How to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred

PHOTO: File image

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred making a beeline for the southern Queensland coast, with Moreton Bay in the firing line, here are tips on what to expect and how to prepare.

What to expect from a cyclone

As a cyclone approaches, the wind and rain gradually increases over several hours.

A cyclone will sound like a roaring train or jet engine and skies will darken, turning the day into night. You could be inside for many hours. There may be strong winds and horizontal rain.

Winds are powerful enough to break large trees, roll over sea containers, and blow away unsecured caravans, garden sheds and poorly constructed roofed patios. They can cause extensive property damage and turn loose items into wind-borne debris that cause further building damage.

Slow moving cyclones can take many hours to move past a particular location, and extreme wind and rain can last up to 12 hours.

As the cyclone moves over the coastline, those in the direct path will experience the eye of the cyclone, and its lighter winds and clear skies. The eye can be from 10-100km wide. When the eye passes over, the returning winds are faster, more intense and can return without any warning.

What to do in a cyclone

Find the strongest and safest room: This should be away from big windows, in a bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, or hallway in case you need to shelter in your home during a severe storm or cyclone. If you do have to shelter in place, cover any windows in your safe room with a mattress or heavy blanket to protect you from broken glass if the window breaks.

Use sandbags to protect your home: These are available from 13 sites in the City of Moreton Bay. Here’s the list

Secure your home: If you have cyclone screens, fasten them securely. Board up exposed windows, doors, and seep holes if possible. For extra protection, tape plastic sheeting to the inside of windows to help keep wind and rain out.

Park somewhere safe, and have a plan to leave early: Put fuel in your vehicle so you are ready to evacuate if needed. Park it in a sheltered area away from trees, powerlines and waterways. If you know a flood is coming, leave your home early and go somewhere safer. Check for road closures before you leave.

Secure loose items: Secure loose items that could cause damage if blown around in high winds (such as garden furniture and toys). Move outdoor equipment, rubbish, chemicals, and poisons out of harm’s way.

Know how to disconnect utilities: Locate and be ready to disconnect or shut down your gas, electricity, solar power and water services if instructed.

Prepare water supply and internal drains: Fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of interruptions to main supply. Prepare to sandbag internal drains and toilets to prevent sewage backflow.

Move valuables and electrical items: Empty and raise fridges and freezers and stack or move furniture, valuables, and electrical items. Store any poison and chemicals well above ground level.

Store or tie down caravans and trailers: If possible store, tie down, or move to a sheltered area caravans or trailers.

Tree branches: Check for tree branches hanging over your roof. Cut them off if you can do so safely.

Check on your Neighbours: Check your family, friends, and neighbours know what to do. Help them if you can and ask for help if they can help you.

Look after your animals: If you can, move your livestock, horses and other animals to a safe paddock that has high ground and shelter from the wind. Keep your pets (including cats) indoors, make sure they have a safe place, food and water and something to clean up mess.

SOURCE: Get Ready Queensland website

Storm kit checklist

Every home should have a full stocked Storm kit ready and stored for the summer storm season.

Essential supplies - remember, power could be cut for several days so you need to be prepared:

• Battery operated radio - it's essential for keeping updated about cyclone warnings and other essential information such as relief efforts.
• Battery operated torch
• Spare batteries
• Mobile phone - use your mobile phone only in emergencies to prolong battery life and to assist with congestion on phone networks.
• Remember cordless phones do not work without power.
• Portable mobile charger
• First aid kit and knowing how to use it can save lives
• Can opener
• Tinned and other non-perishable food
• Fresh drinking water
• Essential medications

Other important items

• Copies of important documents eg insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills in sealable plastic bags
• Waterproof matches
• Self-contained cooking facilities including gas cylinders or coals & firelighters
• Fuel or gas lamp
• Filled water containers
• Supplies for infants including formula, baby food, nappies and wipes if required
• Special food for elderly or disabled members of the family if required
• Warm dry clothing and shoes
• Toiletries including toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Food and medications for your pets and newspapers for their sanitary needs

Emergency Services Contacts