There are many dangers associated with cyclones. Here is a guide on how to prepare.
Dangers include:
- Storm surge: many cyclones cause storm surge, a rapid rise in sea level that moves inland very quickly. Storm surge can damage buildings, cut off evacuation routes, and can cause injury and death.
- Flying debris: in high winds loose debris can become lethal.
- Drowning: cyclones can bring flooding rains, which increase the risk of drowning, the highest cause of death in cyclones.
- Building collapse
What to do before a Cyclone Watch or Cyclone Warning is issued
- Prepare a list of emergency numbers and keep it somewhere that is visible to all family members.
- Nominate an interstate family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you and your family are separated during the cyclone.
- Identify the strongest part of the house, which is usually the smallest room. Ensure all your family members know where this is in case you need to seek shelter at home.
- Check with your local council or your building control authority to see if your home has been built to cyclone standards.
- Check that the roof, eaves and walls of your home are secure.
Compile an emergency kit at home. This should include: A portable battery radio, torch, spare batteries; first aid kit and manual, strong packing tape for windows and waterproof bags; non-perishable food, a can opener, water containers; sturdy gloves; candles, matches, a fuel lamp, cooking gear and eating utensils; essential medication; copies of important documents in sealable plastic bags, including insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills.
There are many dangers associated with cyclones including storm surge and flying debris. Source: Supplied / Neil McGuffie
- Spend a few minutes with your family talking about what you will do if an evacuation becomes necessary.
- Identify a safe place to evacuate to if storm surge or floods are threatening. Homes of family and friends living further inland and on higher ground are the best option.
- Listen to local community service announcements on radio and television, or read them in the newspaper, to find out the preferred evacuation routes for your area.
- Make sure you have a supply of fuel stored safely in your garage in case you need to evacuate at short notice.
- Practise a drill with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an evacuation.
- Ensure everyone is familiar with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal. This is generally broadcast when a cyclone is expected to hit within 12 hours.
- Decide how you will look after your pets if you cannot take them with you.
What to do when a cyclone watch is issued
A Cyclone Watch is issued when gales or stronger winds associated with a cyclone are expected to hit within 48 hours — but not within 24 hours.
If a Cyclone Watch is issued, you should:
- Keep tuned to your portable radio or your television, and watch the Bureau of Meteorology website, www.bom.gov.au, or to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone.
- Ensure your emergency kit is stocked and close at hand.
- Fill your vehicles' fuel tanks, and fill water containers.
- Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone watch or warning has been issued, and are preparing.
- Clear your property of all loose items. Any outdoor furniture, children's toys and gardening equipment should be brought inside or put under cover. Tie down or fill with water all large, relatively light items such as rubbish bins.
- Secure any boats, and move all vehicles and bicycles under solid shelter. Keep your car's hand brake on and in gear.
- Fill buckets and your bath with water in case water supply is restricted, and check you have water purification tablets to make the water drinkable.
- Bring your children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.
- Ensure your family members know where the strongest part of the house is, and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.
What to do when a Cyclone Warning is issued
A Cyclone Warning is issued when gales or stronger winds associated with a cyclone are expected to hit within 24 hours.
If your windows are fitted with shutters, close them securely. If not, board up your windows, or tape them up heavily in a criss-cross fashion using strong packing tape. This might not prevent your windows from breaking, but it will hold any glass broken by the cyclone in place. Draw curtains and lock your doors.
Prepare an evacuation kit. This should include:
- Warm clothes
- Essential medications
- Baby formula
- Nappies
- Valuables
- Pillows
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Important papers, photos, mementos in waterproof plastic bags
- Any large or heavy valuables can be protected in a strong cupboard.
If requested by local authorities, collect your children from school or their childcare centre and go home.
Remain indoors. Stay tuned to your radio or television for further information.
What to do when warned to evacuate
Evacuation may become necessary based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights. Official advice will be given on local radio or television regarding the safest routes and when to move.
If an official evacuation order is issued then you and your family must leave your home immediately and seek shelter with friends and family who are further inland or on higher ground.
When evacuating:
- Turn off all electricity, gas and water, unplug all appliances and lock your doors.
- Ensure all your family members are wearing strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.
- Take your emergency and your evacuation kit, and commence your evacuation plan.
- If evacuating inland and out of town, leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
- If evacuating to a public shelter or to a higher location, follow police and SES directions.
- If going to a public shelter, take bedding and books or games for children.
- If you are visiting or holidaying in Queensland and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation manager immediately to identify options for evacuation.
What to do during a cyclone
- Turn off electricity, gas and water, and unplug all appliances.
- Keep your emergency kit at hand.
- Stay inside and bring your family into the strongest part of the house. Shelter well away from windows. The cellar, internal hallway or bathroom may be the strongest parts of the house.
- Keep listening to your battery radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors until advised.
- If the building begins to break apart, immediately find shelter under a strong table or bench, or under a heavy mattress. Otherwise, hold onto a solid fixture such as a water pipe.
- During the calm eye of the storm, do not go outdoors as the cyclone has not passed yet. Violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside,
- If you are driving, stop, with your handbrake on and in gear. Keep well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.
What to do after a cyclone?
The time immediately after a cyclone has finished is dangerous. Many injuries and deaths can occur when people fail to take proper precautions by exploring collapsed buildings and sightseeing in devastated streets.
After being advised that the cyclone has passed, you must:
- Listen to your radio and remain indoors until advised otherwise.
- If you have evacuated, don't return home until advised. If you are told to return to your home, do so using the recommended routes only.
- Listen to your radio for official warnings and advice.
- Do not go sightseeing.
- Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings and trees. Do not enter floodwaters.
- Do not make unnecessary telephone calls.
- Check on your neighbours if necessary.
- Do not use electrical appliances which have become wet.
- Check for gas leaks.
-Boil or purify your water until supplies are declared safe.
- If your home has been made uninhabitable by cyclone damage, contact your local council to identify where you can find assistance.
