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Cyclone FAQ

1. I live in a low lying area and I don't know where else to go. What should I do?

  • Residents in storm tide vulnerable areas are encouraged to make pre-arrangements for temporary accommodation with family or friends in ‘higher places’ outside these areas.  An evacuation order for a cyclone will be issued if lives may be at risk from a storm tide flooding developed areas. 
  • If storm tide is not a threat and an evacuation order is not issued, residents should remain at their own premises, make themselves secure and listen to the radio for updates.  Your home is often the safest place for you and your family.
  • Evacuation Centres are an absolute last resort. There are scores of buildings earmarked by authorities as evacuation sites and these will be activated only when it is imperative. 
  • The Disaster Coordination Centre will publicly notify of the opening of any declared Evacuation Centres via local ABC and commercial radio broadcasts.
  • Read more about Evacuation

2. What should I take with me if I have to leave my house?

  • Do not go to any Evacuation Centre unless officially advised. It will not be functioning. The Disaster Coordination Centre will notify of the opening of a declared Evacuation Centre via broadcast on local ABC and commercial radio.
  • Take your emergency kit – including food, water, change of clothing, medications, toiletries, radio, spare batteries, bed linen and towels etc.
  • If you have children, take some games or toys for them.
  • Take important personal and household documents, cards and cash.

3. How long with the cyclone last?

  • An average life cycle of a cyclone is nine days (from formation, to gale force winds during the most intense stage, to eventual decay and dissipation). Cyclones can last for days or even weeks, hovering out to sea, and often moving erratically.
  • Beware the calm 'eye' of the cyclone when weather conditions may ease. If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear'.
  • Even if the cyclone fails to arrive, strong winds and heavy rains can impact on areas many kilometres from the cyclone’s centre.
  • Stay tuned to local radio for cyclone updates.
  • ABC Cairns 801AM, 106.7FM & 95.5FM
  • ABC Cairns (Mossman & Port Douglas) 639AM, 90.1FM

4. How will I know if it's safe to go outside? Will there be an alarm?

  • Beware the calm 'eye' of the cyclone. If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction.
  • If you evacuated, do not return to your home until Emergency Services advise it is safe to return to do so.
  • Stay tuned to local radio for updates and the official "all clear".

5. What will I do with my pets?

  • Pets may not be able to be taken to designated public evacuation centres (assistance dogs excepted).
  • If leaving your pets at home, leave plenty of food and water, and allow your pet access to elevated spaces to escape floodwaters. Do NOT tie your pets up.

6. When will it be safe to return to my house if I have to evacuate?

  • Emergency services will advise when it is safe to return to your home.  Stay tuned to local radio for updates and the official "all clear".
  • Beware of fallen powerlines. Call Ergon Energy on 132 296 for electrical emergencies.
  • Stay out of floodwaters and drains.

7. How do I get information if the electricity goes down?

  • Your emergency kit should contain a battery operated radio and spare batteries.
  • Stay tuned to your local radio station for updates.
  • ABC Cairns 801AM, 106.7FM & 95.5FM
  • ABC Cairns (Mossman & Port Douglas) 639AM, 90.1FM

8. What is the best number for me to ring in an emergency?

  • Council’s emergency contact DURING a cyclone - 4044 3377.
  • SES – 132 500
  • Police, Fire, Ambulance – 000
  • Ergon Energy – 132 296

9. Where do I go if I don't have anywhere safe to stay?

  • Residents who are elderly, infirm and/or disabled and also have no transport or family/friends in the area can register on Council’s Evacuation & Recovery Register by phoning 4044 3044.
  • If an evacuation is required, those on the Register may be assisted to evacuate and will be taken to a designated safe area.
  • Unless you have been advised to evacuate, always stay inside and keep yourself and your family calm. Shelter in the strongest part of your home away from windows (often the toilet, bathroom or hallway) and use mattresses and blankets for protection.

10. What should I do if the power and water goes off?

  • Your emergency kit should contain a battery operated radio and spare batteries, so you can stay tuned to your local radio station for updates.
  • The kit should also contain at least 10 litres of drinkable water per person (in sealed containers).
  • If “Boil Water Notice” has been issued, you must boil tap water for at least 1 minute.
  • Unplug electrical equipment such as TVs and computers to avoid damage caused by power surges.
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed so food will stay cool for hours without power.
  • Switch off power at the switchboard if any wire is short-circuiting or if water enters your ceiling.
  • If possible, you can check the Ergon Storm Centre website for regular updates at www.ergon.com.au/Storm_Centre

11.  Where can I get sandbags to protect my house?

Refer to the SES contact list (see Related Documents at right) or contact the SES on 132 500 for your nearest sandbag collection point.

12.  What should I do with my rubbish bins?

Residents should secure their bins safely on their property.

General waste and recycling bin collections may be interrupted during a cyclone event.  Council will issue notification of any changes via local ABC and commercial radio broadcasts, on this website and on our Facebook page.