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 2026-10-18
Beware of the "False Calm" and Strictly Observe Safety Restrictions
The passage of the typhoon eye or a temporary lull in wind and rain is often mistaken for the end of the danger, but this is frequently a peak period for secondary disasters. Please adhere to the principle of "official clearance": only plan to go out after the meteorological department has officially lifted the typhoon warning signals and the local government has explicitly announced the end of school and work suspensions. Specific times for resuming classes and work are subject to announcements by the local government. Do not trust online rumors or rely on personal judgment.
Be particularly vigilant against the "boomerang effect" of typhoons. If the wind and rain suddenly stop and the sky briefly clears, it may indicate the passage of the typhoon eye, followed by a return of severe winds and heavy rain. Until officials confirm that the impact has completely ended, stay indoors. Strictly avoid going to the seaside to watch waves, fishing by rivers, or entering low-lying areas prone to flooding, to prevent being trapped or encountering sudden water level rises.
Home Inspection: Utilities, Hygiene, and Disease Prevention
Before restoring normal life, conduct a comprehensive safety scan of your living environment:
- Utilities Safety Check: Inspect sockets and wires for water immersion. If they are damp, do not turn on the power directly; they must be tested and dried by a professional electrician before use. If you smell gas, immediately close the valve and open windows for ventilation. During this time, strictly prohibit switching electrical appliances or using open flames to prevent explosions.
- Environmental Hygiene and Disinfection: After floodwaters recede, mud and sewage may contain large amounts of pathogens. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and masks during cleanup. Thoroughly clean floors, furniture, and walls soaked by floodwater, and spray with chlorine-based disinfectants to prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue fever.
- Food Safety Control: Check refrigerator contents. Firmly discard meat and dairy products that have thawed and spoiled due to power outages. Utensils that have come into contact with floodwater need to be disinfected by boiling at high temperatures. Drinking water must be boiled or bottled; strictly prohibit drinking raw water to prevent intestinal infectious diseases.
Travel Safety: Guarding Against Secondary Disasters and Traffic Risks
Even if permitted to go out, the external environment still harbors hidden dangers. Maintain the highest level of vigilance:
- Stay Away from Collapse Hazards: Strong winds can loosen tree roots and cause rusted screws on billboards to break. When walking, stay away from large trees, temporary structures, damaged walls, and glass curtain walls. Watch for falling objects from above, such as loose air conditioner outdoor units or flower pots. Try to walk quickly along the inner side of sidewalks near buildings.
- Caution When Wading Through Water: Accumulated water on roads may hide missing manhole covers or exposed live wires. If you must wade through water, use a long stick to probe the path. If you feel numbness underfoot or see abnormal ripples on the water surface, retreat immediately and call the police to guard against electric shock and falling into wells.
- Driving Safety Tips: Drive slowly and avoid sections with deep accumulated water. If your vehicle stalls in water, do not restart it, as this can cause severe engine damage. Immediately evacuate to higher ground and wait for rescue. Additionally, mountain roads are prone to landslides and mudflows; avoid entering mountainous areas unless necessary.
Post-disaster recovery is a gradual process. Patience and scientific response are key to ensuring safety. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is original educational content from TyphoonSays. Please refer to the latest official announcements from local governments for policy standards.