Resources To Help You Prepare For A Cyclone
Living in Queensland, dealing with cyclones is a part of many people’s lives. However, for those living In Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and surrounds, you might not have experienced a cyclone and wondering how do you best keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.
Listening to the radio, tv and reading articles about the cyclone can increase stress and feelings of overwhelm due to the uncertainty of what will happen next. Being well-prepared can significantly reduce the stress and impact associated with these natural events for both adults and children. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you and your family prepare effectively for a cyclone below.
For Adults: Understanding and Preparation
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
- Website: BOM Cyclone Knowledge Centre
- Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings. The BOM site offers detailed information about cyclone threats and movements.
- Brisbane City Council
- Website: Emergency Dashboard
- Disaster Hubs bring together disaster and hazard related information including current road closures, power outages and warnings in our region
Queensland Government Disaster Management
- Website: Disaster Management Queensland
- This resource provides comprehensive guidelines on cyclone preparedness, including checklists and emergency contact numbers.
ABC Emergency
- Website: ABC Emergency
- ABC Emergency shares real-time alerts and practical advice on how to prepare for, survive, and recover from a cyclone.
Red Cross Australia
- Website: Red Cross – Preparing for Cyclones
- Offers a detailed guide on preparing an emergency kit and plan that could be lifesaving during a cyclone.
For Kids: Education and Engagement
Sesame Street: Let’s Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies
- Website: Sesame Street – Emergency Preparedness
- Fun and engaging resources that help children learn about emergencies, including videos and simple planning tools.
Queensland Government – Kids’ Guide
- Website: Get Ready Kids
- A kid-friendly resource that explains the importance of disaster readiness in a way that is accessible and not frightening for children.
Planet Ark: Kids Teaching Kids
- Website: Kids Teaching Kids
- An innovative approach to learning, empowering kids to teach each other about environmental issues, including natural disasters like cyclones.
- Childrens Health Queensland
- Website: Birdie And The Cyclone
- Storybooks, videos and resources to help young children and their families cope with cyclones.
Preparing Together
- Family Emergency Plan:
- Website: Get Ready Queensland
- Sit down with your family and discuss your emergency plans. Make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact during a cyclone.
- Emergency Kits
- Website: Prepare your emergency checklist
- Prepare an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, flashlights, a first-aid kit, medications, and important documents in waterproof containers.
- Home and Property
- Secure loose items outside your home, check your insurance, and make any necessary repairs to your property to minimise potential damage.
Stay Informed
During a cyclone, staying informed is as important as being prepared.
Preparing for a cyclone can be daunting, but with the right resources and a solid plan, you can support the safety and well-being of you and your family.