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What
you should do
Before
a cyclone hits - Be Ready…
 Download the complete Preparing for Cyclones booklet.
Prior to the
commencement of Queensland's 'cyclone season' in December, you
can take some basic precautions that may save the lives of your
family, your home and your business.
What you should do:
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Check
that your home is in a sound condition, especially the roof
and eaves. |
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Trim
any tree branches hanging over your roof. |
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Clear
your property of any loose items that could become missiles
during extreme winds (eg sheet iron and wood). |
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Know
your community disaster plan, check with your local council. |
Prepare
an emergency kit containing:
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A portable
radio, torch and spare batteries. |
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Stocks
of fresh water and canned food. |
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Matches,
fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, utensils, can opener
and waterproof bags. |
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A first
aid kit, manual and masking tape for windows. |
 Keep
a list of emergency phone numbers handy, including numbers for
your local Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Local
Council, Gas and Electricity Company and relatives.
Find out how
and where to turn off power, gas and water supplies.
Check that
you have adequate household and contents insurance and which hazards
are not covered by the policy.
Store your
important documents (eg wills, passports, photos, birth certificates)
in a fire/water-proof container or safe deposit box.
Above:
Road blocked from cyclone induced flooding and fallen powerlines.
1
When cyclones hit
What
you should do:
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Store
all loose items inside. Put wooden or plastic outdoor furniture
in your pool (if you have one) and fill garbage/wheelie bins
and dinghies with water (water can be used for flushing toilets
if required). |
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Fuel
your car and park it under solid cover. |
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Close
shutters, board-up or heavily-tape all windows. |
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Pack
an evacuation kit including your emergency kit, warm clothing,
essential medications, valuables, papers, photos and keepsakes
in waterproof bags. |
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Disconnect
all electrical appliances and turn off the gas. |
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Stay
inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest
part of the building (eg the cellar, internal hallway or bathroom). |
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If the
building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses,
rugs or blankets or by sheltering under a strong table or
bench. If necessary, hold on to a solid fixture such as a
water pipe. |
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Continue
to listen to your portable radio for updates and advice. |
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Beware
of the calm 'eye' of the cyclone. If the wind suddenly drops,
don't assume that the cyclone is over. Violent winds will
soon resume from the opposite direction (it is best to wait
for the official all-clear). |
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If you
are driving, STOP - but well away from the sea and clear of
trees, power-lines and watercourses. Stay in your vehicle. |
If you are required to evacuate
What
you should do:
Based on predicted
wind speeds and storm surge heights, you may be required to evacuate
your home.
Official advice
will be given on local radio/TV about safe routes and when to
evacuate. Make sure you wear strong shoes (not thongs) and clothing
for protection.
Switch off
the power, water and gas, collect your evacuation and emergency
kits and mobile phone and lock your home on the way out (don't
forget your keys).
If evacuating
inland (out of town), take your pets and leave early to avoid
traffic, flooding and wind hazards. If you are evacuating to a
local shelter, follow the directions of Police and State Emergency
Service personnel.
After
the cyclone
What
you should do:
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Don't
go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so. Check
for gas leaks and don't use electrical appliances if wet. |
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Continue
to listen to your local radio for official warnings and advice. |
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If you
did evacuate your home, don't return until advised it is safe
to do so. |
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When
you do return, use a recommended route and don't rush. |
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Beware
of fallen powerlines, damaged bridges, buildings and trees,
and don't enter floodwaters. |
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Heed
all warnings and don't go sightseeing. |
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Don't
make any unnecessary telephone calls. |
Further information about cyclones:
Bureau of
Meteorology - Surviving Cyclones
www.bom.gov.au/info/cyclone/
Australia
Severe Weather: Southern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclones
www.australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/
Emergency
Management Australia: Community Information
1.
Photo courtesy of Cairns Post.
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