Home cleaning
Prepare Reachable Windows, Balcony and Entryway before Heavy Rain or a Typhoon
Before conditions worsen, secure loose items, close reachable openings and keep the entry dry.
Overview
Follow the latest Hong Kong Observatory warning and prepare while conditions remain safe. Work only from indoors or safely reachable ground level; do not lean out of windows, remain on a slippery balcony, or treat tape as a guarantee against broken glass.
Tools needed
- Lidded storage box
- Absorbent mat and dry cloths
- Torch
- Long-handled grabber
Cleaning steps
Check warnings and work limits
Check the latest HKO information and list reachable windows, doors, balcony entrance and entryway; stop exterior work in strong wind, thunderstorms or slippery conditions.
Secure movable items
Bring pots, pegs, small chairs and loose decorations indoors or secure them as the employer directs; do not move heavy or owner-unknown items.
Close openings and observe drainage
Close and lock windows and doors from a safe position, and remove leaves from reachable drain surfaces; do not dismantle grates or reach into drains.
Dry the entry and prepare access
Lay an absorbent mat flat, remove trip hazards, ready dry cloths and a torch, then check for visible seepage near windows, doors and the balcony entrance.
Common mistakes
Going onto a balcony after wind and rain strengthen
✓ Correct actionWork indoors only before wind and rain strengthen.
Deciding alone what happens to heavy or private items
✓ Correct actionLeave heavy and private items for the employer to decide.
Leaning out of a window to clear an outside drain
✓ Correct actionClear only safely reachable surface leaves.
Assuming window tape guarantees safe glass
✓ Correct actionLock openings and stay away from exposed glass.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Start inside the entry to avoid walking repeatedly through wet areas.
- Use a photo or message to confirm balcony-item instructions.
Tips for employers
- Set arrangements for balcony items, window locks and emergency contacts ahead of time.
- Decide building-management follow-up for cracked glass, facade leaks or bulky items.
Completion checklist
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