Qld SES tips for the arrival, and departure, of tropical cyclones

The Qld SES website contains useful tips for enduring tropical cyclones.

Here is a checklist of what to look out for and what to do: you can click here for the link to their website

There are five tropical cyclone categories of damage severity: Tropical Cyclone Alfred should strengthen to a category 2 when it crosses the coast near the Sunshine Coast from late Thursday night onwards.

These are (category number and damage)

1. Minimal house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Boats may drag moorings.
2. Minor house damage. Significant damage to trees and caravans. Damage to some crops. Risk of power failure.
3. Some roof and structural damage to buildings. Some caravans destroyed. Power failure likely.
4. Significant roof and structural damage. Caravans destroyed. Dangerous airborne debris. Power failure.
5. Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.

PREPARING

Tips to prepare:

• Check with your local council if cyclones could be a danger to your home and family.
• Make an emergency kit
• Make your emergency plan
• Prepare your property
• Prepare your home
• Keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly.
• Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly.
• Trim trees and branches that overhang your home. Be careful of any overhead powerlines.
• Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings on your home.
• Contact your local council or energy company if you think trees in your street may pose a threat to your property or power lines.
• Check your home, contents and vehicle insurance is up to date and provides suitable coverage.
• Identify the strongest room in your home to shelter in during storms and cyclones.
• Know where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power, and gas.
• If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, make a plan in case your power is cut – it may take time to be restored.
• Consider any arrangements you will need to make for pets or livestock. Prepare your pets.
• Check in with your neighbours in case they need help.
• Know where to go for information and warnings.

IMMINENT ARRIVAL

• Tune in to warnings.
• Locate your emergency kit and evacuation items.
• Put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered area so you are ready to evacuate if necessary.
• Secure large items such as boats, caravans, trailers, rainwater tanks, outdoor furniture, shade sails and any loose material around your home.
• Fasten all cyclone screens and board up any exposed windows, doors and seep holes.
• Close windows. Securely tape plastic sheeting to the inside of windows to keep wind-driven rain out of your home.
• Fill containers with drinking water.
• Bring children and pets indoors. Remain inside away from windows and await further advice.
• Check in with family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are preparing too.

If you choose to leave your home before the cyclone hits your region, remember to take your pets and emergency kit with you and lock your home.

WHEN A CYCLONE STRIKES

A cyclone will sound like a roaring train or jet engine. You could be inside for many hours. There may be strong winds and horizontal rain. The skies will darken and day will turn to night. Wind turns loose objects into missiles that can damage your home. Be prepared for noise and darkness.

• Wear strong shoes and tough clothing for protection.
• Turn off all electricity, gas and water supplies.
• Go to the place where you planned to shelter in your home.
• Stay tuned to your information and warnings channels.
• If the building begins to break up, shelter under a strong table, bench or heavy mattress.
• Beware the calm eye of the cyclone. Stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside.
• If you are driving when the cyclone hits, stop the vehicle and engage the handbrake. Stop well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.
• If you are evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow the directions of Queensland Police and emergency services personnel. Homes in low-lying coastal areas may be advised to evacuate early.

AFTER A CYCLONE

• Do not go outside until authorities have advised it is safe.
• Continue to monitor information channels and follow the advice of authorities.
• Check on the welfare of pets and livestock. Be cautious of any animals and wildlife which may have taken refuge in your home.
• If you need to go outside, be aware of your surroundings and take care when inspecting your property and travelling. There may be fallen trees and power lines, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting, and other material.
• Check in with your family, friends and neighbours.
• If you are returning home, follow the travel paths recommended by local authorities. Do not drive into floodwater.
• Use a torch when inspecting buildings.
• If you have solar panels that are damaged, do not turn on your power supply until they have been checked by a licensed electrician.
• Do not use electrical appliances if they are wet until they have been checked by a licensed electrician.
• Take photographs for insurance purposes.
• If you need emergency assistance with damage to your home, contact the SES on 132 500.

Source: Qld SES