Taipei City Fire Department

Located in the subtropical monsoon region, Taiwan is no stranger to the inevitable damage from natural disasters caused by typhoons and floods every year. From the beginning of summer, stationary fronts usually bring heavy precipitation, i.e. the so-called “Rainy Season” (plum rain season). Although this rainfall can alleviate drought, it may also lead to serious damage caused by floods. Furthermore, storm fronts of the Rainy Season may also last for several days and cause extremely heavy rainfalls in a short period of time. Taipei City Fire Department therefore urges the public to make the following preparations to prevent damage and disasters:

1. Strong winds often occur in thunderstorm regions. Such strong winds can even reach the high intensity of typhoons. Residents should beware of the lightning strike damages and the gale-force winds.

2. Please check the normal operation of flood gate in the passageway of the basement garage to ensure it’s operating normally and not rusted. Also, prepare sandbags in case of emergency.

3. Community residents should be organized into groups. When any damage or disaster occurs, these groups can deal with the urgent situation more efficiently and join disaster rescue to mitigate damage and loss.

4. Those who live in low-lying lands, beside an embankment, or in places prone to landslides should quickly evacuate from the danger zone and take refuge.
5. Household sewers and drainage channels should be cleared to prevent obstruction and accumulation of water. If necessary, neighborhood magistrates can arrange for cleaning sewers and drainage channels in the community.

6. Drivers or workers in a mountainous region, particularly need to be aware of unexpected accidents such as falling rocks, mudflows and landslides.

7. When flooding occurs, turn off electrical power switches immediately. No one shall enter flooded areas to save property, motorcycles or cars to avoid the danger because of being trapped.

8. Please follow the firemen and the police officer’s instructions, and proceed with the necessary evacuation.

9. When extremely heavy rainfall is announced, vehicles should not park in low-lying areas.

10. Whenever a disaster or an accident occurs, please dial “119”or “1999” to report the situation as soon as possible.

11. To get the latest weather conditions, forecasts of potential floods, and information about refuge and relocation, people can visit Taipei City Disaster Prevention and Rescue Information website for relevant details at http://tdprc2.tfd.gov.tw(Chinese).