As Typhoon Dujuan bears down on Taiwan, the Central Weather Bureau said there are several important safety measures that people new to typhoons need to know in order to keep their loved ones safe and save time and trouble during a storm.
Typhoons are a yearly occurrence in Taiwan from June through October, and these storms create dangerous conditions that affect all of the nation’s residents.
The bureau recommends that prior to the arrival of a typhoon, people clear out debris to avoid flooding. It also suggests that people properly secure their personal items that remain outside during a storm, including: scooters, bicycles, plant pots, trash, recycling and anything else that can be picked up by strong gusts of wind.
Photo courtesy of the Sinjhuang District police precinct
Any loose item can become a dangerous flying hazard that could injure people or damage property, the bureau said.
The agency also advised the public to stock up on water — 2 liters per person per day — and food, and to charge up electronics in case of a power outage, adding that important documents should be stored in waterproof bags or cases to avoid potential water damage.
During a typhoon, the bureau advises people to remain indoors, adding that this is the simplest, yet most important, tip to remember, as gusts of wind often reach dangerous speeds that can cause trees, signs and windows to collapse and, on some occasions, even launch scooters into the air.
Photo: Wu Cheng-feng, Taipei Times
If an evacuation order is issued due to flooding, the bureau advises people to head to their nearest shelter and make sure to carry personal identification. Shelters are labeled with street signs, it added.
The agency also suggests that residents stay away from windows and refrain from duct-taping windows, as taping can create larger shards of glass if windows break during a storm.
The public can check the bureau’s Web site (cwb.gov.tw) to get the latest news on transportation, work and weather conditions.
Photo: CNA
People need to make sure a storm has completely passed through an area before venturing outside, as a lull in the wind could just be the eye of the storm, which means there is still a significant amount of wind and rain to come, the bureau said.
The bureau also recommends that people look out for obstacles and debris while commuting; avoid mountainous areas because of possible mudslides and landslides; and check water quality and avoid drinking water that is murky or appears abnormal in any way.
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