Hurricanes and typhoons - how people hope for the best but prepare for the worst

Problem
September 2018 you can see from satellite maps on the news how the winds are moving around the world, hitting
Hong Kong,
The Philippines,
and North Carolinas in the USA.

Hong Kong was set for a hurricane. My friend was in Singapore with one of her grown-up daughters, but her husband was at their tiny home in Singapore near their other married daughter. My friend's husband emailed, "There's a hurricane coming to Hong Kong! Come home immediately."

She laughed wryly about the fact that instead of telling her to stay safe in Singapore, he wanted her to help him in case of need in Hong Kong.

Why didn't he leave Hong Kong and fly to Singapore? Because he was working in Hong Kong.

What precautions should you take in an emergency?

Know your exit from a hotel or uphill away from a tsunami (sea) or flooded river.
Know alternative routes in case of fire.
Know how to turn off electricity before or during a flood. If not, wait for emergency personnel to check the gas and electricity supplies are off before you return.
Move valuable and papers and food from the floor - they could be damaged.  Wires to electrical devices underwater could trip you up.
Find waterproof boots and clothes for wading. Check water for debris and wildlife. (The Philippines has snakes from outside invading water-logged properties.)

1 Know the local conditions and sources of help.
a) Emergency phone numbers - put them in your phone and memorize them.
b) Refuge locations, such as the local school or stadium - and directions to get there.
c) Radio stations broadcasting warnings and advice.
d) Emergency kit - by the door to grab as you race out - including water, tin of food, first aid, blow up pillow for sitting and sleeping.
e) The basics such as Identity card, phone and charger and credit cards in a jacket so that if you run out of a building or plane and are told to leave your belongs behind, you still have money and contact to other members of your family and can call for help.

Check local newspapers and radio stations and websites for more information.

Emergency supplies:
Water and food for at least three days
Medicines
Torches, batteries, candles
Battery operated radio

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.