Living on the 30th floor comes with real advantages during typhoon season — no flooding, no rising water at your doorstep. But high-rise living has its own, less obvious set of risks: elevator shutdowns during power interruptions, water pressure loss when pumps go offline, and being genuinely stuck without ground-floor mobility if conditions get bad enough. Here's how to actually prepare, beyond the generic "buy candles and canned goods" advice.
Before Typhoon Season Even Starts
1. Know your building's backup power setup. Most well-managed condominiums run generators during outages, but coverage differs — some buildings maintain full power to units, others power common areas and elevators only, leaving unit outlets dark. Ask your property management directly what's covered, rather than assuming.
2. Understand your water pressure situation. Water pumps in high-rise buildings typically run on electricity. If backup generator capacity doesn't extend to water pumps, upper floors can lose water pressure faster and longer than lower floors during an extended outage. Keep this in mind when deciding how much water to store.
3. Locate your unit's evacuation route and nearest stairwell. If elevators go down during an emergency, you need to know the stairwell route from your specific floor — not assume you'll figure it out under pressure. This takes five minutes to walk once and is worth doing before you ever need it.
Building Your Emergency Kit
A high-rise-specific emergency kit should include:
- Water storage — at minimum 3–5 days' worth per person, since pressure loss can outlast the storm itself while repairs are made.
- Non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking, in case gas or induction cooktops are affected.
- Power banks, fully charged, and a battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight — phone flashlights drain batteries fast during extended outages.
- A battery or solar-powered radio for updates if internet and cellular service degrade.
- Basic first aid supplies and any regular medications, with at least a week's buffer.
- Cash in small denominations — card terminals and ATMs may be down during and immediately after a major storm.
During the Storm
Secure anything on your balcony. Loose furniture, plant pots, and hanging items become genuine hazards in high winds at height — bring everything inside or secure it firmly.
Tape or seal window gaps if your unit has any known drafts, particularly on windward-facing units, and keep towels or old cloths ready near window sills in case of water intrusion during heavy, wind-driven rain.
Charge everything the moment a signal watch or warning is issued — don't wait until the power actually goes out.
Avoid using elevators once wind speeds intensify or once building management advises against it — even with generator backup, elevators are often intentionally shut down during severe conditions as a safety precaution.
After the Storm
Check in with building management about water and power restoration timelines rather than assuming service will resume immediately once weather clears — restoration often takes longer in high-rises than ground-level buildings due to pump and elevator system checks that need to happen before full service resumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do condo buildings in the Philippines have backup generators? Most well-managed buildings do, but coverage varies — some power full units, others cover common areas and elevators only. Confirm your specific building's policy rather than assuming.
How much water should I store for typhoon season in a high-rise? A minimum of 3–5 days per person is a reasonable baseline, since water pressure can be affected longer than the storm itself if pump systems lose power.
Is it safe to use elevators during a typhoon? Once wind speeds intensify or building management advises against it, avoid elevators entirely, even in buildings with generator backup — this is a standard safety precaution in most well-run condominiums.
Questions about your specific building's emergency protocols? Check your Homeowners' Manual or reach out to Kris.
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