XN000022-1973-06-29 — Page 15

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Friday, June 29, 1973

TYPHOON PRECAUTIONS: STEPS TO TAKE

Weather conditions are becoming favourable for the formation of

tropical cyclones and the Director of the Royal Observatory, Mr. Gordon Bell,

today stresses that it is necessary to take precautions as soon as possible.

Fastenings on doors and windows should be checked to make sure

that they are working properly. Drains should be cleared of obstructions

and checked for damage, and emergency stocks of food, candlea, torches

and first-aid equipment should also be at hand.

Those who have special responsibilities should now ensure that

all their instructions and relevant telephone numbers are up-to-date and

that any equipment they need is in good order.

No. 1 -

Some of the warning signals have been renumbered this year to

make then simpler to understand. The signals now employed are:

This is the "standby signal". The hoisting of this signal does not warn of the onset of high windo and it should be possible for most normal activities to continue while it is up. However people should be prepared to take appropriate action as soon as the No. 3 signal is hoisted.

No. 3

-

No. 8

This is a definite warning of strong winds; that is winde of 22 to 33 knots.

There are four No. 8 signals

▬▬

8NW, 8SW, 8NE

and 8SE -- which give positive warning of gale

or storm force winds from the direction indicated. The No. 8 signals cover a wide range of wind

speeds, from 34 to 63 knots.

/* Nos. 9 & 10