Cyclone Smart

Cyclone Season: November to April.

The Bureau of Meteorology issues cyclone advise to the public. DFES the issues community alerts to help keep you safe.

There are four stages of alerts - blue, yellow, red and all clear.

Listen carefully and do what the alerts say to help keep safe.

• Cyclone Alerts
• Emergency Kit
• Where to find cyclone information
• DFES contact information

Emergency Contact Numbers

Cyclone Alerts

Blue Alert: A cyclone is forecast - GET READY

When a BLUE ALERT has been issued, you need to start preparing.

• Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television or Internet.
• Find out when shops and businesses will close, and when to collect our children from school.
• Secure or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home or work.
• Organise your emergency kit including first aid kit, essential medications, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.
• Consider relocating people with special needs including people who are pregnant, elderly or have disabilities.
• Identify the strongest part of your house or closes welfare centre.
• Ensure you have adequate tie down materials or anchor points for loose items.
• Organise a gas barbeque or portable stove to use outside in a dry, ventilated area, in case electricity is cut.
• Identify a safe place for your pet(s) (most welfare centres do not accept pets, but do accept guide dogs).
• Remind your family of cyclone procedures.

Yellow Alert: A cyclone is coming - ACT NOW

When a YELLOW ALERT has been issued, you need to take action.

• Monitor the radio, television or Internet for information on the cyclone's progress, particularly any storm surge advise.
• Know where your family and pets are located. Consider sheltering pets early.
• Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points.
• Store or secure other loose items like outdoor furniture that is likely to be thrown about by destructive winds.
• Be aware that shops will now be closing.
• Obtain cash as banking services may not be available.
• Put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered area with the handbrake on and in park or first gear.
• Ensure your emergency kit is complete and fill emergency containers with water.
• Make sure your neighbours have received this warning. If you are ready and they need help, give them a hand.
• Fasten all cyclone screens. Board up or heavily tape exposed windows. Close curtains and lock doors.
• Pack a relocation kit, including warm clothes. Pack valuables, important papers and photos in waterproof bags. Take them with your emergency kit.
• Prepare to move quickly to the strongest part of your house or relocate to the nearest welfare centre if required.
• If you live in a low-lying coastal area and the cyclone is likely to create a storm surge, you may be advised to relocate now. Refer to your family cyclone plan.

Red Alert: A cyclone is about to strike - SHELTER NOW

When a RED ALERT has been issued, you need to take shelter immediately.

• Keep listening to your portable radio for information on the cyclone's progress.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves.
• Ensure that pets and animals are safely sheltered.
• Go immediately to the strongest, safest part of your house or the building in which you are located (i.e. internal hallway, bathroom or toilet) or go to the closest welfare centre.
• Keep your emergency kit with you.
• Take your relocation kit with you if you have been advised to relocate.
• Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed and locked.
• Stay inside until the ALL CLEAR is given by authorities.

Authorities give the all clear - be careful

After the ALL CLEAR notice, take care to avoid dangers caused by damage.

• Listen for information and follow the advise from authorities.
• If you need to go outside, be careful because power lines could be down and there may be fallen trees, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting and other material.
• Check to see if your neighbours are safe.
• Check whereabouts of pets and animals.
• If your property has sustained serious damage and you need help, call the SES on 132 500 for assistance.
• For life threatening emergencies, call 000.
• Avoid telephone use except in emergencies.
• Start cleaning up around your home - stack loose material clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines.
• If you relocated from your home, wait for advise before you go back. If returning, take the roads recommended by authorities and do not hurry.

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is essential for short term survival whether you decide to stay at home or need to relocate to safer accommodation.

General Items

• Portable, battery operated AM/FM radio
• Waterproof torch
• New, spare batteries
• First aid kit with manual
• Medications, toiletries, sanitary supplies
• Special requirements for infants, elderly, injured, disabled or pets
• Mobile phone and charger, or phone card
• Cash, key cars and credit cards
• Emergency contact numbers
• Extra car and house keys
• Combination pocket knife

Food and water

• Drinking water* (at least three (3) litres per person per day for four (4) days)
• Canned food* (dried food is also a good alternative) to last four (4) days
• Can opener, cooking gear, eating utensils
• A portable gas stove or barbeque
• Water container (for storing washing and cooking water)

* Check and replace food and water every 12 months.

Where to find cyclone information

Department of Fire & Emergency Services