How to Respond to Natural Disasters (Typhoons, Earthquakes)?

While natural disasters are not common during travel in China, understanding how to respond can maximize your safety. Below are professional guidelines for typhoons and earthquakes:

1. Typhoon Response Guide

1. High-Risk Areas and Seasons
2. Areas: Southeast coastal regions of China (such as Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Hainan), Taiwan region, Hong Kong, and Macao.

3. Seasons: July to September is the active period for typhoons, so it is important to pay special attention to weather forecasts.

4. Preparation and Early Warning

5. Monitor Warning Signals: China's typhoon warnings are divided into four levels (blue, yellow, orange, red), with red being the highest level. You can obtain information through the following methods:
   • Weather Forecast Apps: Such as "China Weather" and "Windy".
   • Official Channels: Follow the official website of the local meteorological bureau or the WeChat public account of the "Ministry of Emergency Management of China".
6. Adjust Travel Plans: If you plan to visit areas affected by typhoons, it is recommended to postpone your trip or choose inland cities.

7. Emergency Supplies: Prepare flashlights, power banks, drinking water, dry food, and common medications.

8. Suggestions During a Typhoon

9. Avoid Going Out: Strong winds and heavy rain can cause trees to fall, objects to fall from heights, and road flooding.
10. Secure Windows and Doors: Close and reinforce hotel room windows, and use tape to create an "X" shape to prevent breakage.
11. Stay Away from Hazardous Areas: Avoid beaches, riverbanks, and sloping mountainsides where floods or landslides may occur.

12. Prepare for Transportation Disruptions: Flights/high-speed trains may be canceled; contact airlines or use the "12306" app to reschedule.

13. Post-Typhoon Precautions

14. Travel Cautiously: Some roads may be flooded or pose electric shock risks.
15. Maintain Hygiene: Avoid contact with standing water to prevent infection or insect bites.

2. Earthquake Response Guide

1. High-Risk Areas
2. Main Regions: Sichuan Province (such as Wenchuan, Jiuzhaigou), Yunnan Province, Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.

3. Seismic Resistance of Buildings: Most buildings in Chinese cities meet seismic standards, but caution is advised in remote mountainous areas.

4. Earthquake Warnings and Preparation

5. Download Warning Apps: Recommended is "Earthquake Warning" (developed by Chengdu Hi-Tech Disaster Reduction Institute), which provides warning times ranging from a few seconds to tens of seconds.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Portable flashlight, whistle, first-aid medicines, copies of important documents.

7. Measures During an Earthquake

8. Indoor Shelter:
   • Immediately crouch down, protect your head with a backpack or pillow, and hide under sturdy tables or in corners.
   • Stay away from glass windows, chandeliers, bookshelves, and other items that may collapse.
   • Do Not Use Elevators!

9. Outdoor Shelter:

   • Stay away from buildings, utility poles, and billboards, and find open ground to squat down.
   • Be cautious of falling rocks and landslides in mountainous areas.

10. Post-Earthquake Action Guide

11. Check Safety: After confirming you are unharmed, help others and contact emergency rescue services (call 120 or 110).
12. Avoid Aftershocks: Stay away from damaged buildings and follow instructions from local emergency departments.
13. Restore Communication: When signals are interrupted, you can send location assistance via the "City Services" feature on WeChat.

3. General Safety Recommendations

1. Purchase Travel Insurance: Choose insurance that covers natural disasters, and keep the emergency contact number of the insurance company.
2. Save Emergency Numbers:
3. Police: 110
4. Medical Emergency: 120
5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline: +86-10-12308 (dial with China country code when abroad)
6. Monitor Weather and News: Obtain real-time information through apps like "CCTV News" or "Xinhua News Agency".
7. Stay in Contact with Embassies: Register your itinerary with the embassy of your home country in advance for emergency rescue.

4. Recommended Practical Tools

• Navigation and Translation: Gaode Map (displays real-time traffic conditions), Google Translate (supports offline Chinese packages).
• Emergency Assistance: WeChat Mini Program "State Council Client" - "Emergency Services" section.