What Precautions Should Be Taken After a Typhoon? When Is It Safe to Go Out?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-07-20
Confirm Safety Before Going Out; Beware of the "Sneak Attack"
The passage of a typhoon does not mean that all dangers have passed. Many residents are eager to go out to check on conditions or resume work as soon as the wind and rain subside slightly, but this is often when secondary disasters are most likely to occur. First, be sure to pay attention to the latest warning signals issued by local meteorological departments. You should only consider going out after the meteorological department has officially lifted the typhoon warning and the local government has announced the end of school and work suspensions. It is important to note that specific criteria for suspending classes and work may vary by location, so please refer to the announcements from your local government.
Additionally, be wary of the typhoon's "sneak attack" effect. Sometimes, after the typhoon center passes, wind speeds may temporarily decrease, or even brief clear weather may appear. However, this could be a sign that the eye of the typhoon is passing over, and severe winds and heavy rain may strike again shortly. Therefore, until officials clearly announce that the typhoon's impact has completely ended, please stay indoors as much as possible and do not rashly venture to seaside areas, riverbanks, or low-lying zones.
Home Inspection and Environmental Hygiene
After ensuring that the external environment is relatively safe, conduct a thorough safety check when returning home or stepping outside.
- Check Water, Electricity, and Gas: Carefully inspect whether electrical wires and sockets in your home have been soaked by water, and check gas pipelines for signs of leakage. If electrical appliances are damp, do not power them on directly; have them inspected by a professional electrician first. If you smell gas, strictly prohibit switching electrical appliances or using open flames. Quickly close the valve and open windows for ventilation.
- Clean Up Standing Water and Disinfect: Heavy rains brought by typhoons can cause sewage backflow or allow bacteria to breed in standing water. When cleaning up standing water in your home or community, it is recommended to wear rubber boots and gloves. Wash and disinfect items and floors that have been soaked to prevent the spread of disease.
- Food Safety: Check the food in your refrigerator. If frozen foods have thawed and spoiled due to a power outage, do not consume them. Utensils and food that have come into contact with floodwater should be discarded. It is best to boil drinking water or use bottled water, and avoid drinking untreated raw water.
Travel Safety and Prevention of Secondary Disasters
Even if you are permitted to go out, remain highly vigilant, as the environment after a typhoon remains complex and changeable.
- Stay Away from Dangerous Areas: Avoid approaching billboards, large trees, temporary structures, and damaged buildings, as these objects may collapse due to residual winds or structural instability. When passing through flooded sections of road, watch for missing manhole covers or fallen power lines to guard against electric shock and falling into open wells.
- Beware of Falling Objects from Heights: Strong winds can loosen flower pots on balconies or air conditioner outdoor unit brackets. When walking, try to stay closer to the inner side of buildings and watch for objects overhead that appear precarious.
- Drive with Caution: If you must drive, proceed at low speed and avoid roads with deep standing water. If your vehicle stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it, as this may cause engine damage due to water intake. Instead, evacuate to a safe area as quickly as possible and wait for rescue.
Disaster prevention involves not only taking shelter during the typhoon but also responding scientifically afterward. By remaining patient and following official guidelines, you can maximize the safety of yourself and your family. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.