Emergency Relief Services

In the event of a typhoon signal No.8 or above, a landslip warning or a red or black rainstorm warning, the Department Emergency Co-ordination Centre (DECC) will be activated with an emergency hotline 2835 1473 manned round the clock for the provision of weather reports, information and assistance to the public.

The DECC works with other government departments to ensure that departmental and voluntary agency activities are properly co-ordinated in providing emergency relief, and to arrange temporary accommodation for members of public affected by natural disasters.
An Interdepartmental Help Desk will also be set up at the scene or in hospitals during major emergency incidents such as outbreak of a No.3 or higher alarm fire to co-ordinate emergency relief efforts.

We also provide temporary shelters to people in need in event of cold or prolonged oppressively hot weather. Meals, blankets and mattresses are provided to shelter-seekers at a number of widely-publicized locations.

At present, there are a total of 71 temporary shelters in the 18 districts. At time of emergencies, they will be activated for public use at the discretion of the respective District Officers. Please click the following links to see their addresses:

1. Temporary shelters (to be activated during typhoon, landslide, heavy rainstorm or other emergency situations under the discretion of respective District Officers)

Please click here to view or download the list of temporary shelters

2. Temporary Cold Shelters

The following temporary cold shelters are to be opened on requested only :

3. Temporary Night Heat Shelters

*For more information, please call our central telephone enquiry hotline 2835 2500 or visit any of our Public Enquiry Service Centre in districts.