A tropical cyclone is a storm system that begins in the tropics. It starts out as a tropical depression because of low pressure. As it becomes more organized, it changes to a tropical storm and the rotation becomes evident. When wind speeds reach 74 mph or 119 km/h, the storm is classified a hurricane or typhoon. Typhoons and hurricanes are both cyclones and their names depend on their location. Typhoons are located in the northwestern region of the Pacific Ocean.
Emergency Preparedness
Dangers come from many different things during a typhoon. If you live near the coast, the storm surge or storm tide can cause loss of life and property. Even if the storm is off-shore, it can produce rip currents that can be deadly. Typhoons have strong winds and excessive rainfall that can damage property and cause drowning deaths. Tornadoes also develop within typhoons that can strike at a moment’s notice. Here are things you need to do before, during, and after a typhoon.
Before typhoon season, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters. Stock up on food, water, first aid items, and flashlights. Buy material to protect your home, clean gutters, and trim trees and bushes. If you have a boat, find a place to store it if needed. If you have a pet, know of pet-friendly hotels on the evacuation route.
If a watch has been issued, tune-in frequently to the television or radio for updates and gas up your vehicle. Get some extra cash and prepare to cover your windows and doors. Make sure you have batteries, food, water, a first aid kit, and medications. Bring indoors anything that may be blown around by high winds. When a warning is issued, cover the doors and windows and monitor the storm’s progress.
Evacuate if you live in a mobile home or if an evacuation order is issued. Also leave if you live in a high rise building because the winds will be stronger the higher you are in elevation. If you go to a shelter, take personal care items, water, medicines, baby supplies, games, personal music players, cell phones, flashlights, sleeping bags or blankets, cash, credit cards, ID, and copies of important papers, like insurance policies.
If you choose to stay in your home, disconnect your small appliances and turn your refrigerator to the maximum and leave it closed. If you have a propane tank, turn it off and also turn off the utilities if instructed to do so. For extra water to be used for cleaning and flushing, fill up the bathtubs and any other big containers. As the winds get stronger, you need to stay on the bottom floor and away from doors and windows. If the winds become dangerously strong, get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
After the storm, continue monitoring the storm and its effects on the radio or television. Do not go home until the area is declared safe. Do not drive or walk into any amount of water as moving water is very powerful and can sweep you or your car away. Avoid areas with downed power lines and remember an electric current can travel through water. In your home, use a flashlight to inspect everything for damage, including appliances. Do not use a candle in case there is a gas leak. Do not cook with or drink water from the tap until you have been told it is safe.