Living in North Queensland also means we live with Tropical Cyclones. A document has been collated by DM Realty to assist you with what to do as we live the Tropical Cyclones. This shortened version of the document is intended to hightlight the main things you need to know about Tropical Cyclones. A full version can be obtained by contacting DM Realty.
A. What is a Tropical Cyclone?
· Tropical Cyclones are low pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters and have gale force winds (sustained winds of 63 km/h or greater and gusts in excess of 90 km/h) near the centre.
· Most of the northern coastline of Australia is covered by the Bureau's weather radar network. For real time images and radar information, see: www.bom.gov.au/weather/radar/ · The Bureau of Meteorology issues a cyclone warning when a cyclone is expected to hit within 24 hours. Warnings identify communities likely to be hit, the name of the cyclone, its position, intensity, severity and movement. Communities under threat will be advised to take certain steps.
· During a cyclone (or any disaster), the Local Government Disaster Coordination Centre will coordinate the disaster response. Updated information is provided through the media. One of the biggest threats in the cyclone season is complacency.
B. Getting prepared It’s your responsibility
· Prepare an Emergency Kit--It is vital you prepare an emergency kit before the cyclone season arrives. There are six types of basic supplies you need to include - water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and special items. Download a printable emergency kit checklist · Discuss your plans with family and friends.
· Consider how family members/friends outside your household might cope in an emergency? Would any other family members join your household in an emergency situation (eg parents, grandparents, adult children)? If so, you may need to consider how to include them in your plans.
· Listen to local news and get up to date information.
· Nominate an interstate family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you and your family become separated during the cyclone.
· Find out if your home is located in an area that could be prone to storm surge or flooding by contacting your local council.
· Identify the strongest part of the house (usually the smallest room) and ensure everyone knows where this is in case you need to seek shelter in your home.
· Ensure at least one person in your household knows first aid.
· Develop an evacuation plan in case of a flood
· Prepare your home for a posible cyclone
On official issue of a cyclone watch or warning
· Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone. Listen to all cyclone advice issued on the radio and television. Cyclones can change direction, intensity and speed very suddenly. · Check that your Emergency Kit is complete and easily accessible
· Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone watch or warning has been issued
· Clear your property of all loose items. This means bringing outdoor furniture, children’s toys and gardening equipment inside or under cover
· Secure any boats and move all vehicles and bicycles under cover
· Fill buckets and bath with water in case water supply becomes restricted and ensure you have sufficient water purification tablets to make the water drinkable
· Prepare an evacuation kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof plastic bags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets
· If your windows are fitted with shutters, ensure these are closed securely. If not, tape your windows in a criss-crossing fashion using strong packing tape. This may not prevent your windows from shattering but it will hold the broken glass in place
· Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.
· Listen to advice from the Local Disaster Management Group. This will contain important information on the risk to your specific locality and the actions you should take.
· Do not ignore official advice to evacuate. The decision to issue an evacuation notice is not taken lightly and is made with your safety in mind.
· If you live in a mobile home or caravan, check tie downs and then either self- evacuate to a friend's house or listen for advice on which pre-impact shelters are open.
· Prepare your property. Remember any loose items in your yard can become dangerous missiles.
· Use your checklist to identify which outdoor items need to be brought inside and those which need to be secured outdoors. You can sink items such as outdoor furniture in your pool, but heavier items may damage the lining of the pool as the wind or water tosses them around.
· Ensure all dead branches are removed from trees, then make them more wind resistant by strategically removing branches so the wind can pass through.
· Close windows and board them up or fix shutters. Board up sliding glass doors, strengthen garage doors and remove outside antennas.
· Remove window and door screens and store them inside.
· Remove roof turbines and install covers over the hole fixed with screws. If they can't be removed, cover the turbine with plastic and tie down securely. Do not cover plumbing vent stacks as these allow gases to escape.
· Air conditioning units should be wrapped in plastic.
· Cut electricity to pool pumps and filter motors and remove if possible or cover in plastic. Cut electricity for pool lights.
· Fill your car's fuel tank.
· Stock up on prescription medicines.
· Check your emergency kit. Ensure all items are functional and up to date.
· Turn the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting and open only when absolutely necessary. Retaining the cold air will help perishables last longer if the power goes out. You can also freeze water containers and place them in the fridge and freezer to maintain cold temperatures after the power is cut.
· Store valuables and personal papers in a sealed, watertight container. Don't forget to take the container if you have to evacuate.
D. During a Cyclone--If you decide to shelter at home:
· Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances
· Keep your Emergency Kit close at hand
· Bring your family into the strongest part of the house
· Keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors until advised
· If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under
a heavy mattress
· BEWARE THE CALM EYE OF THE CYCLONE.
Some people venture outdoors during the eye of the cyclone, mistakenly believing that the cyclone has passed. Stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside.
· If an official evacuation order is issued then you and your family must leave your home immediately and seek shelter with friends or family who are further inland or on higher ground.
· Turn off all electricity, gas and water, unplug all appliances and lock your doors
· Ensure all family members are wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing
· Take your Emergency Kit and your Evacuation Kit and commence your Evacuation Plan
· If you are visiting or holidaying in Queensland and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation manager immediately to identify options for evacuation.
E. After a Cyclone
· The time immediately after a cyclone is often just as dangerous as the initial event itself.
· Many injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of people failing to take proper precautions while exploring collapsed buildings and sightseeing through devastated streets.
· Once you have been advised that the cyclone has passed you must adhere to the following:
· Listen to your radio and remain indoors until advised
· If you are told to return to your home, do so using the recommended routes only
· Do not go sightseeing
· Check on your neighbours if necessary
· Do not use electrical appliances which have been wet until they are checked for safety
· Boil or purify your water until supplies are declared safe
· Stay away from damaged powerlines, fallen trees and flood water
· If your home has become uninhabitable due to cyclone damage, contact your local council to identify where you can seek further
F. Recovering from a natural disaster
· Helping children to recover--Keep the family together. Don't leave children with relatives or friends.
· Conduct an inventory--Check though your things to see what you have and what has been damaged or lost
· Notify creditors and employers--Notify people of what has happened if you can’t get to work or have difficulties paying debts
· File an insurance claim--Work with insurance companies should you need to make a claim for loss or damage
· Avoid contractor rip-offs--While the majority of contractors are honest and legitimate, a minority will try to take advantage of those affected by a disaster so be careful as you work with contractors
G. Information For Landlords And Tenants
·
If damage is severe, and the property is unlivable, a tenancy can be ended. However, the agreement needs to be legally ended by one party and agreed to by the other.
·
It's important that the tenant and landlord talk with each other, either directly or through a property manager, about any repairs that are needed.
H. For more information on Tropical Cyclones
You can contact DM Realty for a full version of this document and/or visit the following sites:
For more information on DM Realty
Address: 5/52 French St, Pimlico Phone: 07 47 244 611 Fax: 07 47244 677 Mobile: 0439 999 704
