There are several things you need to survive a typhoon, or you’ll be left with lots of unwanted stress.
Being from an island or any country with a coast can be the best thing in the world until you get word of a tropical storm being in the area.
This will cause many problems, especially if it turns into a super typhoon.
Then we have some serious problems.
I don’t care what you call it.
Hurricanes, typhoons, or cyclones, we all know what they are, and yes, they are the same thing.
Now a tropical storm is more on the here’s some rain with a little wind type deal, but whatever the case may be, you must be prepared.
Being a part of several typhoons in my life, I think I know enough about what you need to survive a storm, and that is what I want to talk about today.
Things You Need to Survive a Typhoon
If you have not experienced a typhoon, that’s okay.
As much as we want to get outside, this is one of those times when you best stay indoors.
As long as you know the basics, you can survive a typhoon without panicking like most end up doing.
You are given a heads-up a few days before a typhoon, but most will never be prepared.
Unless you want to be those people, it would be wise to pay attention.
Don’t prepare; you will have many problems before, during, and after the typhoon.
But, before you trap yourself in your home, here are certain things you need to survive a typhoon.
1.) Stock Up On Water
The most important thing you will need is some good ole H2O.
Not necessarily drinking water (although that is obvious), but some water from the tap or some rainwater will do the trick.
You probably think you will need to replenish some lost fluids, but that is not what you will use it for.
Getting some dishes cleaned and unwanted waste to go down the toilet will become a big problem if you don’t stock up on water.
Yes, you need drinking water but also get some water to take care of what I just mentioned.
It will come in super handy, trust me.
You can get those big plastic drums, fill them up outside, and bring water when needed.
Another great thing to use is those Igloo brand push coolers.
They are easy to maneuver and have a spout to dispense water easily.
2.) Stock Up on Canned Goods
Some of you may not like these things, but they are lifesaving when it comes to typhoons.
Literally.
If you’ve never been a part of a typhoon and you’re used to having your electricity on 24/7, you might be in for a rude awakening.
After experiencing one, you might find a nice little interest in the oh-so-very lovely can of Spam.
Whether you like it or not, you will wish you got some.
Don’t expect some home-cooked meals for a couple of weeks, especially if you lose electricity.
Get into some canned goods, and forget about all the fancy dining out for now.
3.) Get Gasoline
Fill those car tanks up and get yourself some portable gasoline containers.
You will NEED them.
Now if you plan on using a gas-powered generator, you might want to get a very good supply.
Why would you need gas in your car?
Well, most gas stations won’t open for a while, and you will be stuck (literally) at home once you’re out of gas.
Get ahead, as there will be a super long line you don’t want to be a part of.
4.) Get a Battery Powered Radio
You’re going to need this.
This will be your source for all the latest updates on the storm, so get a good old generic radio that takes batteries, and you should be good to go.
Don’t think your smartphone will help you because you won’t have wifi, and you probably won’t have service either.
Get a radio.
You’ll thank me later.
5.) Get Batteries…All Kinds of Batteries
Of course, you’ll need some for the radio, but you also want to look at other things that require batteries.
Most take D-sized batteries, so ensure you have enough for at least one month after the storm.
It sounds like a waste of money, but you’ll soon discover how many things in your house take and need batteries.
6.) Shutters
This would probably be the first thing you do, but I’m sure you already knew this.
For the most part, most of you can close your window shutters, but some of you might not be so fortunate.
If your house doesn’t have typhoon shutters installed and you live on an island, you might want to get them ASAP.
If you don’t have them now, you can get some plywood and secure your windows from flying debris.
Anything can happen, and you might have your neighbor’s house in your front yard.
7.) Tape Your Windows
One time I heard my neighbor’s window pop. The sound was so loud that I thought something exploded.
What you don’t want is to have the glass fly everywhere.
Pressure will build up in your house (even with the shutters), so get some duct tape and put a nice little X on your windows.
It will help it from breaking, and even if it does break, it will be intact.
You can clean it off later.
Masking tape will work, but you want it to be sticky and withstand the storm.
Don’t use electrical tape or anything like it.
Get duct tape, as you can use it for much more than just your windows.
8.) Secure Everything
Take every single thing that can fly and secure it.
You might want to put them in storage or secure them with some 550 cord.
If you have a basketball hoop, take it down.
If you have plants, gather them up and tie them to something.
If you have trash, get rid of it.
You don’t secure your things, and you can expect them to be at one of your neighbor’s houses after the storm.
It is also really safe, so please secure your stuff.
9.) Get Some Entertainment
This is going to help you big time.
Monopoly and a deck of playing cards will take you a long way.
Get whatever games you like, as they will be used a lot.
And I mean a lot.
There are some of those electronic poker games you thought you’d never buy.
Well, you’ll probably love them during the typhoon.
Whatever the case, you want to get some entertainment.
Maybe it’s time to get into Pokemon?
Shrug shoulders.
10.) Kerosene Lamps
I never thought you’d be using one of these, aye?
Well, when it comes to dealing with typhoons, this is going to be another lifesaver.
Get a couple of these, and please don’t forget the kerosene. These lamps have a very long burning life, so you will have light for a few hours before adding more kerosene.
No batteries are needed here, so you can save money from this alone.
11.) Portable Butane Stove
This is especially perfect for those canned goods I mentioned earlier.
You will need to cook other foods and back to not having electricity, which will become a problem.
Portable gas stoves are not expensive, and I’m sure you’ll use them daily.
12. Get a Cooler
The minute your fridge goes out, you must keep some things cool.
Then you will run out of time, and things must be cooked almost immediately.
Get a cooler and some ice to hold things a little longer.
This can also be done without storms, which is another excellent investment.
13.) Flashlights
These are very important, and I don’t know how this landed on #13.
Once that power goes out, you will either hit panic or turn on a flashlight, which is essential for surviving a typhoon.
I’m sure you’ll be turning to your smartphone’s flashlight, but even that won’t do you as well as a regular old flashlight will.
I mean, why would you want to waste the last of your phone’s juice to navigate around your house?
Your whole house might not be lit up, and you must find your way around the house.
Remember how I told you to get a bunch of different batteries? This is another item that requires batteries.
Please avoid anything that needs electricity because you might not have access to it, depending on how strong the winds are.
14.) First Aid Kit
Whether you’re expecting a typhoon or not, you should always have a first aid kit.
You only need the basics, so don’t spend on some super expensive, fancy kit.
These things alone will get you through any typhoon, so get these ready to deploy.
15. Candles
When did you last buy a candle to use as a light source?
Things have changed significantly since we started living in this digital world, but we must remember what was needed during the most challenging times.
In the case of typhoons, batteries can only last so long, and being able to see in the dark will not come easily.
You don’t need anything crazy, as I’m sure you will appreciate what a simple candle can do.
They are inexpensive and will do a lot for you and your family during those days without electricity.
Helpful Tip: Typhoons Are Unpredictable
Typhoons are very tricky, and even if they start as tropical storms, they can turn around and slap you in the face.
Even when you think they are long gone, they can, again, turn around and slap you in the face.
I hope these tips help you survive a typhoon and, hopefully, you take every storm seriously.
Do you have anything that helps you in times like this?
I’m sure I left some out, but I’ll be updating this post later, so please do add anything else in the comments section below.
Conclusion – Get the Things You Need to Survive a Typhoon
These are just a few tips that can help you survive a typhoon, but they will take you a long way.
Typhoon survival can last for days or a few weeks, but if it’s a major disaster, it can last for months.
Get the necessities, plan ahead, and never put your guard down.
As the old saying goes…
“It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.”
Get the things you need to survive a typhoon, and you will be good to go.
And you could also help other people who weren’t as prepared as you.
Stay safe!
