TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — As Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, authorities and residents are taking precautions in preparation for strong winds and heavy rain.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency has prepared the following advice to stay safe.
Supplies
It may be unsafe to go outside during a typhoon, and businesses, including restaurants and grocers, may close. The fire agency recommends people prepare at least three days of food ahead of typhoons, drinking water, personal medical supplies, and other emergency response items.
Some larger supermarkets may limit opening hours during severe weather or close completely. Check with your local supermarket before venturing out when there are typhoon warnings in place.
Announcements from local authorities
The fire agency said to pay attention to information from local authorities. Official information sources include the Central Weather Administration’s (CWA) website, its hotlines (dial 167 and follow the prompts for English service), the fire agency’s Facebook account, and the government's disaster preparation website and app (QR code below).
The CWA website also contains information about high water warnings, landslide alerts, and power outages.
The fire agency also reminds the public to pay attention to warnings issued for coastlines and mountainous areas, often closed during typhoons. Those who enter areas closed during typhoons can be fined up to NT$250,000 (US$6,282).
In emergencies, firefighters and ambulance services can be reached by dialing 119, and police can be reached by dialing 110.
Preparing your home
Reinforcing glass windows, using sandbags, clearing drains, trimming trees, and removing hanging or other loose objects from outside areas are all recommended by the fire agency in preparation for typhoons.
For taping windows, the fire agency suggests using a strong flexible plastic tape in an “x” pattern, or the Chinese character for rice (米). Sandbags are to be stacked in an interlaced pattern at around 1.5 to 2 times the height of previous flooding.
Work and class cancellations
The Cabinet’s Directorate-General of Personnel Administration provides updates during typhoons regarding work and class cancellations. These updates are also updated on Taiwan News.
In addition to the above tips, the fire agency’s website provides information on typhoon preparation for people with disabilities, what to do if required to evacuate, and other tips for staying safe.
