Image from Philippine Star

I know everyone is freaking out because of the recent phenomenon that involves the Taal Volcano eruption and the heavy ashfall that literally covered almost over the Philippines. It's understandable that mothers would take into consideration first more than everything is the safety of our kids.

I'm blessed enough to be located in an area wherein ash fall is not severe but for my folks who are located in severely affected areas, there are so many things that I have realized that I would like to share with you.

1. Never panic
   Although yes, it is very normal for us to experience panic feeling when this phenomenon occurs we need to have an open mind to think of possible solutions to save ourselves and our family as well.
   
2. Never go to your kid's school immediately
   This is one of the most common reactions that most parents to when there's a natural phenomenon going on but, on side note, we must know that the school knows exactly what they are doing to ensure the safety of everyone in the school.
   
   Come to think of it, if we will go there, we will add stress to the school's administration.
   
   What we can do instead? Call the school first and assure that everything is under control in that way we can prepare our kid's needs when we fetch them such as bringing proper protective clothing, masks, and umbrellas to keep them and ourselves away from the harmful effects of ashfall. 
3. Always be prepared
   I am always prepared but for some, they are not familiar that they need to have an emergency kit (with complete supplies) and keep an ample supply of food and water.
   
   Although this situation may come surprisingly it is best to be prepared so we would avoid ourselves from the shortage of supplies like the ones recently- the shortage of the need for face masks and most people are doing panic buying.
   
   To me, it is very important to be prepared for the events that we don't see coming at any moment.
   
4. Always have cash
   This I don't follow often, but it is essential to have cash because although we have ATM everywhere, little did we know that there are several possibilities that may happen such as ATMs running out of cash or the ATMs don't have a power supply at all.
   
   Emergency money is very very important not only for health purposes but also for calamities.
   
5. Stay indoors
   We and/or our husbands may need to work even if there's a natural calamity going on but we must know and always remember that HEALTH IS WEALTH.
   
   My partner, Jerico is living in Paranaque wherein the ashfall is really heavy and I can see from the video chat that it is too ashy and they can barely breathe. So I said, don't go to work the next day because your health is very important.
   
   But if you really need to go out, you need to perfect in the sense that you are supposed to wear protective clothing, with proper mask and eye gear.