This blog exists to help you scrub up on your Cyclone preparation whether you are a thick-skinned long-serving local or a green newcomer who has recently moved to a cyclone-prone town. This blog is to help provide some tips to get you prepared for a Cyclone.
We have supplied a couple of our tips and have attached government references for you to look at too. Information is power, especially for emergency weather events, the more you know, the better and higher your chances are to stay safe in this uncertain time.
Don’t rely on power or water to be running, these types of utilities can stop working within a cyclone.
The standard rule for Cyclone is to have a minimum of three days’ worth of supplies packed for each person. This Cyclone Emergency Kit is a non-negotiable, have this kit packed and ready to go:
CYCLONE EMERGENCY KIT:
- A standard medical kit with all the necessary items (bandages, disinfectant, band-aids etc).
- Any important medication family members or you may need.
- An adequate supply of batteries.
- Battery-operated radio – for access to important news updates.
- Battery-operated torches.
- Sanitary Products (toilet paper, toothbrush and paste, soap, wipes, tissues)
- Adequate supply of drinking water for three days (10 Liters of water per person)
- Three days’ worth of non-perishable food don’t forget your pets too!
- Eating Utensils.
- Baby Supplies if you have young infants.
- Thick and Sturdy work gloves (one set per person)
- A can opener in case your non-perishables come in tin cans. (ring pull cans tend to snap)
- Important Documents – birth certificates, personal medical documentation, collect and keep copies of similar information on a USB stick too.
- Any small items that cannot be replaced.
- Bedding.
- Phone and portable charger, familiarise yourself with how to turn your phone on low battery mode.
- Books and games for entertainment.
- Faces masks & hand sanitiser.
- Spare Cash.
- A sturdy pair of covered shoes
- Rain ponchos
- Umbrella
WHAT TO DO AROUND THE HOUSE:
- Look at your local government to establish if you are in a flood-prone area. If you do live in a flood-prone area, make alternative living arrangements for the time of the cyclone.” If it's flooded forget it”.
- In case of a storm surge/tide warning, or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route.
- If you know you are flood-prone prepare your house by putting all your furniture up high (using sturdy objects like masonry bricks.)
- Organise sandbags to seal flood-prone areas of the property to mitigate damage. Keep a look out for local government supplying sandbags.
- Identify the strongest room in your property usually the hallways, toilets and or bathroom, you are looking for the room with the most structurally sound walls.
- Have an evacuation plan organised.
- Know where your closest local government cyclone shelter is.
- Park your cars in your garage up against the garage door to brace them. If no garage, park on high ground under a shelter if possible and not under large trees.
- Fill your cars up with Fuel, and charge all your phones.
- Take down your shade sails if you have them.
- Store all outdoor furniture and loose objects in your house or shed.
- Secure large items like boats, caravans, rainwater tanks etc.
- Trim and remove any large tree branches that are close to your property.
- Mow your lawn down to prevent water retention in your yard, mould becomes prominent after a cyclone, and the less water you have sitting around the external or the property will help mitigate mould growth.
- Bring all wall hangings down off your internal walls.
- Remove manhole covers, these can pop and break during a cyclone.
- Fill containers with drinking water.
- Clean out your gutters and downpipes.
- Turn off water, electricity and gas as the cyclone makes landfall.
- Take photos of all damage for insurance purposes even if you are a tenant and renting.
- Ensure you have supplies for mosquito repellent (mosquitos breed well in high rain weather events)
CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBOUR:
Once you have prepared yourself, check on your neighbours. Especially if your neighbours are new to town or elderly. Assist and provide them with helpful information or show them where they can get information to ensure their preparedness.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not leave everything to the last minute, get prepared as soon as possible.
If you are safe, do not leave your house, wait until authorities notify you to do so.
If it's flooded, forget it (do not enter flood waters on any level).
Do not touch or try to move fallen powerlines.
Always wear shoes when outside.
Do not spread misinformation. If the source of information is not from reputable government sources, please do not share it with other people.
If you have solar panels that are damaged, turn on your power supply once they have been checked by a licenced electrician.
If you cannot help others without jeopardising your safety in the process, wait for the professionals to assist.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Please look at the following links we have provided for more information on cyclone preparation.
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/cyclone - best source for cyclone information, gives a timeline of information about the pre-, during and post-cyclone process.
https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/emergencykit
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/cyclone/prepare
https://www.jcu.edu.au/safety-and-wellbeing/emergency/natural-disasters/personal-cyclone-preparedness-and-safety-procedures
https://recovery.serviceconnect.gov.au/cyclone/prepare
PDF DOCUMENT https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/339298/QFES-Tropical-Cyclone-Preparedness-Guide.pdf
FINAL WORD
Be sure to educate yourself as much as possible for your cyclone’s preparation. Always act calmly, keep your logic and wits about you. Your priority is to stay safe, keep your family safe and help others if you can do so safely.