(Updated 28 July 2026)
Whenever the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 (T8) or the Black Rainstorm Warning, apart from worrying about school suspensions for their children, the biggest headache for employers is usually: “Does my helper need to work today?” and “If it happens to be a Sunday, do I need to give her a compensation day off?”
Based on the Labour Department’s guidelines, HelperChoice has consolidated the working arrangements, insurance liabilities, and safety protocols for domestic helpers during typhoons.
Is a Typhoon/Black Rainstorm Considered a Holiday?
This is a common concern for employers: “Does my foreign domestic helper (FDH) have to work during Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Black Rainstorm Warning? Do I need to provide compensation leave?” Please refer to the table below for detailed answers:
| Situation | Does the helper need to work? | Does the employer need to provide compensation leave? |
| Normal working day during a typhoon | Yes (Indoors only) | No |
| Rest day (Sunday) during a typhoon | No | No (The law does not require granting another rest day) |
| Statutory holiday (Labour holiday) during a typhoon | No | No |
Can I ask my domestic helper to work during Typhoon Signal No. 8?
Outdoors: Strictly Prohibited. Under Hong Kong labor law, you must not request your helper to work outdoors during T8. This includes dog walking, marketing, or cleaning external windows.
Indoors: Yes. Since helpers live at their place of work, they can perform indoor duties. However, safety should be the priority—suspend heavy chores and ensure they stay away from windows.
Safety Guidelines
- Stay Informed: It is recommended that domestic helpers continuously monitor the latest weather information and typhoon warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Encourage them to follow the instructions and guidelines from the authorities.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Instruct your helper to secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, or other loose items that could be blown away or cause damage, or move them indoors.
- Stay Indoors: Employers must emphasize the importance of staying indoors during a typhoon. Strong winds and heavy rain pose severe dangers; it is much safer to stay inside until the weather improves.
- Prepare Emergency Supplies: Employers need to ensure helpers know the location of emergency kits and how to use the items inside. This includes essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, and a battery-powered radio.
- Maintain Communication: Employers should establish a clear communication plan with their helpers. Ensure their mobile phones are fully charged and they are reachable at all times. Designate a meeting spot in or near the home in case you get separated during an emergency.
- Beware of Flooding: Employers should remind helpers to be cautious of potential flooding during heavy rain and storm surges. Instruct them to avoid low-lying areas and places prone to flooding, such as basements or ground floors.
- Use Safe Routes: If helpers absolutely must go out, suggest they use safe routes, avoiding areas with fallen trees, damaged buildings, or flooded roads. Instruct them to follow the directions of local authorities and use designated evacuation routes if necessary.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Inform helpers about the possibility of power outages during a typhoon. Ensure they know where emergency lighting is located and how to use it safely. Encourage them to conserve the battery power of their electronic devices and keep a portable charger handy.
- Stay Away from Windows: Instruct helpers to stay away from windows during a typhoon. Strong winds can shatter glass or cause objects to break through windows, potentially leading to injuries.
- Report Damages and Emergencies: Emphasize the importance of promptly reporting any damages, injuries, or emergencies to you or the relevant authorities. Provide them with emergency contact numbers and ensure they know how to use them.
Can Employers Require Helpers to Work Outdoors During a Black Rainstorm Warning?
The rules for a Black Rainstorm are identical to T8. Because of the high risk of flash flooding and landslides:
Your helper must remain indoors.
All outdoor errands must be cancelled immediately.
Ensure they stay away from low-lying areas or windows prone to leaking.
Am I liable if my helper gets injured during a typhoon?
Yes. Under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are responsible for the medical expenses of their domestic helper for any injury sustained during the course of employment.
Important: Check that your domestic helper insurance specifically covers accidents during T8 or Black Rainstorm warnings to avoid massive out-of-pocket costs.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 on a Helper’s Rest Day
If a T8 typhoon signal (or higher) occurs on a helper’s rest day, employers should consider one of the following approaches:
If your helper insists on going out on her rest day, remind her to avoid staying in outdoor areas. However, it is vital to remember that as an employer, you are liable for her medical expenses if she gets injured on her rest day.
Advise your helper to stay at home and rest for safety reasons. Please note that if she chooses to rest at home, you cannot require her to work.
Ask your helper if she is willing to reschedule her rest day to another date and work indoors instead.
Prioritizing your Helper’s Safety
In the face of an “Extreme Conditions” warning, your role as an employer shifts from household manager to safety leader. By adhering to these safety guidelines and respecting the Hong Kong labor law, you ensure that your home remains a sanctuary. At HelperChoice, we believe that clear communication and professional standards are the best defenses against the storm. Protecting your domestic helper during Typhoon Signal No. 8 isn’t just about following rules—it’s about valuing the person who keeps your home running every day.