What to Do with Pets and Outdoor Items During a Typhoon? Overlooked Details for Typhoon Preparedness
Bring pets indoors early and stock up on supplies. Do not charge e-bikes in building hallways. Shared bikes, food delivery riders, and parcel lockers—these details are equally important during typhoons.
Pet Typhoon Preparedness Checklist
- Bring Indoors Early: Cats and dogs kept on rooftops or in yards must be brought inside well in advance. Pets lost during typhoons are extremely difficult to recover.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Reserve 3–5 days' worth of pet food and cat litter. Pets requiring prescription diets need extra attention to ensure supplies are replenished ahead of time.
- Soothe Anxiety: The howling wind can cause severe stress in pets. Prepare their familiar beds and toys, and place them in a room away from windows.
- Microchips and Collars: Ensure the contact information on collar tags is correct. This increases the chances of recovery if your pet gets lost.
- Do Not Walk Dogs During Typhoons: Falling objects and electrocution risks from flooded areas are fatal to pets. Use pee pads at home instead.
E-Bikes: Charging in Hallways Is a Double Hazard
During typhoons, many people push e-bikes into building hallways to shelter from the rain and charge them simultaneously—this is a major fire safety violation. If a fire breaks out due to hallway charging, thick smoke will block the only escape route. The correct approach: Park vehicles in designated centralized parking areas or indoor non-passageway zones. If you bring batteries home, do not leave them charging overnight.
E-bike batteries submerged in water carry a risk of short-circuiting and catching fire. After wading through water, dry and inspect the battery thoroughly before charging.
Comprehensive Check of Balconies and Outdoor Items
Falling objects from heights are one of the leading killers in urban typhoons. Check each item carefully:
- Flower pots and storage racks → Move indoors
- Clothes on drying racks → Bring all inside
- Air conditioner outdoor units → Check brackets for rust (cases of old brackets detaching in strong winds are real)
- Awnings and rain canopies → Dismantle removable ones; reinforce those that cannot be removed
- Shop signs and light boxes → Merchants should reinforce them in advance; pedestrians should stay away during typhoons
Those "Public Details"
- Food Delivery and Parcels: Most platforms suspend deliveries under Red Warning signals. Please understand this, and do not rush orders during storms. For orders already en route, a simple "stay safe" message goes a long way.
- Shared Bikes: Companies will collect bikes in advance. Citizens should not take risks to right blown-over bikes.
- Bird Nests/Stray Cats Outside Windows: If possible, provide a sheltered corner for stray animals in your community. It reflects the warmth of our city.
No detail is too small when it comes to typhoons. Negligence can lead to property damage or, worse, harm to innocent people. Prepare a day in advance to navigate the typhoon calmly.