Living

Information on tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning signals is available from TV broadcasts, notice boards in the buildings and on campus, Yahoo!, and the website of Hong Kong Observatory, etc. Students may also install the mobile app of Hong Kong Observatory to receive instant notices about the weather in Hong Kong. There will be special arrangement for lectures and examinations when Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above or “Black” Rainstorm Signal is hoisted.

Rainstorm warning system​

In Hong Kong, rainstorms and thunderstorms are common during summer. The Hong Kong Observatory operates a colour rainstorm warning system for different intensity of rainstorms:

Sign	Signal	Definition and Precautions
	Amber rainstorm signal	Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimeters in an hour, and is likely to continue.
	Red  rainstorm signal	Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 50 millimeters in an hour, and is likely to continue.
	Black rainstorm signal	Very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimeters in an hour, and is likely to continue.

Tropical Cyclone Warning System

Tropical cyclones normally occur during the months of May to November and are particularly prevalent during September. The Hong Kong Observatory operates a tropical cyclone warning system according to the power and direction of the wind. Below are the warning signs and their definitions:

Sign	Warning Signal	Definition and Precautions
	Signal No. 1 (Stand-By)	A tropical cyclone is centered within about 800 km of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
	Signal No. 3 (Strong Wind)	Strong wind is expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near sea level, with a sustained speed of 41-62 km/h, and gusts which may exceed 110 km/h, and the wind condition is expected to persist.
	Signal No. 8 (Gale or Storm)	Gale or storm force wind is expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near sea level, with a sustained and gusts which may exceed 180 km/h, and the wind condition is expected to persist.
	Signal No. 9 (Increasing Gale/ or Storm)	Gale or storm force wind is increasing or expected to increase significantly in strength.
	Signal No. 10 (Hurricane)	Hurricane force wind is expected or blowing with sustained speed reaching upwards from 118 km/h and gusts that may exceed 220 km/h.

Remarks: Normally, the Hong Kong Observatory makes announcement around 2 hours in advance before hoisting a Signal No.8.  When Signal No.8 or above is hoisted, most stores and all banks are closed and public transportation services are limited or even suspended.

Arrangements for Classes

When Signal No. 8 or above/ Black rainstorm/ Extreme Conditions is hoisted, the University will make the following arrangements:

Examination Arrangements

When Signal No. 8 or above/ Black rainstorm/ Extreme Conditions is hoisted, the University will make the following examination arrangements:

Remarks: All examinations which have been postponed due to bad weather conditions will be conducted at the same hours on the first working day after the last day of the examination.

For more information, please refer to the following website:
http://ar.hkbu.edu.hk/curr/arrange_classes_exam_bad_weather/arrange_classes/

Police Stations

The Hong Kong Police Force is responsible for law enforcement and keeping citizens and property safe. Police stations are located at various districts of Hong Kong for providing services to the public.

If you want to report a crime, report for lost property or provide information for a case, etc., you can go to the police station directly. For emergency situations, you can call 999 for assistance (Please refer to Off campus emergency support).

Location and contact information of police stations: https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/contact_us.html#rr

The Hong Kong Public Libraries

The Hong Kong Public Libraries provides a network of 70 static libraries and 12 mobile libraries. The Hong Kong Central Library at Causeway Bay is now the largest public library in Hong Kong with a capacity of holding 2 million items of library materials.

You can apply to use the library services (e.g. borrowing books, audio-visual materials, newspapers, periodicals, CD-ROM databases, microforms and maps for free) by submitting a completed application form and providing the Hong Kong ID card and proof of address at any public library.

Locations of Hong Kong Public Libraries:  https://www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/locations/libraries.html

Sports Facilities

Various sports facilities are available in different district in Hong Kong for the public’s use.

Locations of sports facilities:
(Land Sports Facilities) http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/landsports.html
(Aquatics Facilities) http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist/aquatics.html

Public Markets

There are over 100 public markets in various districts in Hong Kong. You can buy fresh meat, vegetables and daily necessities in the public markets. Some public markets have cooked food markets/centres too.

Locations of public markets: http://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/Markets_CFC_list.html

If it is not an urgent case, like loss of properties, students can seek help directly at the nearest police station. Students who encounter emergencies like traffic accidents, robbing or outbreak of fire can call 999 for immediate help. The call will be answered by the Regional Command and Control Centre (999 Reporting Center) of Hong Kong Police Force. The Centre will assign police officers, firefighters or ambulances to provide assistance.

Remarks: Emergency contacts in Mainland are categorized into 110 (police), 120 (emergency) and 119 (firefighters) while 999 is the only contact in Hong Kong.