Wherever you live, you will probably experience a typhoon. Typhoons, also called tropical cyclones, occur near the equator in the Eastern Pacific and are equivalent to hurricanes and cyclones. Like all great storms, they can destroy property and kill people.

A powerful reminder of Nature’s strength, typhoons are characterized by high-speed winds and driving rain rotating around a low-pressure center. Through the modern miracles of weather satellites, meteorologists can observe, track, and predict their strength and movement.

Pacific typhoons have been recorded throughout the year, but they seem to peak from August to October. In the Pacific Northwest, the range is greater – from May to November. Normally, their paths follow one of three directions: a straight westward path, recurving paths impacting Japan and China, and northward paths that seem to only affect small islands.

The causes of typhoons are not well-understood, but there are some factors that seem to be common to them. One is warmer water temperature, particularly with rapid cooling in the atmosphere. High humidity is present. They usually seem to form more that 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the equator.

If a the weather service broadcasts a warning that typhoon is nearing your area, there are measures you can take to avoid loss of life and property. Here is a quick run-down of the things you can do before it arrives:

1. Repair broken doors and windows, and make sure your exits are free of obstructions in case you need to get out (or in) quickly. Tape over big glass windows that could be shattered by flying debris. If you have time, cover windows with plywood or storm shutters.

2. If your area is flood-prone, plan to move to an evacuation center or to higher ground before the water level reaches one meter (or a little over 3 feet). Try to park your car on high ground. Secure your garbage indoors where it won’t be carried away by the flood and create more health problems.

3. Store enough food and fresh drinking water for a few days. You may well lose power, so stock up on candles, batteries, rain gear, and thick blankets.

4. Secure items like furniture in your yard or on your balcony. Better yet, bring them indoors. Also remove anything from your roof that might be easily blown away.

5. Clear out gutters and drains around your house to avoid adding to the flood damage problem the typhoon will visit on your area.

6. Carry a battery-powered radio with you to listen to the news about the typhoon. Know what’s happening in your area. Stay alert for announcements for emergency evacuations, and be sure you know what the evacuation routes are, where shelters are located, and how to get help if you need it.

7. Even when the typhoon seems to be over, and the sky is clear, do not leave your home or shelter until the authorities tell you it is safe. You may be in the eye of the storm, where all is peaceful and quiet. But this is deceptive: you still have to go through the other side of the typhoon.

8. After the typhoon, check your home and property for potentially dangerous damages. Clear large items from doorways and paths. Be sure to check electrical appliances and outlets for possible shorts that could start fires. Make sure your gas service is being delivered properly for the same reason. Inspect trees for damaged branches that might still fall on your house. And have your car inspected for water damages that may not be apparent until you want to go somewhere!

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/typhoon-alert-8-super-tips-to-help-you-keep-your-ground-753958.html