When a tropical storm is approaching, it is vital to monitor official warnings and have emergency plans in place to ensure traveller safety and wellbeing.
Swift action in response to evacuation directives, continuous monitoring of weather updates and adherence to safety protocols are essential to mitigating dangers. Travellers should stay updated via local news and government channels to track warnings and follow evacuation guidelines without delay.
The unpredictable nature of these storms means situations can escalate rapidly. In some instances, evacuation may no longer be safe and remaining in place until the storm passes might be the best option. Additionally, awareness of environmental hazards—such as flooding, strong winds and landslides—is crucial for minimising exposure to risks.
By staying informed and prepared, individuals can enhance their safety and resilience during such extreme weather events. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like water, snacks, a torch, first aid items and important documents. Waterproof clothing and additional protective gear are also important to help you stay safe in challenging weather conditions.
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Emergency Safety Directives
Pre-emptive local emergency declarations, which enable authorities to mobilise resources to affected areas, are likely in regions frequently impacted by tropical storms. Travellers should remain informed through local news sources and official government agencies to monitor such declarations. Evacuation warnings are typically issued at least several hours or days in advance. However, given the inherent unpredictability of storm intensities and trajectories, the situation may escalate swiftly. In some cases, by the time a warning is issued, it may be unsafe to evacuate, and people may be required to stay in place until the storm subsides. Visitors are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with evacuation maps and consider voluntary evacuation if feasible. While there is a strong temptation to ignore such warnings, travellers should follow all official directives.
Staying informed through local media, weather bulletins and tropical storm advisories is essential. Travellers should register for free government emergency alerts and utilise mobile phone applications that provide real-time storm tracking, evacuation routes and safety guidelines. Local evacuation protocols vary by region, making it imperative for travellers to familiarise themselves with emergency procedures specific to the destination. Hotels frequently provide evacuation guidance, including designated shelters and transportation options. People should take note of their hotel’s emergency exits, the location of the nearest embassy or consulate, and alternative routes to higher ground in the event of flooding.
Beyond evacuation preparedness, travellers should remain aware of potential disruptions to essential services. Airports may suspend flights, while clinics, shops and public facilities may shut down, and public transportation networks could be significantly affected. Identifying nearby medical facilities and emergency contacts—both locally and at their company’s head office—can enhance preparedness. Corporate travellers should also comply with company protocols regarding emergency evacuations and stay informed through updates from travel risk management providers.
Personal Preparedness
Emergency kit
Pack an emergency kit with essentials such as water, energy-dense snacks, a torch, spare batteries, a power bank, essential medications, a first aid kit and copies of important documents. It’s also advisable to carry cash and have backup travel plans in place.
Safety procedures
Familiarise yourself with local evacuation routes and procedures. Opt for a weather-resistant accommodation that has strong emergency protocols. Upon arrival, review the hotel’s safety procedures and the locations of designated shelter areas. Choose hotels with reinforced infrastructure, reliable emergency protocols and backup power systems.
Emergency contacts
Know how to contact local emergency services and prepare for potential power outages or transport disruptions. Keep a list of emergency contacts, both local and from your organisation, handy.
Weather monitoring systems
Keep track of storm updates through dedicated weather apps, local news sources or hotel alerts.
Communication essentials
Ensure your phone is fully charged, carry a backup power source and consider alternative communication methods such as satellite phones or messaging apps with offline capabilities.
Protective equipment
Use waterproof storage for important items and pack weather-appropriate gear, including rain-resistant clothing, to stay dry and protected in adverse conditions.
When a tropical storm is approaching, it is vital to monitor official warnings and have in place emergency plans to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
Avoiding Tropical Storm-Related Risks
When a tropical storm hits, it is accompanied by various phenomena that can pose serious risks to safety. Identifying these hazards is crucial for safeguarding your wellbeing and ensuring a prompt response.
Flooding:
Flooding is one of the most common impacts of a tropical storm. Stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful of nearby bodies of water. Watch for rapidly rising water levels, and if the water appears dark or brownish, it may be mixed with mud. Floodwaters can carry debris, which further complicates the situation.
Strong winds:
Strong winds also regularly accompany tropical storms, ranging in intensity from gales to hurricane force. The US National Weather Service provides a wind scale that helps people assess the strength of the winds and associated risks. Winds are categorised from 0 to 12, with ‘Hurricane Force’ winds at the highest level, capable of causing severe and widespread damage. During a windstorm, the safest course of action is to take shelter inside a sturdy building, staying in an interior room or cellar, away from windows.
Downed electrical wires and hazardous materials:
In the immediate aftermath of a storm, downed electrical wires can electrify bodies of water, posing significant risks during clean-up and rescue efforts. Additionally, floodwaters may conceal sharp metal objects and other debris, making it crucial to carefully inspect flooded areas.
Wildlife encounters:
Flooding may force aquatic mammals and reptiles into populated areas, which could lead to injury or even death. Exercise caution when navigating flooded zones, as animals may be disoriented and potentially dangerous.
Landslides:
Landslides are more likely following a tropical storm due to the oversaturation of soil. Those in hilly or mountainous regions should watch for warning signs such as cracks or bulges in the ground or the faint sound of an approaching debris flow. Due to their unpredictable nature, travellers should avoid these areas and consider leaving in advance of the storm.
Fallen debris and disrupted transportation: Fallen trees, broken glass, and other debris create additional hazards. Disrupted transportation systems may also hinder access to medical care when needed. Stay alert and avoid affected areas to reduce risk.
Health risks from standing water: Standing water can harbour disease-carrying mosquitoes and may contaminate drinking water with pathogens that cause cholera, dysentery, or typhoid fever. In flood-prone areas, avoid contact with stagnant water, rely on sealed bottled water, and use purification methods such as boiling or treatment tablets when necessary. Stay informed about local sanitation conditions, as water sources that seem safe may still pose health risks.
Contributors:
Diego Maloney, Jesús Aguilar, Marco Tulio Lara and Nikita Billier
