Cyclones

The Bureau of Meteorology provides regular updates once a low-pressure system (the forerunner of a cyclone) forms. The Cairns Local Disaster Management Group will provide advice based on the new Australian Warning System.

The three levels are:

• Advice (Yellow): An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
• Watch and Act (Orange): There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
• Emergency Warning (Red): An Emergency Warning is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Cyclone categories

As a cyclone approaches you should take these precautions to protect yourself and your family, your home and broader community.

Outdoors

Secure or remove anything that could become a missile if picked up in strong winds or swept up in storm water, such as outdoor furniture, children's play equipment, tools, kerbside rubbish bins and barbecues.

Tie down sheds or other small structures not permanently fixed and secure caravans, boats and vehicles in your garage or tie them down to strong structures.

Indoors

• Turn off non-essential power and/or gas
• Sandbag areas at risk from flooding, where possible
• Cover windows and doors with timber sheeting or tape across the glass with masking tape. Close all doors.
• Store water – this could be in spare containers or the bath. Water for washing or flushing toilets can be stored in wheelie bins.
• Make sure you have enough large plastic bags to wrap items such as appliances in case of flooding.
• Lift items that need to be high off the ground, such as appliances and computers (this could be on a bed or bench or a higher floor in your home).
• Put important documents and items such as photo albums in plastic bags or high cupboards.

Sandbags

Council will generally make sandbags available ahead of severe weather. We provide sand, scoops and bags at our transfer stations. Hardware and garden / landscaping companies may also have sandbags available for purchase.

In Cairns, evacuation advice is only issued for storm surge, not the strong winds and rain associated with a cyclone.

Residents who don't live in storm surge areas may not be admitted to public storm tide cyclone shelters.

Shelter in place

If you live in a home built after the mid-1980s, when building codes changed to make buildings more cyclone resilient, your best and most comfortable option is to shelter in place.

Choose the strongest area of your home, with few or small windows. The bathroom or internal hallways are good options. Use mattresses and blankets to protect yourself.

Your Household Emergency Kit will be your lifeline during and after the cyclone, with the food, water and other items you will need. Make sure to have it with you.

Self-evacuate to family or friends

If you live in an older property, or are not comfortable sheltering at home, have an arrangement to stay with family or friends.

The eye

The centre, or 'eye' of the cyclone, is a period when conditions may ease. If the wind drops, the cyclone is not over. Violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear' and stay safe inside.

Wait for the all clear

Stay indoors until authorities give the all clear to leave your home. Do not turn on electricity, gas or water until suppliers have advised it is safe to do so.

When you can leave your home, be careful of debris and fallen power lines, and avoid flood water which could be contaminated with chemicals or sewerage.

It's important to continue to shelter in place until you receive official information it is safe to go outside. Do not turn on electricity, gas or water until suppliers have advised it is safe to do so.

Evacuation facilities

Evacuation facilities will be opened for people who are unable to stay in their home or have nowhere else to go. These facilities are designed to accommodate as many people as possible and provide basic services. The best option is to stay with family and friends outside the affected areas.

Returning home

Emergency services will conduct Rapid Damage Assessments of properties and advise residents when it is safe to return to their homes. Do not return to your home until you have been advised it is safe.

Recovery hubs

Recovery hubs will also be opened. These hubs will bring together government agencies, insurance companies and other support services such as the Red Cross, so residents can access assistance.

The Cairns Disaster Group will announce locations of these facilities. For information go to the Cairns Disaster Dashboard, the Cairns Disaster Centre Facebook Page or the news section of this website.

Residents who are frail, aged and/or have a disability should refer to their Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Toolkit.

People are the best experts at knowing what they need. P-CEP can help people who are ageing at home, have a mental illness, a chronic health concern, and other support needs.

P-CEP was co-designed by people with disability, carers, community organisations, emergency services, and researchers. But as a tool, it can be used by anyone or any household.

Council is committed to working with all people to increase personal awareness, resources, and ability to prepare for and weather any crisis in their life, including natural disasters.

We need to support everyone in our communities to build their self-reliance.