Taipei City Fire Department

Typhoon Maria appears to be approaching fiercely and the storm circle is moving towards the northern offshores of Taiwan. The Central Weather Bureau has not ruled out the possibility of a landing made by Typhoon Maria. Regardless of a landing taking place or not, the typhoon will ultimately have an impact on the central and northern lands of Taiwan, especially the north due to rainstorms. On the 9th of July, 14:30 PM, sea warnings were posted by the Central Weather Bureau in response to the upcoming typhoon. The Fire Department not only has to monitor the real-time movement of the typhoon and be well prepared for disaster prevention measures at all time, but also has to remind the public of the urgency to stay focused and prepared.

Due to the complete structure of Typhoon Maria and its continuously growing strength as it moves closer to the northern coast of Taiwan, its impact is projected to reach the pinnacle from the evening of the 10th to the early morning of the 11th, July. The Fire Department upholds the cautious and conservative disaster prevention approach. Messages are issued to all fire personnel requiring them to stay alerted at all time and not travel far. The senior inspectors are also assigned to monitor and supervise different fire stations, unannounced, on the morning of the 9th and will be conducting a spot check on emergency rescue vehicles, boats and other fire equipment.

The spot check is exercised to ensure disaster preparedness across disaster relief human resource, vehicles, boats and other equipment during the typhoon season, so that each fire station can maximize its disaster relief performance. Once land warnings are released, the Taipei City Emergency Response Center will open up a level 1 notice, and all fire personnel will simultaneously cancel any planned leaves and stand by at their station. During the spot check, the Fire Department also uses the opportunity to express its recognition to the hard work of fellow firefighters. They are encouraged to diligently hold their positions by all means to make sure the public is safe.