Cyclones

How to Prepare for the Cyclone Season

• Handy hints for preparing your home, workplace and car
• Are you away on holidays during the cyclone season?
• What to have in a Disaster Preparedness Kit
• What to do when the cyclone is upon you
• What you can do after a cyclone has hit

Department of Emergency Services Preparing for Cyclones Booklet

Preparing your family, home, workplace and car

• Your pre-season check should include tree trimming and denutting coconut palms. Ensure that trees and branches are clear from your home and overhead powerlines. Do not attempt to clear trees from powerlines yourself - call Ergon Energy on 131046 for advice .
• Speak with your family about the effects of cyclones and floods, and discuss the possibility of evacuation. Members of your family that may be disabled or elderly will need more time to prepare and to evacuate if necessary: consider their special needs.
• Keep your car regularly fuelled.
• Have a first aid kit. Has anyone in your family being trained in CPR and other First Aid?
• Have a good stock of tinned food for the family and any pets. (eg. 3 days worth)
• Have alternative cooking equipment, for example a gas BBQ.
• Consider having a generator connected to your home.
• Have a listing of important phone numbers handy. Some phones (eg. cordless) will not work in a power failure. Ensure you have a back up telephone which plugs straight into the telephone line.

As a cyclone moves closer towards the coast:

• Secure loose outside items, for example pot plants, hardware, outdoor furniture and rubbish bins.
• Remove valuable items off the floor and away from windows in case of flooding and flying debris.
• Secure valuable items in a waterproof container you are also able to evacuate with if necessary.
• Fill your bath, laundry tub and appropriate containers with water, in the event the water supply is cut.
• Secure your car undercover.
• Board or tape all windows and secure all doors.
• Freeze water for alternative refrigeration should there be a power failure.

Are you away on holidays during the cyclone season?

• It is a good idea to empty, clean and unplug the refrigerator and freezer and leave their doors open. These actions should avoid food spoilage problems in the event of power failure.
• You should switch off the hot water system at the main switchboard and unplug electrical equipment to avoid damage caused by possible power surges.

What to have in a Disaster Preparedness Kit

Items to be included:

• Battery operated torch and radio, with spare batteries
• Can opener and spare cooking and eating utensils
• Water containers
• Tinned food
• Candles and waterproof matches

Items to be added in the event of evacuation:

• Medication and toiletries
• First Aid Kit
• Spare sets of clothing
• Extra food and water
• Important personal documents in a waterproof container
• Pet food, leash &/or pet carrier
• A list of emergency phone numbers and addresses

What to do when the cyclone is upon you

• Do not evacuate unless you have been advised to do so.
• Stay safe, stay indoors. Shelter in the strongest part of the house, this is often the bathroom, internal toilet or passageway.
• In a severe cyclone, mattresses and blankets will assist protecting yourself and your family. Also consider anchoring yourselves to or under a strong fixture, for example a sturdy bed or table.
• Emergency kits should always be close to hand.
• Battery powered radios should always be turned on.
• If the eye of the cyclone is passing, beware that winds will recommence. Stay safe, stay indoors.

What can you do after a cyclone has hit

• Don’t go outside until advised officially that the cyclone has passed
• Listen to your radio for further information and advice
• If you had to evacuate, don’t go home until advised
• Use recommended routes and beware of fallen powerlines, damaged buildings, trees and flooded watercourses