Know your risk
One of the most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself and your family is to understand your risk and stay informed.
KNOW YOUR STORM SURGE ZONE
Understand your storm surge zone so you know exactly when to move and where to go in an emergency.
STAY INFORMED
Before, during and after a weather emergency, the Cairns Disaster Dashboard will publish official updates covering weather warnings, evacuation advice and shelter information.
MAKE A HOUSEHOLD PLAN
Prepare a simple household emergency plan so everyone knows what to do, where to meet, and what to pack before a storm hits.
Know where to get trusted information and have your plan ready - be prepared, stay informed.
All emergency information from the Cairns Disaster Group is provided on the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.
The Cairns Disaster Dashboard brings together information from a wide range of sources including Council, the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Ergon, Telstra and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The dashboard also has information on storm surge inundations zones and evacuation routes, live feeds from traffic and flood cameras and an interactive map showing road closures, the location of fires and other hazards.
The Cairns Disaster Centre Facebook page is the official page of the Cairns Disaster Group and includes information and advice before, during and after an emergency.
- You can find it at: www.facebook.com/CairnsDisasterCentre or @CairnsDisasterCentre
The Cairns Regional Council Facebook page, will also provide information on impacts to local facilities and services.
- You can find it at Cairns Regional Council www.facebook.com/CairnsRegionalCouncil or @CouncilCairns
During an emergency, you can also check the official Facebook pages of emergency services including:
- Bureau of Meteorology: https://www.facebook.com/bureauofmeteorology
- Cairns Police: https://www.facebook.com/myPoliceGreaterCairns
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services: https://www.facebook.com/QldFireandEmergencyServices
- Ergon Energy: https://www.facebook.com/ErgonEnergy
- SES Far North: https://www.facebook.com/SESFNR
During an emergency you may receive critical emergency information to your mobile phone and / or land line. When you receive this communication, follow the advice immediately. Don't wait.
Emergency Alert
Emergency Alert sends alerts via text message to mobile phones or as automated voice messages to landlines. Text alerts will come from the the Cairns Disaster Group. Landline calls will come 0444,444,444. These messages are sent based on the location of your device.
The ABC is the official emergency broadcaster and a critical source of information, especially if other communication channels are impacted by loss of power or internet.
A battery-powered radio and spare batteries should therefore be part of your emergency preparations and included in your Household Emergency Kit.
During an emergency, broadcasts will start with the 'whoop whoop' sound of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).
The Cairns Disaster Group may also broadcast emergency information on community radio stations.
| ABC Far North | 801 AM 106.7 FM 95.5 FM |
| Cairns Community Radio (multicultural broadcasts) | 89.1 FM |
| Bumma Bippera Media (Indigenous radio) | 98.7 FM |
All local TV stations carry emergency updates in their regular bulletins.
If a life-threatening emergency develops the 'whoop whoop' sound of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) will be used before major announcements and bulletins will replace or interrupt regular programming.
During an emergency this website will include media releases and statements issued by the Cairns Disaster Group and updates from Council regarding impacts to services and facilities.
The Get Ready Queensland program is a year-round, all hazards, resilience building initiative coordinated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to help communities prepare for natural disasters. The program encourages Queenslanders to understand their risks, create household emergency plans, and prepare emergency kits to ensure safety during severe weather events.
The Emergency Action Guide is helping Cairns residents plan for extreme weather. Being prepared can reduce your risk during a disaster. This downloadable file makes it quick and easy to plan for an emergency and know what to do.
Last Updated: 11 December 2025
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