Author: Shaney Crawford, Issue: September 2006, Topic: Weather

I found this information in the city hall newsletter, so I thought I would send it to the list since we have already had our first (edge of a) typhoon this season. Many of you are going to experience your first "typhoon season", so I thought it would be good to send out some information to help you through it. In general, we do not always receive the worst part of the typhoons here in Tsukuba, but we do get a few fairly serious ones in August and September. If you hear that there is a typhoon coming, try to get home quickly (and safely) and secure any loose objects around your home. (I had a bicycle that was basically trashed by a Tsukuba typhoon once.)

Preparing for Typhoon Season

These days, we are often given ample warning when typhoons and heavy rainfall are expected, so it is easy to underestimate the danger of these kinds of storms. However, typhoons and heavy rainfall cause a great deal of damage throughout Japan every year. It is important to be prepared for these storms, so that you will not be endangered when they come.

Protect Yourself from Wind and Rain Damage

• Roof: Keep roof tiles in a good state of repair (no cracks, breaks, misalignment, peeling)
• External Walls: Keep them free from cracks and damage
• Rain Gutter (Eavestrough): Make sure the joints are connected properly. Clean out leaves, etc.
• Windows: Make sure there are no cracks and that the window isn’t loose.

When a Typhoon or Heavy Rainfall is Approaching

• Listen carefully to the news reports about the storm
• Do not leave your house if it is not necessary. If you do have to go out, finish your errand quickly and return.
• Secure items outside your house that could that could get blown around in the wind. (This includes bicycles.)
• Close your patio doors and shutters.
• Keep a flashlight around in case of power failure.

Weather Alerts and Warnings

Weather Alerts (注意報 = chuuihou) are issued when there is a risk of damage from a weather event. Weather Warnings (警報 = keihou) are issued with there is a risk of serious damage from a weather event.

Once the rain and wind starts, do not attempt to do the repairs on your house as it is too dangerous.

Do not go out in the strong rain and wind to see what is happening. Stay inside and listen to the news.

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