What to do before cyclone?

Answer 1

Emergency Management Queensland's website offers the following advice for basic action before, during and after a cyclone:

Before

• Have a list of emergency phone numbers in an easily accessible position
• Determine which is the strongest, most secure room in your house
• Pack an Emergency kit which includes items such as first aid, torch and portable radio with spare batteries, gloves, candles, matches, copies of important documents e.g. birth certificates, essential medications, canned foods
• Have an evacuation plan ready, including evacuation routes, spare fuel, and listen to Community Service Announcements so you are familiar with what is happening
• Ensure all garden furniture and loose items outside are secured so they cannot become flying torpedoes
• Plan ahead of time what will happen with your pets, especially if you cannot take them with you in the event of an evacuation
• Check your roof condition beforehand, and ensure all loose tiles, iron sheeting, etc is secured and repaired
• Trim overhanging branches to keep them well away from the house
• Fill buckets and bath with water in case the drinking water supply is compromised
• Have sufficient cash on hand for emergencies
• Tape windows in criss-cross fashion using strong packing tape if you do not have shutters

During:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water, and unplug all appliances
• Ensure everyone, including pets, are inside
• Move your family to the strongest room
• Keep your emergency kit with you at all times
• Keep listening to the radio for updates
• If your house begins to break apart, shelter under a really strong table or a mattress
• During the calm eye, do not venture outdoors. Stay where you are, as the other side of the cyclone is often more intense than before the eye. Wait for the all-clear announced on the radio.

After a cyclone has passed, you are advised to stay indoors or in your shelter, waiting for the signal for "all clear" before venturing out. Naturally, once you are outside, you must be aware of the likelihood of fallen power lines. Only go out if it is necessary, as cleanup crews will be working to ensure the area is safe.

If you wish to download the safety information yourself, click on the link below, and go to "Preparing for Cyclones".