When the last typhoon Milenyo hit the entire Luzon grid, most people were caught unaware and since the devastation was beyond normal, a lot of people were affected. If you’re running a business like mine which has no borders, you’d end up with a huge problem supporting your clients who didn’t suffer your same fate (read: no electricity, phone lines, mobile networks or internet connection).
The same goes with bloggers and other techies who rely most of their day-to-day work on uninterrupted connectivity and power. Just ask this problogger how she survived Milenyo’s aftermath in Bicol.
So, what have we tech-geeks learned and what to do to prepare for the upcoming typhoon Reming?
- Fully charge all rechargable batteries — laptops, digital cameras, iPods, cellphones, flashlights, etc.
- Get spare batteries if you can. Spare batteries can last you longer — the more, the better.
- If you have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), it could also be used to re-charge you gadgets later on when the power is already out. Some UPS have around 30 minutes to an hour backup power. You can recharge all your gadgets at the same time with that limited supply.
- If you have a car, get a power inverter or an Ac adaptor. This will save you a lot of pain, though it will be expensive on gasoline.
- Buy a small battery-powered electric fan. Believe me, you’ll need this one if you’re used to your airconditioned room.
- Minimize usage of your gadgets — common sense.
- Plan things ahead. Say you can connect to the net via your mobile phone hooked to your laptop, note down things you need to do first before powering up.
- Re-acquaint yourself with the pen and paper. You can write down your blog entries and then type them really fast later when you’ve powered up.
- If it’s not necessary, don’t. Stay away from Youtube, iTunes or Limewire for the meantime.
- Do an advanced reservation for room in one of the cheapest hotels around (just in case). Make sure they have internet available in the rooms. The last time, Manila hotels had 100% occupancy during the Milenyo week-end.
- Get your cameras and videocams ready. It’s pretty cool taking pictures/videos during and right after the storm.
Alternatively, you can grab a book and enjoy the peace and quite.
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Twitter: jhayrocas
replied on Nov 30th, 2006 at 7:43 am (1)
I may be tech savvy but I’m not that tech-equipped. Just my AAA battery powered-mp3 player, my mobile phone and my desktops.
So I guess I’ll just occupy my self with my offline schoolworks, both academic and non-academic. Of course, there’s the three new books I bought from last weekend.
Pray that everyone would be safe and survive Reming.
I remember that typhoon, It took around 7 days for Meralco to restore power in Cavite. I have no choice but to go to malls or somewhere where I can recharge all my electronic gadgets.
Last time, I stayed in Bluewave Starbucks for more than 6 hours then at Mall of Asia just to get my laptop charged and check my mails and do some online stuff.
I will die without the net and electricity.
Twitter: mparaz
replied on Nov 30th, 2006 at 11:43 am (3)
Thanks for the reminder. I bought a Nokia BL-5C before coming to work.
Thanks for the advice. Jhay is right.. Pray that everyone would be safe and survive Reming.
“If it’s not necessary, don’t. Stay away from Youtube, iTunes or Limewire for the meantime.” – i like this tip! haha
another great tip is to locate the nearest starbucks, seattle’s best or anything alike. This will be helpful lalo na kung free wi-fi access plus free charging hehe.. of course bring your own xtension cord para share sa ibang users. hehe.
Why not buy a small generator?
salamat sa reminder master yuga. fully charged my laptop, mp3 player and celfone. haha WTH, wala pala kaming flashlight.
I hope everyone will be OK.
PS. may free wifi ba sa mall of asia and bluewave? pinakamalapit sa place ko e.
Twitter: mparaz
replied on Nov 30th, 2006 at 10:10 pm (8)
Free WiFi at Baang Coffee, Mall of Asia.
Generator? Ups the investment a bit.
Twitter: filipinovoices
replied on Nov 30th, 2006 at 11:07 pm (9)
And always have cash at hand. If it’s a total power outage, then ATMs may not be working.
Twitter: mparaz
replied on Dec 1st, 2006 at 6:27 pm (10)
Whew, good thing Metro Manila residents did not have to apply these tips!
Are you not ashamed guys, to focus on how to reload your ipod when thousands are starving and not having even enough to eat and poor logistics on site !!!! I’m not filipino but a bit more help to them would be greatly appreciated. move on !!!
i agree with you Marc. Nakakahiya kayo!!!
I’m sorry if the post offended you in some way BUT if you might not have noticed, this post was made a day BEFORE the typhoon hit the country.
And in case you didn’t know, even if there are no typhoons, MILLIONS of Filipinos starve everyday.
still no power in naga city, bicol. see one of the first post (from naga city) about typhoon Reming from WB Prilles’ blog
http://nagueno.blogspot.com/
I believe that the geek article is helpful but some of your topics are not that “intelligent” as to prescribe, none of which mentions anything about getting a radio for the typhoon update or such. Better not write article. Give the one that makes sense for people that needs advise. Your topic is pathetic and absolutely immature. Does your bachelor’s degree needs revision?
i remembered, the last typhoon, we were roaming in metro looking for cafes… hehehe
really nice post.