When a cyclone is forecast DFES issues community alerts to keep people safe and informed.
There are four stages of community alerts issued for a cyclone; Blue, Yellow, Red and All Clear.
- Blue Alert means prepare for dangerous weather
- Yellow Alert means take action and get ready to go to shelter
- Red Alert means go to shelter immediately
- All Clear means that wind and storm surge dangers have passed but you need to take care to avoid the dangers caused by damage
When a Blue Alert is issued you need to start preparing
- Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television or internet
- Find out when shops and businesses will close, and when to collect your children from school
- Secure or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home or work
- Organise your emergency kit including first aid kit, essential medications, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water
- Consider relocating people with special needs including people who are pregnant, elderly or have disabilities
- Identify the strongest part of your house or the closest welfare centre
- Identify a safe place for your pet (most welfare centres do not accept pets, but do accept guide dogs)
- Ensure you have adequate tie down materials or anchor points for loose items
- Organise a gas barbeque or portable stove to use outside in a dry, ventilated area, in case electricity is cut
- Remind your family of cyclone procedures
When a Yellow Alert is issued you need to take action
- Monitor radio, television or internet for information on the cyclone’s progress, particularly any storm surge advice
- Know where your family and pets are located
- Consider sheltering pets early
- Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points
- Store or secure other loose items like outdoor furniture that is likely to be thrown about by destructive winds
- Be aware that shops will now be closing
- Obtain cash as banking services may not be available.
- Put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered area with the handbrake on and in park or first gear
- Ensure your emergency kit is complete and fill emergency containers with water
- Make sure your neighbours have received this warning. If you are ready and they need help, give them a hand
- Fasten all cyclone screens. Board up or heavily tape exposed windows. Close curtains and lock doors
- Pack a relocation kit, including warm clothes. Place valuables, important papers and photos in waterproof bags to be taken with your kit
- Prepare to move quickly to the strongest part of your house or relocate to the nearest relocation centre if required
- If you live in a low-lying coastal area and the cyclone is likely to create a storm surge, you may be advised to relocate now
- Refer to your family cyclone plan
When a Red Alert is issued you need to take shelter immediately
- Keep listening to your portable radio for information on the cyclones progress
- Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves
- Ensure that pets and animals are safely sheltered
- Go immediately to the strongest, safest part of your house or the building you are in (i.e. internal hallway, bathroom or toilet) or to the closest welfare centre
- Keep your emergency kit with you
- Take your relocation kit with you if you have been advised to relocate.
- Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed and locked
- Stay inside until the All Clear is given by authorities
When an All Clear is issued you need to take care to avoid dangers caused by damage
- Listen for information and follow advice from authorities
- If you need to go outside, be careful because power lines could be down and there may be fallen trees, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting and other material
- Check to see if your neighbours are safe
- Check whereabouts of pets and animals.
- If your property has sustained serious damage and you need help, call the SES for assistance on 132 500
- For life threatening emergencies call 000
- Avoid using the telephone except for emergencies.
- Start cleaning up around your home, stack loose material clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines
- If you relocated from your home, wait for advice before you go back
- If returning home take the roads recommended by authorities and do not hurry