main switch when the downpour begins. Keep important belongings and documents in a waterproof container and in an elevated place away from possible rising water. It’s also advisable to have extra copies of the documents. You can also prepare for any possible property damages with insurance packages from AXA Philippines, like Home Security and Comprehensive Car Insurance Online, that can provide coverage against acts of nature, including typhoons.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.