Local information 3: Health and safety

Disasters

Typhoons

Being in the world's most active cyclone basin, typhoons (颱風) or tropical storms visit Taiwan between June to October. While typhoons should never be taken lightly, Taiwan's Central Mountain Range does shield Taipei from much of the dangerous winds if the typhoon enters Taiwan from the southeast and moves through Taiwan in a northwest direction. Consult Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau for typhoon trackings. Taiwan's only English-language station, ICRT FM100, also provides emergency typhoon announcements.

Earthquake

Taiwan is located on part of the seismically active Ring of Fire, meaning that it is prone to earthquakes. The last major earthquake to strike Taiwan was September 21, 1999, in which more than 2,000 people died.

When an earthquake occurs, hide under a strong table or brace yourself against a door frame. If you are outside, go to an open field without trees or electric power lines.

Diseases

Dengue

The southern part of Taiwan has recently been hit by a new Dengue fever epidemic. The symptoms are the same as influenza's. No known treatment exists.

Vaccinations

The Taiwan Center for Disease Control requires people from outbreak areas abroad to fill a questionnaire form. Taiwan is a rabies free country.

Drinking water

Tap water in Taipei and Taiwan is treated, but it should be boiled before drinking.

Pedestrian crossings

Taipei is famous for its pedestrian signal, which consists of a timer and a green walking man. As the timer approaches zero, the walking man walks frantically faster.

Certain intersections permit diagonal pedestrian crossings; this is usually indicated by a gigantic X pathway on the intersection and by the fact that the pedestrian signals in both directions simultaneously turn green.

Be aware that cars and motorcycles often do not respect a pedestrian's right of way.

Accessibility for people with disabilities

Taipei does not provide excellent facilities for those with physical disabilities. People on wheelchairs or crutches may feel frustrated when crossing the streets on navigating through obstacle-filled sidewalks. However, Taipei's MRT metro system does provide elevators, fare gates, ramps, restrooms, and special riding space for those with physical disabilities.

Emergency numbers

Fire: dial 119.
Police: dial 110.
Ambulance: dial 119.
English operator: 106
English-speaking Police: 2556-6007 (add 02 in front of the number if dialing outside of Taipei City, Keelung, or Taipei County)
Taiwan Adventist Hospital (considered foreign-friendly): 2771-8151 (add 02 in front of the number if dialing outside of Taipei City, Keelung, or Taipei County)
International Community Service Hotline, National police Agency, Ministry of Interior: 0800-024-111 (toll free)

Health Care and Medical Emergencies

Most doctors speak some level of English. Larger hospitals usually have English clinics.

The following is a partial list of hospitals in Taipei. More information about health care in Taiwan can be found at the American Institute in Taiwan's health care web page.