Collection Disaster Preparedness 2026.08.04

24 Hours After the Typhoon Forecast: A Step-by-Step Home Safety Check

#Power Outage Preparedness #Typhoon Preparedness #Flood Prevention #Evacuation Preparation #Housing Safety

Preparing for a typhoon starts from the moment you see the forecast, deciding what tasks to finish before strong winds begin rather than just what to stick on the windows. Risk areas vary based on your home's structure and your floor level, so it’s quicker for the family to inspect both indoors and outdoors together and divide roles. It’s essential to check the advisory stage alongside local shelter and control information, and one should not assume safety just because they are outside the designated evacuation route. Jotting down the expected timing of the alert and intervals of strong winds and heavy rain helps set a deadline for finishing outdoor checks. Confirm not only the shelter's address but also the walking route and nighttime entrance. Do a last check before leaving or using them.

Outdoor work should only be done when rain and winds are mild. Check the balcony for items and drainage early on, but do not attempt to handle areas where items could fall or be swept away, such as rooftops, exterior walls, or road gutters. If there are issues with communal facilities, report them to the management office or relevant authority. During unstable communication, identify someone to gather contacts and establish a meeting place in case returning home becomes difficult. The person responsible for contacts gathers family locations in one place to reduce repeated calls. Prepare short text message phrases to send out when calls are challenging. A personal check of the family contact person and meeting place should be done once during the preparation stage, and priority should be given to site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

When strong winds begin, shift the focus of your checks to staying indoors and preparing for evacuation. Confirm the areas away from windows, the location of the evacuation bag, and how to contact family. If there are signs of water entering basement or sub-basement areas, do not hesitate to pack up and move.

Weather Advisory and Local Evacuation Information

Check the advisory stage alongside local shelter and control information, and do not assume safety just because you are outside the designated evacuation route. Jotting down the expected timing of the alert and intervals of strong winds and heavy rain helps set a deadline for finishing outdoor checks. Confirm not only the shelter's address but also the walking route and nighttime entrance. Also jot down each family member’s departure time next to the shelter information.

Family Contact Coordinator and Meeting Point

When communication is unstable, designate someone to gather contacts and set a meeting place in the event that returning home becomes difficult. The contact person gathers family locations in one place to minimize repeated phone calls. Prepare short text phrases to send when calls are hard to make. Make sure to directly confirm the family contact person and meeting place during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Move External Items from the Balcony

Move items that could be blown away, like pots and drying racks, indoors before the strong winds arrive; do not go outside if the winds have already picked up. Small items that could block drains or shatter glass should also be included. After moving them, double-check that you're not blocking evacuation paths and fire doors. Verify moving external items on the balcony during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Secure Window Locks and Maintain Distance Indoors

Close and lock all windows, and do not trust that merely sticking tape on them is safe while standing too close. If the locking mechanism is loose, inform the managing entity instead of trying temporary repairs. Even if you close curtains or blinds, it’s important not to stay near the glass. Secure the window locks and maintain distance indoors during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Check Drainage Flow

Clear leaves safely while there’s still time before rain and report any blockages at road drains instead of going down to handle them yourself. Wear gloves and limit your cleaning scope to what you can reach from the ground. If you notice slow drainage or signs of backflow, photograph the evidence and share the location with the management office or relevant authorities. Check drainage flow once during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Barrier Installation and Evacuation Path

Familiarize yourself with the installation methods ahead of time and avoid blocking the entire entrance while installing when water comes. The flood prevention board should be installed before water arrives, leaving a way out from the inside. If the family is unsure about the installation method, consult the managing entity first. Verify installation methods and evacuation access during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Emergency Contact for Electricity and Gas

If you suspect an electrical leak or gas smell, contact the managing entity and do not touch breakers or outlets in flooded areas. Save the emergency contacts for electricity and gas suppliers as well as the management office on your mobile phone. If you detect a smell or sparks, do not test any switches; move away and report the situation. Verify emergency contacts for electricity and gas during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Indoor Safe Space without Windows

Designate an inner area away from windows and exteriors, keeping shoes, a flashlight, and a mobile phone close at hand. Choose a place where family members can stay and where there are fewer items that could fall. Keeping shoes and a flashlight nearby makes it easier to move during a blackout or if glass shards are present. Confirm the inner safety space without windows during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Light Emergency Evacuation Bag

Prepare a copy of your identification, medications, water, and snacks in amounts that can realistically be carried and place them near the entrance. Secure the identification copy and medications in a waterproof pouch, and keep the water separate from electronic devices. Test the weight of the bag to ensure it is manageable for moving down stairs. A lightweight evacuation bag should be verified once in the preparation stage, and on-the-spot control and evacuation guidance should be prioritized during an actual alert.

Cease Access to Basements and Roofs

Once heavy rain or strong winds begin, cease inspections in the underground storage and rooftop areas and do not return to look for items. Complete checks of rooftop drainage and basement storage before it starts raining. After experiencing strong winds or flooding, inspection of facilities should be done only after it has been confirmed safe by professionals or management personnel. The cessation of access to basements and rooftops should be checked once in the preparation stage, and on-the-spot control and evacuation guidance should be prioritized during an actual alert.

Neighbor Care Communication Network

Reach out to neighbors who may have difficulty relocating by themselves, but if direct rescue is dangerous, request assistance from 119 (emergency services) or local authorities. When contacting them, specify your current location, your mobility status, and the assistance needed. Rather than putting yourself at risk trying to rescue someone alone, connect them with public support. Verify the neighbor care contact network during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Rather than checking everything off a list, it is more useful to note any points of concern and the times they were addressed. Record details such as window frame shaking, drainage delays, and the location of the flood prevention board for reference in future storms, and attach contact information for repairs or reports if you are a tenant or resident of a multi-unit building. Clear leaves safely before rain and report any blockages at road drains without going down to do it yourself. Wear gloves and only tidy what you can reach from the ground. If drainage is slow or there are signs of backflow, take photos and share them with the management office or relevant authority. Check the drainage flow once during the preparation stage, and prioritize on-site control and evacuation guidance during an actual alert.

Charge mobile phones and backup batteries in preparation for potential power outages and place flashlights in easily accessible areas. Avoid using candles as makeshift lighting since they can tip over or ignite flammable materials. Split water and medications into manageable amounts that can realistically be carried. If situations become urgent, prioritize the movement of people and on-site guidance over packing supplies.

During the typhoon, stay away from windows and exterior walls while checking advisories and local government updates. If you suspect an electrical leak or flooding, do not approach to assess the situation. The key to being prepared is ensuring that your family can move to a safe place on time rather than trying to protect the house perfectly. Do not enter hazardous areas; instead, report them to the managing entity or emergency services.

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