Cyclones (also called typhoons or hurricanes, depending on where you live) are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land.
Potential threats from these weather events include:
Powerful winds
Heavy rainfall
Storm surges
Coastal and inland flooding
Rip currents
Landslides
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
The Pacific typhoon season runs from May 15 to November 30.
These weather systems can:
Happen along any coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.
Affect areas more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) inland.
Prepare
Know your area's risk of typhoons.
Sign up for your community's warning system.
If you are under a cyclone warning, immediately find safe shelter. Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
If you are at risk of flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds (e.g., a safe room or storm shelter). The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route and shelter locations.
Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of pets.
Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in the plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.
When a typhoon is 36 hours from arriving
Turn on your television or radio for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a torch, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations. Plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly, so plan ahead.
Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the fuel tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
When a typhoon is 18–36 hours from arriving
Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
Bring inside loose, lightweight objects that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, rubbish bins); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 1.6cm exterior-grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
When a typhoon is six to 18 hours from arriving
Turn on your television or radio or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Charge your mobile phone and other devices now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
When a typhoon is six hours from arriving
If you're not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting, and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
Turn on your television or radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Survive during the storm
If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
If sheltering during high winds, go to a storm shelter or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor without flooding.
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed loft. You may become trapped by rising floodwater.
Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
Use a generator or other petrol-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Just 15cm (six inches) of fast-moving water can knock you down, and 30cm (one foot) of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
Stay safe after the storm
Listen to the authorities for information and special instructions.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work together with others.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Source: United States Federal Emergency Management Agency
