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Cyclone Advice

Be prepared for Cyclone Season

The more prepared you are for emergencies, the less stressful they become. There are some simple steps that you can take to help you plan and prepare for an upcoming cyclone.

Maintaining your home in good condition is one of the most important actions you can take to protect it.

Cyclone Season runs from: November 1st to 30th April

Before a Cyclone:

  • Check or have checked that walls, roof, gutters, eaves, and windows are secure and the structure of your home is sound (i.e., no termite damage or age deterioration).
  • Take photos/video of your home and contents to assist if you need to make a claim later.
  • Trim trees and branches well clear of your home.
  • Store any outdoor furniture etc. and tie down items such as boats, trailers.
  • Check and re-tighten tie-down bolts or other fixings if required.
  • Arrange to brace garage doors to reduce the risk of them blowing in.
  • In case of a storm warning or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
  • Prepare an emergency plan to take with you and keep a list of emergency numbers on display.
  • Prepare an emergency kit ahead of time, including food, water, personal needs, medication, key documents, money. Refer to Queensland Government website for more info.
  • When a cyclone watch is issued, fill your car’s fuel tank. Ensure that your family members know which is the strongest part of your house.
  • Practice evacuating your pet to a safe location. Make sure their tags have up-to-date contact information.
  • Ensure that you have a supply of the correct sized and in use by date batteries to operate radios, torches etc. during and after the cyclone.
  • Listen to tropical cyclone advice.

During a Cyclone:

  • Disconnect all electrical appliances.
  • Listen to ABC Radio on a battery-powered radio for emergency updates.
  • Stay inside and shelter in the strongest part of the house – a small internal room or bathroom.
  • Tape/seal glass on windows and doors to minimize the prospect of air borne glass fragments injuring you.
  • Shelter away from windows and doors.
  • Keep fridge and freezer doors closed.
  • If the building starts to break up – protect yourself with mattresses, rugs, or blankets.
  • Shelter under a strong bench or hold onto a solid fixture.
  • Avoid damaged powerlines, poles, wires and fallen trees.
  • Beware the calm eye of the cyclone – the wind will soon resume from the other direction.
  • Do not leave the cyclone shelter if you have evacuated.
  • Do not use portable generators indoors, they produce dangerous gasses.
  • If driving – move to a safe location, stop, keep the handbrake on and car in gear.

After a Cyclone:

  • Listen to ABC Radio on a battery-powered radio for emergency updates. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website will also contain recent updates.
  • Don’t go outside until advised it is safe to do so.
  • Check for gas leaks, do not use electric appliances if wet.
  • If you evacuated, do not leave a shelter, or return home until advised it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid fallen powerlines, trees, damaged bridges, and buildings.
  • Do not enter floodwaters – electrical current passes easily through water – risk of drowning also.
  • Do not use portable generators in enclosed spaces.
  • Open doors and windows in dry weather to allow air to circulate and prevent mould.
  • Remove any damaged furniture and fittings and personal items.
  • Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.
  • Throw away any food or medications that may be contaminated.

Useful Links:

Download Information Sheet

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