• Preparing for Cyclones
• Prior Preparation Steps
• Preparation when a Cyclone Watch / Warning is Issued
• Recovery after a Cyclone
• Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre Contact

• Preparing for Cyclones
• Prior Preparation Steps
• Preparation when a Cyclone Watch / Warning is Issued
• Recovery after a Cyclone
• Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre Contact

CYCLONES ARE DESTRUCTIVE AND INEVITABLE
Every year between November and April, the coastal regions of Queensland are at risk of being hit by cyclones.

A cyclone is a violent storm characterised by high winds rotating around a calm centre that can produce winds in excess of 200kmh. These strong winds can cause excessive damage to property and turn debris into dangerous missiles.

Cyclones can also bring flooding rains, which cause further damage to property, and increase the risk of drowning.

Many cyclones also bring about storm surge, which is a rapid rise in sea level that moves inland very quickly. Storm surge can damage buildings and cut off evacuation routes and be the cause of injuries and sometime deaths.

While most deaths from cyclones occur as a result of drowning, many lives have been lost due to collapsing buildings or flying debris which can become lethal in high winds.

BEING PREPARED IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Preparing your family and home for a cyclone is your responsibility.

Every person who lives in a cyclone prone area of Queensland must recognise this and make it a priority between the months of November and April.

While local, state and federal governments can spend millions of dollars every year on disaster mitigation, response and recovery, these efforts can be worthless if families do not take the proper precautions themselves.

The information listed below details the preparation that you will need to make during cyclone season in order to minimise the damage to your home and your family.

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BEFORE THE CYCLONE SEASON
There are many important things that you can do now to prepare your family and your home.

How to prepare your family

• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it somewhere that is visible to all family members.
• Nominate an out of town family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you or your family become separated during the cyclone.
• Find out if your home is in an area that could be prone to storm surge of flooding. (Storm Surge Inundation Maps are available for viewing at all Council Libraries and Offices.)
• Identify the strongest part of your house (usually the smallest room) and ensure everyone knows where this is in case you need to seek shelter in your home.
• Ensure at least one person in your household knows first aid.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every family should have a fully stocked Emergency Kit stored safely in their home.

This should include a portable radio, a torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, non perishable food, sturdy gloves, water proof bags, candles, matches, essential medications, copies of important documents (insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills etc), special food and medication for infants elderly or disabled family members and a portable gas cooker in the event of long term power outages.

Queensland Ambulance Service recommends that families include the following in their First Aid Kits.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

It is essential that you spend a few minutes with your family at the commencement of the cyclone season to talk about what you will do if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Remember that evacuations are only ordered by Police, SES or Disaster Management Group if storm surge or flooding is likely. Evacuation of dwellings prior to and during the impact of a cyclone will not be ordered unless for storm surge or flooding. There are no shelters opened by authorities prior to the event. Welfare Centres are opened after the event as necessary. 

• Identify a safe place to evacuate to if storm surge or floods are threatening. Family of friends who live in secure accommodation that is further inland and on higher ground are the best option.
• Listen to advices given on local radio to identify the preferred and safe evacuation routes.
• Ensure your vehicles are fuelled in case you need to evacuate at short notice.
• Practice a drill with your family to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation plan.
• Decide how you will look after your pets if you cannot take them with you.
• Ensure everyone is familiar with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). SEWS is generally broadcast when a cyclone is expected to hit within 12 hours.

How to prepare your home

• Ensure that your home and contents insurance covers you for storm surge, flooding and cyclone damage including clean up and debris removal.
• Check the condition of your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves, loose iron and roof screws.
• Ensure windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens.
• Trim any branches overhanging your house and clear gutters of leaves and debris
• SES volunteers will not respond to problems caused as a result of poor maintenance.

Back to top

BEFORE THE CYCLONE SEASON
There are many important things that you can do now to prepare your family and your home.

How to prepare your family

• Compile a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it somewhere that is visible to all family members.
• Nominate an out of town family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you or your family become separated during the cyclone.
• Find out if your home is in an area that could be prone to storm surge of flooding. (Storm Surge Inundation Maps are available for viewing at all Council Libraries and Offices.)
• Identify the strongest part of your house (usually the smallest room) and ensure everyone knows where this is in case you need to seek shelter in your home.
• Ensure at least one person in your household knows first aid.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every family should have a fully stocked Emergency Kit stored safely in their home.

This should include a portable radio, a torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, non perishable food, sturdy gloves, water proof bags, candles, matches, essential medications, copies of important documents (insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills etc), special food and medication for infants elderly or disabled family members and a portable gas cooker in the event of long term power outages.

Queensland Ambulance Service recommends that families include the following in their First Aid Kits.

Develop an Evacuation Plan

It is essential that you spend a few minutes with your family at the commencement of the cyclone season to talk about what you will do if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Remember that evacuations are only ordered by Police, SES or Disaster Management Group if storm surge or flooding is likely. Evacuation of dwellings prior to and during the impact of a cyclone will not be ordered unless for storm surge or flooding. There are no shelters opened by authorities prior to the event. Welfare Centres are opened after the event as necessary. 

• Identify a safe place to evacuate to if storm surge or floods are threatening. Family of friends who live in secure accommodation that is further inland and on higher ground are the best option.
• Listen to advices given on local radio to identify the preferred and safe evacuation routes.
• Ensure your vehicles are fuelled in case you need to evacuate at short notice.
• Practice a drill with your family to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation plan.
• Decide how you will look after your pets if you cannot take them with you.
• Ensure everyone is familiar with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). SEWS is generally broadcast when a cyclone is expected to hit within 12 hours.

How to prepare your home

• Ensure that your home and contents insurance covers you for storm surge, flooding and cyclone damage including clean up and debris removal.
• Check the condition of your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves, loose iron and roof screws.
• Ensure windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens.
• Trim any branches overhanging your house and clear gutters of leaves and debris
• SES volunteers will not respond to problems caused as a result of poor maintenance.

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What to do if a Cyclone Watch or Warning is issued by Authorities.

A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) when gale or stronger winds associated with a cyclone are expected to hit within 48 hours but not within 24 hours.

A Cyclone Warning is issued by BoM when gales or stronger winds area expected to hit within 24 hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology is the organisation which provides all official cyclone information and warnings. This information is available on the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/).

If you hear either a watch or warning you should:

• Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone.
• Check your emergency kit is complete and available.
• Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone advice has been issued.
• Clean your property of all loose items. Remove lock and secure.
• Secure any boat and move vehicles to a safe place.
• Secure a supply of drinking water in case town supply becomes restricted or not available.
• Prepare an Evacuation Kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof container, pillows and sleeping equipment.
• Withdraw a sufficient amount of cash (in the event of power failure which may make Banks and Automatic Teller Machines inaccessible) to cover essential items such as food, water petrol and add this to your Kit.
• Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.

During a Cyclone

If a cyclone is approaching and an official evacuation order has not been given for Storm Surge or Flooding and you decide to not seek shelter with friends in alternative accommodation you must shelter in your home until the cyclone has passed through.

If you decide to shelter at home:

• Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances.
• Keep your Emergency Kit close at hand.
• Bring your family into the strongest part of the house.
• Keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors.
• If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under a mattress.
• BEWARE OF THE CALM EYE OF THE CYCLONE. Some people venture outside during the eye of the cyclone, mistakenly believing that the cyclone has passed. Stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside.

If you must evacuate:

If an official evacuation order is issued then you and your family must leave your home immediately and seek shelter with friends or family who are further inland or on higher ground or proceed to a location as directed by a Police Officer or an SES volunteer. Prior to leaving your home you must:

• Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all electrical appliances and lock your doors.
• Ensure all family members are wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing.
• Take your Emergency Kit and Evacuation Kit and commence your Evacuation Plan.

If you are visiting or holidaying and do not have family or friends to shelter with contact your accommodation manager immediately to identify options for evacuation.

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What to do if a Cyclone Watch or Warning is issued by Authorities.

A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) when gale or stronger winds associated with a cyclone are expected to hit within 48 hours but not within 24 hours.

A Cyclone Warning is issued by BoM when gales or stronger winds area expected to hit within 24 hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology is the organisation which provides all official cyclone information and warnings. This information is available on the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/).

If you hear either a watch or warning you should:

• Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone.
• Check your emergency kit is complete and available.
• Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone advice has been issued.
• Clean your property of all loose items. Remove lock and secure.
• Secure any boat and move vehicles to a safe place.
• Secure a supply of drinking water in case town supply becomes restricted or not available.
• Prepare an Evacuation Kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof container, pillows and sleeping equipment.
• Withdraw a sufficient amount of cash (in the event of power failure which may make Banks and Automatic Teller Machines inaccessible) to cover essential items such as food, water petrol and add this to your Kit.
• Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.

During a Cyclone

If a cyclone is approaching and an official evacuation order has not been given for Storm Surge or Flooding and you decide to not seek shelter with friends in alternative accommodation you must shelter in your home until the cyclone has passed through.

If you decide to shelter at home:

• Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances.
• Keep your Emergency Kit close at hand.
• Bring your family into the strongest part of the house.
• Keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors.
• If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under a mattress.
• BEWARE OF THE CALM EYE OF THE CYCLONE. Some people venture outside during the eye of the cyclone, mistakenly believing that the cyclone has passed. Stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside.

If you must evacuate:

If an official evacuation order is issued then you and your family must leave your home immediately and seek shelter with friends or family who are further inland or on higher ground or proceed to a location as directed by a Police Officer or an SES volunteer. Prior to leaving your home you must:

• Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all electrical appliances and lock your doors.
• Ensure all family members are wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing.
• Take your Emergency Kit and Evacuation Kit and commence your Evacuation Plan.

If you are visiting or holidaying and do not have family or friends to shelter with contact your accommodation manager immediately to identify options for evacuation.

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The time immediately after a cyclone is often just as dangerous as the initial event itself.

Many injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of people failing to take proper precautions while exploring collapsed buildings and sightseeing through devastated streets.

Once you have been advised that the cyclone has passed you must adhere to the following:

• Listen to your radio and remain indoors until advised.
• If you are told to return to your home, do so using the recommended routes only.
• Do not go sightseeing.
• Check on your neighbours if necessary.
• Do not use electrical appliances which have been wet until they are checked for safety.
• Boil or purify your water until supplies are declared safe by Council.
• Stay away from damaged power lines, fallen trees and flood waters.
• If your home has become uninhabitable due to cyclone damage, contact the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre on 49 450 290 and advise of your situation and request assistance.

Back to top

The time immediately after a cyclone is often just as dangerous as the initial event itself.

Many injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of people failing to take proper precautions while exploring collapsed buildings and sightseeing through devastated streets.

Once you have been advised that the cyclone has passed you must adhere to the following:

• Listen to your radio and remain indoors until advised.
• If you are told to return to your home, do so using the recommended routes only.
• Do not go sightseeing.
• Check on your neighbours if necessary.
• Do not use electrical appliances which have been wet until they are checked for safety.
• Boil or purify your water until supplies are declared safe by Council.
• Stay away from damaged power lines, fallen trees and flood waters.
• If your home has become uninhabitable due to cyclone damage, contact the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre on 49 450 290 and advise of your situation and request assistance.

Back to top