Typhoons are among nature’s most destructive forces. These powerful storms bring torrential rain, destructive winds, and dangerous storm surges that can devastate entire communities.
While you cannot control the weather, you can control how prepared you are. Proper planning significantly reduces the risk of injury and property damage when a storm strikes.
Preparation is not just about boarding up windows. It involves a comprehensive approach that accounts for your home, your supplies, and your family’s specific needs. By taking action before a typhoon warning is issued, you ensure that you can focus on safety rather than scrambling for essentials during a crisis.
Securing the Perimeter of Your Home
The exterior of your property is the first line of defense against high winds and flying debris. Inspecting your roof for loose tiles or shingles is a critical first step. Strong winds can easily peel away weak roofing materials, leading to severe water damage inside the home.
Cleaning gutters and downspouts is equally important to ensure heavy rainfall can drain properly, preventing localized flooding around your foundation.
Windows are particularly vulnerable. Installing storm shutters offers the best protection, but marine plywood is a solid alternative if shutters are not an option. Taping windows is a common myth that offers no real protection against shattering glass; instead, it can create larger, more dangerous shards.
Landscaping also plays a vital role in storm safety. Overhanging branches can snap easily in gale-force winds, causing damage to power lines, vehicles, or the roof itself.
While residents in non-coastal areas might search for services like tree removal in Salt Lake City to handle general landscaping needs, those in typhoon-prone regions must view tree maintenance as a critical safety protocol. Regular pruning keeps trees healthy and reduces wind resistance, making them less likely to topple.
Building a Robust Emergency Kit
When a typhoon hits, utilities often fail. Electricity, water, and gas services may be unavailable for days or even weeks. Your emergency kit needs to sustain your household for at least 72 hours.
Water is the most essential resource. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried fruits, and nuts are ideal. Remember to include a manual can opener.
Beyond sustenance, your kit should include a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather updates. If anyone in your family relies on prescription medication, ensure you have a sufficient supply. Don’t forget the needs of pets and infants, who require specific food and supplies.
Creating a Family Communication Plan
Chaos often accompanies severe weather. Family members may not be together when a warning is issued, so having a communication plan is essential. designate an out-of-town contact person. It is often easier to text or call long-distance when local networks are overloaded. Everyone in the family should know this contact’s number by heart.
Decide on a meeting place if your home becomes unsafe. This could be a local shelter or the home of a friend who lives on higher ground. Practice your evacuation route so that everyone knows exactly where to go and how to get there efficiently.
Safety During the Storm
Once the typhoon makes landfall, stay indoors. Stay away from windows and glass doors. If the wind becomes severe, move to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of your home.
Do not be fooled by the “eye” of the storm. This is a period of calm in the center of the typhoon, but it is temporary. The winds will return from the opposite direction, often with greater intensity. Wait for official confirmation from authorities that the storm has fully passed before venturing outside.
Post-Storm Caution
The danger does not end when the rain stops. Flooded areas may hide debris, sharp objects, or even displaced wildlife. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. It takes only six inches of moving water to knock an adult off their feet, and two feet of water can sweep away most vehicles.
Electrical hazards are a major concern after a storm. Stay far away from downed power lines and report them to the utility company immediately. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, window replacement if broken, and leave the house immediately. Do not use matches, lighters, or electrical switches until the house has been declared safe.
A Mindset of Preparedness
Surviving a typhoon requires a shift in mindset. It means prioritizing safety over convenience and taking threats seriously. The time to prepare is when the skies are clear. By securing your home, stocking up on supplies, and establishing a plan, you transform anxiety into action.
Protecting your family and property is an ongoing responsibility, but with the right steps, you can weather even the fiercest storms with confidence.
