Typhoons can be serious and have a significant impact on our lives. Just take a look at the local (Japan) news, or search the internet for news on the recent Typhoon #19 (also known as Typhoon Hagibis).
There were instances of supermarkets running on empty shelves; while it may seem harrowing at first, it was only because people were doing somewhat routine errands (getting a nominal amount of food and drink) all at the same time, in a highly populated metro area. Not from people buying cases of water and food for weeks, like you might see in other countries in similar situations.
I've been through a few of these typhoon things both on Honshu and Okinawa, and in the Philippines. I may not be an expert on this but I feel like I can share some tips to those who find themselves struggling to find a balance between worry and easing through it all:
- Observe what others around you do to advance of the typhoon. I don't necessarily mean fellow Gaijin (who are more likely to over/under react) but locals who have been here for years and have a good feel for what to expect from these things. Watch what they buy, and how much of it, then follow suit.
- Don't stay out too late before the event. These things can be somewhat unpredictable at times, and you wouldn't want to find yourself out too deep into town when transportation systems come to a halt.
- When you're home, don't be stressed about survival, at least not too much. (Typically) we are housed in places farther from the danger areas (extreme slopes, rivers, ocean) so that's one less thing to worry about.
- Find means to entertain yourself while cooped up. Self explanatory... whether it's a video game, a tv/movie series, a good book, an online or in-person conversation... find something that'll keep you happy and captivated for hours.
- Don't underestimate the post-event impacts. Train services stopped, which resulted in massive traffic on the roads. Depart very early the next day, or reschedule/reshuffle things to manage the impact.
Take care the next time a typhoon makes its way to your neighborhood... and take it easy!
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