How to Prevent Electric Shock During Typhoon Flooding? Which Areas Should Be Avoided?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-07-20
Heavy rainfall brought by typhoons often causes severe waterlogging in low-lying urban areas. Beneath the murky water, lethal electric shock hazards may be hidden. Since water is a good conductor, if electrical facilities leak current, it can rapidly spread through the accumulated water, creating "step voltage" or directly electrocuting people. Therefore, when wading through water, staying alert and identifying dangerous zones is key to survival.
Stay Away from These "Invisible Killers"
When walking through flooded areas, the primary rule is to avoid all public facilities that may be electrified. Do not approach or touch the following locations under any circumstances:
- Streetlight Poles and Traffic Signal Poles: These metal poles are filled with internal wiring. Long-term exposure to wind and rain can cause insulation layers to age and break. If you notice ripples or vibrations on the water surface around the pole, or hear a buzzing sound, it indicates an electrical leak—move away immediately.
- Transformers and Distribution Boxes: The green or gray metal boxes found in residential compounds or along streets house high-voltage equipment. Do not linger nearby if water has submerged their bases, and never attempt to open the box doors.
- Outdoor Air Conditioning Units and Advertising Light Boxes: Equipment mounted on exterior walls may have loose fixtures or exposed wiring. Rainwater infiltration can easily cause electrical leaks. Keep as far away from the base of walls as possible when passing by.
- Fallen Power Lines: Regardless of whether the wires are submerged in water, assume any fallen cable is live. Leave the scene by hopping on one foot or shuffling with both feet together to avoid creating a potential difference.
Correct Safety Postures and Gear
If you unfortunately find yourself in a suspected漏电 (electrical leak) area, or must pass through shallow floodwaters, adopt scientific protective measures. First, be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes; avoid going barefoot or wearing soaked cloth or leather shoes, as dry rubber provides good insulation. Second, use a long-handled umbrella or a wooden stick to probe your way. This helps test water depth and can provide some isolation buffer if you touch an electrified object (note: do not let your hands directly contact metal parts).
If you feel numbness in your feet, this may be a precursor to electric shock. Do not run, as large strides generate significant step voltage, increasing the risk of injury. The correct action is to stop moving immediately, stand on one foot or keep both feet together, and slowly hop out of the danger zone, or wait for rescue. If you see someone collapse due to electric shock, do not pull them with your bare hands. Cut off the power source first, or use insulating objects such as dry wooden sticks or plastic pipes to push the wire away before administering first aid.
Monitor Warnings and Reduce Outdoor Activities
Prevention is better than disaster relief. According to the National Standard for Tropical Cyclone Grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the risk of urban waterlogging increases significantly when typhoons bring heavy rain or higher levels of precipitation. Standards may vary by location; please refer to local government announcements. Generally, when meteorological departments issue a Red Warning for heavy rain or high-level typhoon warnings, citizens are advised not to go out unless necessary, and employers should arrange work and school suspensions in accordance with regulations. At home, check electrical circuit safety, and unplug appliances during severe thunderstorms to prevent lightning surges from damaging devices or causing fires.
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.