Cyclone Watch and Warning Messages

• Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television or internet (www.bom.gov.au).
• Identify any loose material and rubbish around your property and consider time and methods of removal or securing.
• Check your emergency kit and organise supplies including first aid kit, personal medication, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, canned food, drinking water containers, appropriate cash supply and spare car and house keys.
• Make sure your car is full of fuel.
• Ensure you have adequate tie down materials and anchor points. Purchase supplies if necessary.
• You should try to have a barbecue or portable stove at hand for use outdoors in a dry, ventilated area, in case the cyclone cuts out electricity.
• Identify the strongest part of your house or closest welfare centre.
• Ensure your family is aware of cyclone procedures.
• Consider relocating people with special needs such as late term pregnant, elderly or infirm people who may require special support.
• Identify a safe place for your pets (most welfare centres will not accept pets, except guide dogs).

There is a significant risk that destructive winds will occur in your area and you should take action.

• Continue to monitor radio, television and / or internet for announcements on the cyclones progress.
• If you live in a low-lying coastal area and the cyclone is likely to create a storm surge, evacuations will be recommended during Yellow Alert. Refer to your evacuation guide.
• Prepare to move rapidly to the strongest part of your house or closest welfare centre, if required.
• Store or secure loose material and items likely to be dislodge by destructive winds.
• Securely fasten all cyclone screens in position.
• Secure boats, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points.
• Know the whereabouts of your family members and pets. You may consider sheltering pets early.
• Ensure emergency supplies are in order as identified in Blue Alert.
• Fill emergency containers with water.
• Check that your vehicle is full of fuel and refuel if necessary.

Destructive winds are likely to occur very soon and you should move immediately to shelter.

• Continuously listen to portable radio for announcements on the cyclone’s progress.
• Go immediately to the strongest part of the house or closest welfare centre.
• Ensure that pets and animals are safely sheltered.
• Park vehicles in the most sheltered area available with handbrake applied and in gear or shift in park position.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves.
• Stay away from windows and doors, keeping them all closed.
• Remain indoors until you are advised that the cyclone has passed and the ‘All Clear with Caution’ is given by the emergency services.

• Continue to listen to the radio / television for public information announcements.
• Only proceed outside with caution.
• Check for ground hazards such as downed power lines, fallen trees, broken water and sewerage lines, loose roof sheeting and debris.
• Check to see if neighbours are all right.
• Report any injuries of dangerous situations to FESA State Emergency Service.
• Check whereabouts of pets and animals.
• Commence clean up of immediate area. Stack debris clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines.
• Avoid using the telephone, except in emergencies.