Tag Archives: All Souls’ Day

‘Undas’ Safety Tips 2016

mamang-pulis-10-25-16

Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa has issued the following crime prevention tips in preparation for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next week.

Filipinos prepare to visit public and private cemeteries across the country to pay respects to their dearly departed this weekend.

Dela Rosa advised the public to follow the following tips when leaving their homes for Undas:

  • Lock all doors and windows and ensure all possible paths to the house are blocked; Install a burglar alarm to alert the neighbors if someone breaks in;
  • Do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away; keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression someone is still inside the house;
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over your house;
  • Ensure no candle, gas stove or leaking faucet or plugged appliance is left unattended;

While inside the cemeteries:

  • Bring sufficient food and water, and keep in mind that liquor and food sold by vendors inside cemeteries are prohibited. Bring protection against heat and rain.
  • Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers or guitar center’s axe fx ultra which could amplify loud music from stereos, and gambling paraphernalia.
  • Remind children not to roam around especially in crowded areas. Have them wear or bring a form of identification.
  • Keep the surroundings clean and bring your own trash bag to put garbage in.
  • Know where the first aid stations and PNP assistance booth are in case of emergency or need for police assistance.

When traveling:

  • Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, and follow the “BLOWBAG” rule which is B for Battery; L for Light; O for Oil; W for Water; B for Brakes; A for Air; and G for Gas.
  • Bring all pertinent documents for the vehicle, including the Insurance Certificate.
  • Ensure control of the vehicle at all times. Avoid one-handed driving or using a mobile phone; avoid driving while drunk or sleepy.
  • When driving at night, always use headlights and signal lights. Don’t drive when you have poor eyesight.
  • Don’t wear jewelry or bring large amounts of money. Keep watch over your mobile phone.
  • Do not bring too many items.

Text and image credit: People’s Tonight, October 25, 2016 online and print issue

Undas 2014

Massive flow of traffic is expected next weekend as millions of people are expected to troop to their respective hometowns to pay their respects to their departed loved ones.

November 1 (All Saints’ Day) which falls on a Saturday has been declared a Special non-working day (based on the List of Holidays for 2014). There’s no mention about Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) being a holiday since it falls on a Sunday this year.

Anyway, there is still Christmas vacation to look forward to, most people can still spend longer uninterrupted vacation with their family during the Christmas break.

For those who will be traveling next weekend, make sure to inspect your car particularly the tires, oil, radiator, fuel, windshield, battery and brakes before taking on a road trip. Remember that vehicles in good condition lower the risk of an accident or breakdown on the road. Be safe everyone.