Answer:

The public storm warning system (PSWS) is as follows:

PSWS No. 1: The first signal indicates that the area affected should expect intermittent rains within at least 36 hours. Winds of 30 kph to 60 kph should be expected, although it is unlikely that they will cause significant damage. As a precaution, classes in all public and private pre-schools are automatically suspended.

PSWS No. 2: The second warning signal is raised in areas that will experience winds of 60 kph to 100 kph within at least 24 hours. Light to moderate damage is expected. Some trees may be uprooted and roofs blown away. People traveling by air and sea are cautioned, and disaster preparedness agencies should be alerting their respective communities. Classes from pre-school to high school are suspended.

PSWS No. 3: When the third warning signal is raised, people are advised to seek shelter inside strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away from coasts and riverbanks as moderate to heavy damage is expected. Winds of 100 kph to 185 kph are expected within at least 18 hours. The winds could topple trees and destroy crops and houses made of light materials. Widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services is also expected. Classes at all levels are automatically suspended.

PSWS No. 4: The fourth storm warning signal indicates that a very intense typhoon with winds of more than 185 kph may be expected within at least 12 hours. The typhoon is potentially very destructive. Large trees are expected to be uprooted and residential and institutional buildings could be severely damaged. Travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.

PSWS No. 5: This recently added storm warning signal is raised when a super typhoon will affect an area. Very powerful winds of more than 220 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours. This typhoon is "extremely destructive or catastrophic" to the community as almost total damage to structures is expected. Most residential and institutional buildings may be severely damaged, and only a few crops and trees will be left standing. Evacuation to safer shelters should be completed early as it may already be too late if it hasn't begun. The disaster coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations should be fully responding to emergencies by this time or completely ready to immediately respond to the calamity.