Typhoon preparedness: Practical steps families should follow before, during and after a storm

By Dr. Allan – Family Medical Practice

Typhoons continue to be one of the most destructive natural calamities affecting Việt Nam and the region. According to Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Allan, strengthening typhoon preparedness before, during and after the storm can significantly reduce injuries, fatalities and long-term damage. Below is his practical, action-focused guide designed to help families and communities improve their typhoon preparedness at every stage.

Before the typhoon: Build capacity and anticipate risks

A strong foundation for typhoon preparedness begins days before the storm makes landfall. Dr. Allan recommends taking action at least three days ahead.

1. Fortify your home

• Reinforce weak points in the house structure.
• If your room has no roof access, create one now. Keep a real ladder or sturdy steps.
•  Keep a hammer, axe or crowbar ready to break doors if you need air or an escape path.

These steps form a critical part of early typhoon preparedness.

2. Build a 3-day Go-Bag (per person)

Store waterproof backpacks on the top shelf near the exit. Each should include water, ready-to-eat food, flashlight, whistle, lighter, rope, radio and necessary medicines.
A complete Go-Bag is essential for proper typhoon preparedness.

3. Secure vital documents

Seal your phone, IDs and cash in waterproof pouches. Store land titles, birth certificates and insurance papers safely.

4. Drill your evacuation plan

Identify two routes to evacuation centres. Memorize nearby schools, buildings or hills, and practice timed monthly drills. The aim is to evacuate fully within 10 minutes. Practicing evacuation steps strengthens family and community typhoon preparedness.

5. Strengthen community coordination

•  Join local group-messaging platforms for real-time alerts.
• Pre-identify neighbours who may need assistance (elderly or disabled).
• Stock communal tools such as ropes, bolt cutters and life vests.
• Do a regular headcount and keep children and pets close.

During the typhoon: Stay sheltered and stay alert

1. Shelter in place

Choose a windowless interior room and reinforce doors with heavy furniture. Use ropes to anchor or tie people when currents get strong. If the roof becomes your only refuge, use flashing lights or wave something bright to attract attention.

2. Continuous threat monitoring

Monitor news and weather updates. Wear light, quick-dry clothing and stay ready to move upward or evacuate quickly.

3. Cut utilities immediately if flooding begins

Unplug appliances and shut off the main breaker before water rises. Disconnect and seal gas tanks upright. Keep candles or lanterns away from anything flammable.

4. Evacuate immediately if:

• Water reaches knee height indoors within 30 minutes
• Local officials announce evacuation orders
• You see rescue boats within 100 metres
• You need to signal SOS (3 short flashes, 3 long, 3 short)

5. Avoid deadly hazards

Stay indoors unless instructed to evacuate. Never walk in floodwater unless absolutely necessary. Above all - stay calm.
 These in-storm actions are crucial components of typhoon preparedness.

After the typhoon: Re-enter safely and support community recovery

1. Wait for official clearance

Return home only when authorities confirm the area is safe. Stay away from power lines and electrical hazards. Before entering, inspect for loose wires or structural damage.

2. Conduct a 5-point hazard sweep

Check for:

•  Gas leaks
• Structural damage
• Electrical hazards
• Contaminated water
• Displaced animals

3. Ensure water safety

Boil water for more than three minutes, or use WHO-certified purification tablets. As an emergency alternative, harvest rainwater in sanitized containers before the storm.
 Water hygiene is an often overlooked part of long-term typhoon preparedness.

4. Community recovery

Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or disabled. Report blocked roads, leaking pipelines or trapped individuals. Prevent disease by thorough cleaning and disinfection. Destroy soaked mattresses and fabrics to avoid mold and contamination. Follow all government instructions for safe recovery. – Family Medical Practice

Dr. Allan Paras is a seasoned emergency medicine specialist whose expertise knows no bounds. Now practicing in Danang, he brings nearly a decade of high-stakes, life-or-death experience to every patient he treats, from newborns to the elderly. With a calm demeanor under pressure, he is a natural in the fast-paced ER, where he has faced some of the most intense, life-threatening scenarios. Whether it’s stabilizing a heart attack victim, saving a young child, or diagnosing a critical condition in an elderly patient, Dr. Paras’ skill and intuition shine when it matters most.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCM City, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services. 

Visit FMP Hà Nội 24/7 at 298I Kim Mã Street, Ngọc Hà Ward, Hà Nội.
Visit FMP Đà Nẵng at 96-98 Nguyễn Văn Linh, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng.