Cyclone Preparedness Guide Australia — Safety Checklist
Comprehensive emergency preparedness guide for Australian tropical cyclones with safety tips, evacuation procedures, and survival checklists
Understanding Australian Cyclone Categories
Tropical cyclones in Australia are classified into five categories based on maximum sustained wind speeds. Understanding these categories helps you prepare appropriately for the threat level.
Category 1
Potential Damage:
Minimal house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans.
Action Required:
Prepare property, secure loose items, monitor weather updates.
Category 2
Potential Damage:
Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops.
Action Required:
Complete preparations, consider evacuation if in vulnerable areas.
Category 3
Potential Damage:
Roof and structural damage to houses. Some caravans destroyed. Power failures likely.
Action Required:
Evacuate if ordered. Shelter in strongest part of home if staying.
Category 4
Potential Damage:
Significant roof loss and structural damage. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.
Action Required:
Evacuate immediately if in evacuation zone. Seek shelter urgently.
Category 5
Potential Damage:
Extremely dangerous. Widespread destruction. Many roofs destroyed. Catastrophic damage.
Action Required:
Evacuate immediately. Life-threatening situation. Shelter in strongest structure.
Emergency Supplies Checklist
Prepare your emergency kit well before cyclone season. Store supplies in waterproof containers in an easily accessible location.
Essential Supplies (3-7 Days)
- •Water: 10 litres per person per day in clean sealed containers
- •Food: Non-perishable items (canned goods, dry foods, energy bars)
- •Manual can opener and eating utensils
- •Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates
- •Torch (flashlight) with spare batteries
- •First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relief
- •Prescription medications (7+ day supply)
- •Personal hygiene items (toiletries, toilet paper, sanitary products)
Additional Important Items
- •Important documents: ID, insurance policies, bank details (in waterproof bag)
- •Cash (ATMs and EFTPOS may not work)
- •Mobile phone with chargers and power bank
- •Portable battery-powered phone charger
- •Waterproof bags or plastic containers
- •Tools: Hammer, nails, rope, tarpaulins for emergency repairs
- •Baby supplies (formula, nappies) if applicable
- •Pet supplies (food, water, carriers, medications)
Cyclone Safety Tips
Before the Cyclone
- •Know your evacuation zone and nearest evacuation centre
- •Trim trees and secure loose items around your property
- •Install permanent shutters or prepare plywood boards for windows
- •Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding
- •Secure or store outdoor furniture, trampolines, and other loose objects
- •Fill vehicles with fuel and park under cover if possible
- •Fill bathtub and containers with clean water (in case water supply is cut)
- •Charge all electronic devices and power banks
During the Cyclone
- •Stay indoors in the strongest part of your home (interior room without windows)
- •Keep away from windows, glass doors, and skylights
- •Listen to battery radio for official warnings and updates
- •Never go outside during the eye of the cyclone—winds will return with equal force
- •Keep emergency kit and torch nearby
- •Turn off electricity, gas, and water if instructed by authorities
- •Do not use candles—use battery-powered lights only
- •Stay calm and keep children and pets close
After the Cyclone
- •Wait for official all-clear before leaving shelter
- •Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed
- •Avoid floodwater—it may be contaminated or hide dangers
- •Watch for fallen power lines and damaged buildings
- •Do not touch electrical equipment if wet
- •Boil water until authorities confirm it is safe to drink
- •Take photos of damage for insurance claims
- •Listen to local radio for recovery information and assistance locations
Evacuation Procedures
When to Evacuate
Evacuate immediately when:
- •Emergency services issue an evacuation order for your area
- •You live in a caravan, tent, or temporary structure
- •Your home is in a low-lying area prone to storm surge or flooding
- •Your building structure is weak or has existing damage
- •Category 4 or 5 cyclone is forecast for your location
Evacuation Planning
- •Know your evacuation zone (A, B, C, etc.) before cyclone season
- •Identify your nearest evacuation centre and alternative routes
- •Plan where you will go (evacuation centre, friend/family inland)
- •Arrange transport if you do not have a vehicle
- •Plan for pets (not all evacuation centres accept animals)
- •Create a communication plan with family members
What to Take When Evacuating
- •Emergency kit with water, food, and first aid supplies
- •Medications and prescriptions
- •Important documents in waterproof container
- •Mobile phone and charger
- •Change of clothes and toiletries
- •Bedding and pillows
- •Entertainment for children (books, games)
Emergency Contacts
Important Phone Numbers
Life-Threatening Emergency:
000
SES Emergency Assistance:
132 500
Bureau of Meteorology:
www.bom.gov.au
Emergency Alert System:
SMS and landline alerts
ABC Local Radio:
Emergency broadcasts
Disaster Assistance:
1800 173 349
Planning weeks ahead?
Check Australia's long-range seasonal outlook for rainfall, temperature and the climate drivers (ENSO, IOD, SAM, MJO) shaping the next three months.
View Australia's Seasonal Weather ForecastBe warned before the cyclone arrives
Subscribe to Tim's Severe Weather Alerts for SMS, email and push notifications the moment a cyclone watch, warning or category change is issued for your area.
Understand Cyclone Categories
Learn the five-category Australian cyclone intensity scale and what each category means for your safety and property protection.
Create Emergency Plans
Develop family evacuation plans, identify safe shelter locations, and establish communication protocols before cyclone season.
Prepare Emergency Supplies
Stock essential supplies including water, food, first aid, medications, and important documents in waterproof containers.