Typhoon safety information

How to prepare for a typhoon?

Talk to your family about typhoons

Spend time together talking about typhoons, why they occur and explain the potential dangers they pose. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go if a typhoon strikes.

Practice your safety plan

Choose the safest shelter for all family members. Prepare an "emergency kit" that includes essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medication, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. If your house is not strong enough to withstand the storm's intensity, you should either evacuate voluntarily or follow evacuation orders from local authorities.

In rural areas: Elevate valuables, store important documents in the safest place, reinforce your home, move vehicles to higher ground, check and prepare a contingency plan for evacuation when ordered by local authorities (it advised to evacuate voluntarily to a safer location). Take advantage of any spare time to harvest agricultural products.

Know your risk

Understand specific typhoon risks in your community, such as the likelihood of typhoons or severe thunderstorms. Stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and learn about local alert systems so you can receive timely warnings. Save emergency phone numbers for rescue and assistance when needed.

Trim trees

Regularly trim trees and remove dead branches to reduce the risk of them falling during a storm. Secure outdoor items that could be picked up by strong winds and become dangerous projectiles.

Reinforce your home

Consider installing storm shutters or boarding up windows to protect them from high winds and flying debris. Ensure your roof is in good condition and check for areas that may need reinforcing.

Keep documents safe

Store any important papers, like ID papers, elevated above any potential flood lines or in something that can protect against water damage.

What to do during a typhoon

Listen to local authorities

Tune into your local news or radio station for weather updates and official advice. If you are advised to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and ID papers immediately. If first responders have set up barricades, do not try to pass them – they have been set up to safely direct people around dangerous areas.

Seek shelter immediately

If a storm is approaching, get inside as soon as possible. Move to your predetermined safe area in your home. Avoid windows, doors, and any objects that could break or be blown around by strong winds.

Avoid using electrical appliances

Unplug electrical devices to protect them from power surges. Avoid using landline phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing (such as taking a shower) during a storm to reduce the risk of electrocution from lightning.

Stay indoors and away from windows

Do not venture outside until the storm has passed. Even if it seems to have calmed down, there could be a second wave of severe weather. If you are caught outside, avoid open fields, trees, and metal objects.

Do not let your child leave the safe area

Supervise closely and remind your child not to go outside or play outdoors during a storm. If they are caught outside, avoid taking shelter under trees, utility poles, or unstable objects to prevent accidents from falling structures, flying debris, or electric shocks. Do not go near or step on fallen power lines or utility poles. Do not attempt to cross fallen trees blocking the road as they may have live wires caught in them.

Secure your home

If you need to evacuate, unplug appliances and turn-off electricity, gas, and water supplies if you have enough time and can do so safely.

Update your loved ones 

As soon as it is safe, check in with family members or friends to let them know you are okay.

What to do after a typhoon

Listen for updates

Stay tuned to local authorities for updates and only return home when it is declared safe. Continue to monitor the situation for any additional threats or changes in weather conditions.

Clean up safely

Check your home and appliances, especially electrical devices, before use. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and boots, while cleaning up debris. Be cautious of sharp objects, exposed wires, and other hazards. If your home has been water-damaged, begin drying it out as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.

Keep food and water safe

After a typhoon, food and water sources might be contaminated. Discard any perishable food that was not kept cold. If there is a concern about water quality, boil it for at least three minutes before drinking or cooking. Keep food and water covered to prevent further contamination.

Look after your family's health

Typhoons can lead to unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of illness. Ensure that your family, especially children, practices good hygiene by washing hands frequently. If anyone shows signs of illness, seek medical attention promptly.

Comforting your children after a typhoon

Start the conversation and keep it open

• Make sure you provide your child with opportunities to talk about how the typhoon made them feel and encourage them to share any worries or feelings of fear or anxiety.
• Show them that you are listening carefully and care deeply about how they are feeling.

Provide reassurance

• Let them know that the flood and its aftermath are not permanent and explain to them that they are natural events, and not anyone’s fault.  
• Give your children reassuring affection by spending time together and providing lots of extra hugs.

Watch for signs of emotional distress

While many children will seem okay for a month or so following a disaster, the numbness can wear off and they can begin showing symptoms of trauma. Some ongoing anxiety is to be expected, but if it does not stop after a few months or if your child is experiencing more extreme symptoms, such as panic attacks or wanting to harm themselves or others, reach out to your family doctor or mental health professional immediately.

Practice calming exercises together

Deep belly breathing is very helpful and is something you can do together with your older children. If you have a younger child, you could make it into a game: Every hour on the hour, see how you can calm your mind and body down by slowing down your breath.

Try to maintain some kind of routine

Though it may be incredibly difficult, going to bed or eating at the same time will help your child to feel a bit more connected to their life before the flood.