How to Prepare Your Hong Kong Home for Typhoon Season
Every year, Hong Kong faces the threat of tropical cyclones that can bring destructive winds exceeding 200 km/h, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges. The devastating impact of Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused over HK$4.6 billion in insurance claims, was a stark reminder that even a modern, well-built city like Hong Kong is vulnerable to nature's fury. Preparing your home before typhoon season arrives is not just prudent — it can prevent injury and save you from costly repairs.
Windows: Your First Line of Defence
Windows are the most vulnerable part of any home during a typhoon. Flying debris can shatter glass, and strong wind pressure can blow in poorly secured windows.
- Apply typhoon tape — taping windows in an X pattern with cloth-based adhesive tape can reduce the size of glass shards if the pane breaks.
- Inspect window seals and frames — check that rubber gaskets are intact. Aluminium window frames common in HK buildings warp over time, creating gaps for wind-driven rain.
- Secure sliding windows — ensure locking mechanisms work. Insert a wooden dowel in the track for added security against wind pressure.
- Consider impact-resistant film — security window film (3M and Llumar, available through HK distributors) holds shattered glass together.
- Check casement window hinges — replace any corroded or loose hinges before the season begins.
Balconies and External Areas
If you have a balcony, rooftop, or any outdoor space, it becomes a serious hazard during a typhoon. Loose items can become dangerous projectiles.
- Bring everything inside — potted plants, drying racks, clothes, outdoor furniture, and any loose items must be moved indoors or firmly secured before a typhoon approaches.
- Secure external AC units — check that outdoor AC condensers are firmly bolted to their brackets. Loose units can be torn from the building facade in strong winds.
- Clear balcony drains — blocked drains can cause water to pool on your balcony and seep under doors into your flat. Clean drain covers and ensure water flows freely.
Drainage and Water Ingress
Typhoons dump enormous volumes of rain in a very short time. Hong Kong's steep terrain means water runs off hillsides rapidly, and the drainage system can be overwhelmed.
- Clear roof drains and gutters — if you live in a village house or top-floor flat with roof access, ensure all roof drains are free of leaves and debris.
- Check door seals — install or replace door bottom seals. Adhesive-backed rubber seals from hardware shops in Apliu Street or Mongkok are inexpensive and effective.
- Prepare sandbags or flood barriers — essential if your home is at ground level in low-lying areas such as Tai O, Heng Fa Chuen, or parts of Sai Kung. The Home Affairs Department sometimes distributes sandbags before major typhoons.
Electrical Safety
- Unplug non-essential appliances — power surges during typhoons can damage electronics. Unplug TVs, computers, and other sensitive equipment, or use surge protector power strips.
- Check your circuit breaker — test the residual current device (RCD) on your distribution board by pressing the test button. It should trip immediately, protecting against electric shock from water ingress.
Emergency Supplies
A Signal 10 typhoon can knock out power, water supply, and access to shops for 24 hours or more. Keep the following ready:
- Torches with fresh batteries (at least two)
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive Hong Kong Observatory updates
- Bottled water — at least 3 litres per person per day for two days
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- A basic first aid kit
- Important documents in a waterproof bag
- Fully charged power banks for mobile phones
- Spare medications if anyone in the household takes prescription drugs
Structural Checks for Building Owners
If you own a village house or low-rise building, inspect the roof for loose tiles or sheeting, ensure external rendering is not cracked or delaminating, and verify that rooftop structures such as water tanks and satellite dishes are securely anchored. The Buildings Department issues specific guidelines for building safety during typhoons. For village house owners in the New Territories, the Rural Committee can provide area-specific guidance.
After the Typhoon Passes
Once the signal is lowered, inspect your home for damage before resuming normal activities. Do not touch fallen power lines or enter flooded areas. Document any damage with photographs for insurance purposes. If you notice structural cracks or significant water damage, contact the Buildings Department hotline at 2626 1616 for assessment.