“There’s always another storm. It’s the way the world works. Snowstorms, rainstorms, windstorms, sandstorms, and firestorms. Some are fierce and others are small. You have to deal with each one separately, but you need to keep an eye on what’s brewing for tomorrow.”
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Hey, Lovelies!
I live on the Sunshine Coast in Southeast Queensland in Australia. Right now we have a big tropical cyclone (you may know that as a typhoon or a hurricane) sitting off our coast. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently expected to make landfall in our corner of the world some time between Thursday and Friday.
This storm will bring strong damaging winds and rain. It’s expected to cause widespread damage, including fallen trees and powerlines, flooding and power outages. Remember, flooding and stormwater surges can get worse AFTER the cyclone has passed.
Cyclones are erratic, so it may go where it is forecast to go, or it may change direction and go back out to sea, or go somewhere else. It’s hard to know.
Meanwhile, we need to prepare as if it WILL hit. If you’ve never prepared for a cyclone or severe storm before I’ve added some tips below. How do I know all this stuff? I used to write training courses and handbooks for Emergency Services here in Australia.
Sending love to all. I’ll keep you updated as I can. If you’re in the potential path of Alfred, stay safe!
Hugs, snacks, hot tea and sensible boots, Nicole xx
If you live in Southeast Queensland or Northern NSW you can access local government information here:
QLD Disaster Management – Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Northern NSW Disaster Management – Tropical Cyclone Alfred
How to prepare for a cyclone
- Prepare your property before the storm arrives.
– Look for hazards in your yard. Remove and store loose items including garden furniture and anything that could blow around or become a projectile.
– Check that your roof, gutters, wall panels and eves are secure.
– Clean our your rain gutters and any drainage areas and pipes in your yard
– Trim back trees and branches close to the house
– If you live in a low-lying area consider sandbagging to help prevent water accessing your property. KNOW YOUR EVACULATION ROUTE and be prepared to evacuate early!
– If there’s time do your laundry, clean out your fridge and tidy up your home.
– Fill car with fuel, check tyres and water.
– Buy masking or duct tape to tape windows and glass.
– CHECK ON NEIGHBOURS AND ELDERLY RELATIVES.
– Identify the strongest part of your home. This is often the hallway, bathroom or laundry. Choose a sheltered room with few windows. Make sure everyone knows where the shelter room is and what to bring to that room if the cyclone comes and you have not evacuated. You can always add mattresses and stay under a strong table for further protection. Have pillows and blankets ready. Have an alternate plan for shelter within your home if the worst happens and your building begins to fail. - Look after valuables
– Identify items of sentimental value, such as photos, and anything of financial value that you wish to protect.
– Find all your important paperwork, including bank details, insurances, mortgage or rental details
– Think about your phones, laptops and other electronic devices you may need, including cables and power cords
– Place these items in waterproof bags, ready to go in your grab bag OR secure them in plastic bins inside a large heavy cupboard OR have them out and ready to pack up if you need to protect them or evacuate. - Prepare an Emergency Kit.
– Make sure you have a torch, portable radio and spare batteries
– Have enough clean water and canned or dried food (and a can opener) for several days
– Ensure you have adequate supplies of medication, toiletries, soap, as well as a first aid kit
– Have battery powered lanterns, candles and matches
– Have a fuel stove or other portable cooking apparatus as well as cooking and eating utensils and so you can prepare a hot meal or a cup of tea
– Pet foods, medications and leads. Do you need a crate too?
– Have some cash and your credit cards handy
– An esky or cooler to hold your cold foods if the power is out
– Waterproof bags of various sizes
– A power pack and charging cables for your phones and other electrical items you may need
– A list of emergency phone numbers written down
– Some books, games or puzzles
– A good strong bucket comes in handy and has a multitude of uses - Prepare a Grab Bag
– If you need to evacuate, a pre-packed grab bag is important. Include several changes of clothes and underwear, pajamas, basic toiletries, sturdy footwear, socks and some flipflops.
– Rain poncho or wet weather gear
– Glasses, sunglasses, hearing aids, any medical equipment or medications you need
– A warm jacket and long pants for cold weather. Maybe a beanie too. Note – even in summer you may find that the weather is cold during or after a storm.
– A towel if you have room for one.
– Copies of important paperwork such as insurance papers, bank details, and birth certificates.
– Hand sanitiser and face masks - When the Cyclone Watch is Issued
– Stay informed via radio, TV updates and updates to your cell phone
– Recheck your home – see Point 1
– Top up your car’s tank
– Put plastic or timber items into your swimming pool if you can’t secure them
– Fill containers with drinking water. Fill your bathtub if you have one.
– Pick up children from school or daycare
– Tape up windows. Close all curtains and any shutters.
– Park your car under shelter if possible, in gear, and with the handbrake on.
– Stay inside, stay together, stay calm.
– Wear protective clothes and shoes, or have them close by, ready to put on. - If You Need To Evacuate
– Go early. Play it safe.
– Wear study close-toed shoes and strong protective clothes.
– Lock up your home. Take your spare keys with you. Turn off gas, power and water if you can.
– DO NOT DRIVE INTO FLOOD WATER
– Bring blankets, pillows, and toys or games for children
– Bring your pets, leads, bedding and a bowl for their water/food.
– Tell someone outside the affected area of your plans – contact a family member, friend or work colleague. Let them know when you have evacuated safely.
7. When the Cyclone Strikes
– Stay clear of all windows
– Disconnect all electrical appliances
– Listen to your battery radio for updates. If you are using your phone do what you can to preserve battery life.
– Take cover in your safe room. Use mattresses and shelter under a strong table if the house or room begins to break apart.
– Beware of the eye of the storm. During the eye of the storm winds may drop temporarily, but they will soon start up again. Do not go outside until you get the all clear.
8. When the Cyclone has Passed
– Do not go outside until safe to do so
– Wear solid shoes. Beware of debris and fallen power lines.
– Contain pets or keep them on a lead to keep them safe
– Do not use power if water has come into the house
– Check on neighbours
– Don’t go sightseeing – keep roads clear
– Do not drive into or play in flood water
– Look after yourself and each other
