Typhoon Preparedness for Taipei Apartments — Stocking & Securing

The good news: preparation is straightforward, and most supplies are available locally. This guide covers what to stock, how to secure your apartment, and what to do when utilities fail.

Why Taipei Apartments Are Different

Unlike houses with basements or yards, Taipei apartments face specific vulnerabilities: wind tunneling between tall buildings amplifies gusts, water seepage through older window frames and balcony doors, shared infrastructure where if the building's water pump fails your taps are dry regardless of city supply, and parking garage flooding if you have a car.

Must-Stock Supplies

Water (non-negotiable)

Store 2–3 liters per person for drinking and basic hygiene. For a 2-person apartment, that's 4–6 liters minimum. Use food-grade containers and rotate every 6 months. Pro tip: fill your bathtub with water 24 hours before typhoon arrival—it serves as emergency supply if pipes burst.

Food

Stock ready-to-eat items: canned goods, instant noodles, nuts, dried fruit, energy bars. Include no-cook meals like peanut butter, crackers, and canned fish. Focus on foods that work cold or at room temperature (no microwave needed). Avoid anything requiring fresh water to prepare.

Power & Light

Get flashlights and LED headlamps (better than holding a phone). Stock extra batteries (AA, AAA at minimum). Keep a portable power bank (20,000 mAh minimum) for phones and laptops. Optional: solar power bank or hand-crank flashlight for zero-electricity backup.

First Aid & Medications

Prepare a basic first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, and pain relief. Keep a 7-day supply of any prescription medications. Stock over-the-counter options: cold medicine, stomach medicine, electrolyte powder. Include a thermometer (non-contact preferred—no batteries needed).

Hygiene & Sanitation

Grab wet wipes (if water fails, you'll need them). Include hand sanitizer, toilet paper (critical if you lose water pressure), feminine hygiene products if applicable, and trash bags (sewage systems may back up).

Securing Your Apartment

Windows & Doors

Check seals and weatherstripping; seal gaps with caulk if needed. Close all windows before wind arrives. Consider temporary window reinforcement film for older frames. For balcony doors: ensure they close flush and use door wedges if they rattle.

Balconies & Outdoor Spaces

Bring in pots, chairs, and anything light enough to become a projectile. Secure air conditioning units (check if they're properly bolted). Remove or tie down laundry lines. If you have a bike, bring it inside or secure it very well.

When Utilities Fail

No Water

Use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Minimize toilet flushing and designate one bathroom as the emergency one. If your building has a rooftop tank, water may return before the city supply does. Sponge baths using bottled water are better than nothing.

No Power

Keep freezer and fridge closed to preserve food for 24–48 hours. Use flashlights instead of opening your phone every five minutes. Charge devices during the day if sun is available. Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather updates and all-clear signals.

Final Thought

The anxiety of a typhoon comes not from the storm itself, but from feeling unprepared. A few hours of stocking and checking now transforms a stressful night into just... a night indoors with tea, a book, and the knowledge that you're ready. Stay safe. 颱風來時見。