Cyclone Information

BLUE ALERT – Precaution

The community should commence taking precautions. A cyclone may produce gales (gusts exceeding 90 km/h) within 48 hours.

Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television and/ or internet (www.bom.gov.au).

Identify any loose material and rubbish around your property and consider time and methods of removal or securing. Check your emergency kit and organise supplies including but not restricted to:

• First aid kit, including personal medication
• Torch, portable radio and spare batteries
• Canned food
• Drink water containers
• Appropriate cash supply
• Spare car and house keys

Make sure your car is full of fuel. Ensure you have adequate tie down materials and anchor points. Purchase supplies if necessary.

You should try to have a barbecue or portable stove at hand for use in a dry, ventilated outdoor area, in case the cyclone cuts out electricity.

Identify the strongest part of your house or closest Welfare Centre.

Ensure your family is aware of cyclone procedures.

Consider re-locating the vulnerable and disabled such as late-term pregnant, elderly or infirm people whom may require special support.

Identify a safe place for your pets. (Most Welfare Centres will not accept animals, except guide dogs).

YELLOW ALERT - Action

The community should commence action in readiness for the cyclone's arrival because the cyclone has moved closer and there is a significant risk that destructive winds (gusts exceeding 125 km/h) will develop.

Continue to listen to radio, television and/or internet (www.bom.gov.au) for announcements on the cyclone's progress. If you live in a low-lying coastal area and the cyclone is likely to create a storm surge, evacuations will be recommended during Yellow Alert. Refer to your evacuation guide. Prepare to move rapidly to the strongest part of your house or closest Welfare Centre, if required.

Store or secure loose material and items likely to be dislodged by destructive winds. Securely fasten all cyclone screens into position.

Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points.

Know the whereabouts of family members and pets. You may consider sheltering pets early.

Ensure emergency supplies are in order as identified during Blue Alert.

Fill emergency containers with water.

Check that your vehicle is full of fuel and refuel if necessary.

RED ALERT - Shelter

The community should move to shelter. The cyclone is likely to produce destructive winds (gusts exceeding 125 km/h). Only Emergency Services as identified by the Local Emergency Management Committee should still be functional.

Continuously listen to portable radio for announcements on the cyclone's progress.

Go immediately to the strongest part of your house or closest Welfare Centre.

Ensure that pets and animals are safely sheltered.

Park vehicles in the most sheltered area available with handbrake applied and in gear or shift in park position.

Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves.

Keep away from doors and windows and keep them closed.

Stay indoors until the cyclone 'All Clear With Caution' message is given by the emergency services.

ALL CLEAR WITH CAUTION – Safe

The wind and storm surge danger from the cyclone has passed, although ground hazards such as fallen power lines, structural debris and road hazards may exist.

Continue to listen to radio/television for public information announcements.

Only proceed outside with caution. Check for ground hazards such as downed power lines, fallen trees, broken water and sewerage lines, loose roof sheeting and debris.

Check to see if neighbours are all right. Report any injuries and dangerous situations to FESA State Emergency Service.

Check whereabouts of pets and animals. Commence clean up of immediate area. Stack debris clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines.

Avoid using the telephone, except in emergencies.