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 items like boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks, outdoor furniture,
loose materials, LPG bottles and rubbish around your home and 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
- 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