What should be in a typhoon go-bag?

Common lists include drinking water, canned or ready-to-eat food, a flashlight and batteries, a power bank, a whistle, a first-aid kit, essential medicines, extra clothes, hygiene items, cash, copies of key documents and emergency contacts.

How many days should an emergency kit last?

Many guides plan for at least 72 hours, or three days, of self-reliance.

How much does a basic emergency kit cost?

A starter kit with water, food, a flashlight, batteries and a first-aid kit can cost around ₱1,500 per household, depending on the number of people and the brands you pick.

Do I need a power station for a brownout?

Not for short outages. A power bank keeps phones and lights going. A power station helps when you want to run a fridge, fan or Wi-Fi for hours, but it costs much more.

How often should I check my go-bag?

Guides suggest checking every three to six months to replace food, water and batteries and update documents.

Where can I find official guidance?

Check the Office of Civil Defense, NDRRMC, DOST and PAGASA for current advisories and checklists for your area.

Typhoon and Brownout Survival Kit on a Budget in the Philippines (Priced Out)

November 4, 2026 · 9 min read

Typhoon season and brownouts hit Filipino households every year, and being ready does not have to cost a lot. This typhoon and brownout survival kit guide prices out a go-bag for 72 hours, from a ₱1,500 starter kit to backup power, with a budget calculator you can tick as you shop.

Why a Kit Matters

A typhoon can cut power, water and mobile signal for days. A prepared household keeps phones charged, has clean water and food on hand and can move quickly if evacuation is needed. The core go-bag lists published by news outlets and agencies are similar: water, food, light, power, first aid, medicines, documents and cash.

Clean drinking water is the first item on almost every emergency kit list.

What Each Budget Covers

Item	Typical price range	Notes
Drinking water (3 days)	₱200 to ₱400 per person	Plan about 3 liters per person per day
Canned and ready-to-eat food	₱400 to ₱800 per person	Choose items that need no cooking
Flashlight and batteries	₱300 to ₱700	Add a rechargeable lamp if you can
First-aid kit and medicines	₱300 to ₱1,000	Include any prescription medicines
Power bank	₱800 to ₱3,500	Choose a larger capacity for longer outages
Battery radio	₱400 to ₱900	Stay updated when signal is down
Documents pouch and cash	₱100 to ₱300	Waterproof bag, small bills
Power station	₱12,000 and up	For a fridge, fan or Wi-Fi for hours

Keeping the Lights On: Your Power Options

Power bankPower stationSolar

For phones and lights

A power bank keeps your phone and a small lamp running. Pick a larger capacity for longer outages and recharge it before the storm.

For a fridge or fan

A portable power station can run a fridge, fan or Wi-Fi for hours. Size it with our battery backup calculator.

For long outages

A foldable solar panel can recharge a power station in the day, but it needs sun and the right input. See our solar guides.

Before, During and After the Storm

Before the typhoon

Charge your phones and power banks.
Check your go-bag and replace expired items.
Fill containers with water and keep documents in a waterproof pouch.

During the typhoon

Stay indoors and follow official advisories.
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Save phone battery by lowering brightness.

After the typhoon

Avoid floodwater and fallen power lines.
Boil or treat water if you are unsure it is safe.
Restock your kit.

Typhoon and Brownout Survival Kit on a Budget in the Philippines (Priced Out)

Why a Kit Matters

What Each Budget Covers

Try it: build and price your own kit

Keeping the Lights On: Your Power Options

Before, During and After the Storm

Save Money on Your Kit

Sources