What to Do During a Typhoon-Induced Power Outage? How to Prepare in Advance?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Prepared Defense · 更新 at 2026-07-16
Stock Up in Advance to Build a Household "Emergency Defense Line"
Before a typhoon arrives, the core response strategy is to "prepare for a rainy day." Power outages are often accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, so preparations should focus on lighting, communication, and basic survival needs. First, check your household emergency kit to ensure it includes flashlights (rechargeable ones or with sufficient spare batteries are recommended), power banks, and some cash. In extreme weather, electronic payments may become unusable due to network interruptions, and cash can meet urgent needs for purchasing supplies.
Secondly, regarding daily necessities, it is advisable to store at least three days' worth of drinking water and non-perishable food, such as compressed biscuits, canned goods, or self-heating meals. If there are elderly people, infants, or chronic disease patients in the household, be sure to prepare extra prescription medications and special care items. Additionally, fully charge all electronic devices in advance, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, and download offline maps or first aid guides to prevent being cut off from external information if network signals are lost.
Practice Scientific Risk Avoidance and Master Safety Guidelines During Power Outages
When a typhoon causes a power outage, staying calm is the top priority. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) classifies tropical cyclones into different levels. When a yellow typhoon warning signal or higher is issued, some areas may initiate school and work suspensions, but standards may vary by location; please refer to announcements from local authorities. During a power outage, please adhere to the following safety principles:
- Cut Off Power: If possible, turn off the main power switches for major home appliances and unplug them. This not only prevents damage to appliances from voltage surges when power is restored but also avoids fires caused by short circuits.
- Use Candles with Caution: Although candles are a traditional lighting tool, open flames can easily cause fires in strong winds, especially if windows and doors are damaged. It is recommended to prioritize LED flashlights or headlamps. If candles must be used, place them on non-flammable surfaces, keep them away from curtains, paper, and other flammable materials, and ensure they are always supervised.
- Minimize Going Outdoors: There are significant risks outdoors during a typhoon, such as falling objects from heights, collapsing billboards, and broken trees. Unless facing a life-threatening emergency, strictly avoid going outside. Do not attempt to repair outdoor lines in wind and rain, as this is extremely dangerous.
Stay Connected and Follow Official Authoritative Information
During a power outage, the "information island" effect may increase anxiety. At this time, a radio becomes an important tool for obtaining external information. It is recommended to keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio at home, tuned to the local emergency broadcast frequency, to timely listen to the latest typhoon updates and government instructions issued by meteorological departments.
Meanwhile, use your mobile phone battery wisely. Close unnecessary background apps, lower screen brightness, and enable power-saving mode. Contact family members or check emergency notifications only when necessary, avoiding prolonged video streaming or gaming that drains battery life. If the mobile signal is weak, try sending text messages instead of making voice calls, as SMS requires less signal strength and is more likely to go through during network congestion.
Please remember that restoring power after a typhoon may take time; patience and preparation are equally important. 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.