Practical guidance to prepare your home, family, and gear for severe storms and cyclones in Australia.

Australia experiences intense storms, destructive winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, lightning, and powerful cyclones—particularly in northern and coastal regions. Storms can disrupt power, communications, and transport, while cyclones can escalate rapidly and pose life‑threatening risks. Preparation is the key to staying safe.

---

🟦 1. Know Your Storm & Cyclone Risk

Your risk increases if you live in coastal, northern, tropical, or storm‑prone regions. Use official Australian resources to monitor conditions:

• BOM Weather & Cyclone Warnings — https://www.bom.gov.au
• DFES WA — Storm & Flood Preparation — https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/flood/prepare
• VIC SES — Storm Readiness & Local Alerts — https://www.ses.vic.gov.au
• QLD Government — Disaster Preparation — https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/disaster-types/flood/flood-prepare

---

🟩 2. Prepare Your Property Before Storm Season

✔ Secure outdoor items

Loose items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store or secure: furniture, bins, tools, toys, shade sails, trampolines.

✔ Maintain gutters & drains

Clear leaves and debris to reduce overflow and local flooding.

✔ Trim trees & remove hazards

Cut back branches near roofs and remove weak limbs that may fall.

✔ Prepare your roof

Check for loose tiles, unsecured sheets, cracked seals, and damaged flashing.

✔ Install surge protection

Electrical surges are common during severe storms—protect critical appliances and devices.

---

🔦 3. Cyclone Preparation (Northern & Coastal Regions)

✔ Understand cyclone categories (1–5)

Higher categories mean stronger winds, heavier rain and greater destructive potential.

✔ Know your nearest evacuation centre

Pre‑plan where you will go if directed to evacuate.

✔ Prepare windows & doors

Use shutters or pre‑cut marine plywood; reinforce large/garage doors.

✔ Plan for storm surge

If you are in a surge zone: evacuate early, move valuables higher, avoid low‑lying coastal areas.

---

🎒 4. Storm & Cyclone Survival Kit (PrepPro Version)

• Battery-powered radio + spare batteries
• Headlamp / torch
• Power banks
• First-aid kit
• 3 days of food & water
• Waterproof document pouch
• Multi-tool
• Tarps, plastic sheeting, duct tape
• Waterproof clothing & sturdy shoes
• Cash
• Sandbags (if flood-prone)

🐾 Pet essentials

• Carrier
• Food & water
• Medications
• Leash
• Identification

---

🚨 5. Emergency Warnings & Evacuation

✔ Follow official instructions immediately

Do not delay evacuation when advised to leave.

Official warning sources

• BOM Weather (app & website) — https://www.bom.gov.au
• VicEmergency — https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• Emergency WA — https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
• QFES / QLD Disaster — https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au
• NSW — Hazards Near Me & emergency info — https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare
• ABC Radio — official emergency broadcaster (check local frequency)

✔ If told to evacuate → LEAVE NOW

Do not wait for wind, rain, or visible danger. Roads can become impassable quickly.

✔ If staying home (only if authorities say it is safe)

• Shelter in the strongest room
• Stay away from windows
• Keep radio and torches accessible
• Keep pets secure

---

🟥 6. Last‑Minute Actions (If Safe to Do So)

Only if you are not under evacuation orders:

• Bring pets indoors
• Move vehicles to high ground or under cover
• Turn off and unplug appliances
• Fill water containers and bathtubs (for hygiene if water fails)
• Close blinds/curtains to reduce glass‑shatter risk
• Charge all devices and power banks
• Move essential items to higher shelves if flooding is possible

Once strong winds begin → stay indoors.

---

🟫 7. After the Storm or Cyclone

• Do not enter damaged homes until cleared
• Avoid downed power lines (assume they are live)
• Stay clear of floodwaters—contaminated and hazardous
• Photograph damage for insurance
• Check on neighbours
• Boil tap water until declared safe
• Have gas/electrical systems checked by professionals

---

⚠️ Storm & Cyclone Survival Disclaimer

This guide provides general preparedness information. Always follow instruction and direction from local authority.