Severe storms & cyclones

History shows that tropical cyclones have left devastating effects on Gold Coast houses, beaches and other infrastructure. Damaging winds caused by cyclones can turn loose items outside into life-threatening projectiles. Take time to understand your risks and prepare. You can reduce the risk of severe storms and cyclones to yourself, family and property by taking these simple precautions.

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Before a cyclone

• Check your Household Emergency Plan, Pet Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit are up-to-date and ready
• Check your insurance covers storm and cyclone damage.
• Ensure your yard is free of loose items like patio furniture and rubbish.
• Cut branches hanging over house and clean gutters and drain pipes.
• Identify which room is the strongest part of your house. This is where you would shelter in the event of a cyclone. This is usually the bathroom, toilet or hallway.
• Park vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and waterways or secure with firmly-tied blankets to minimise hail damage.

During a cyclone

• Keep your Household Emergency Plan, Pet Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit with you.
• Listen for warnings and communications including local radio and SMS updates.
• Don't use the landline telephone.
• In the event of a cyclone, turn off the mains supply for water, power and gas, and disconnect electrical appliances.
• Stay inside and shelter away from doors and windows.
• Use hessian bags and sand for sandbagging and place at property entry points.
• Have mattresses and blankets ready for extra protection.
• If you need to, shelter in the strongest part of your house.
• Collect water by filling buckets and bath in case of interruptions to main supply.
• If you are willing and able, ensure the safety of any vulnerable people around you, such as children, the elderly and people with special needs.

After a cyclone

The time after a storm can be dangerous. Injuries and deaths occur as a result of people not taking proper actions after a storm has passed.

• Listen for warnings and communications including local radio and SMS updates.
• Stay inside until advised otherwise. If you have been evacuated, don't re-enter your home until it's declared safe to.
• Don't drink tap water unless you know it's safe.
• Don't use gas or electrical appliances until they're safety checked.
• If your electrical appliances are checked and are considered safe for use, boil tap water until water supplies are declared safe.
• Carefully check your home for damage.
• Check on your neighbours if it's safe to do so.
• Keep away from flood waters, damaged powerlines, debris and fallen trees.
• If your house is seriously damaged, please contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 13 25 00 or visit the SES website.