Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters and have gale force winds near the centre. They occur between November and April.
Cyclones are dangerous because they produce destructive winds, heavy rainfall with flooding and damaging storm surges that can cause inundation of low-lying coastal areas. Heavy rainfall associated with the passage of a tropical cyclone can produce extensive flooding.
As a cyclone approaches you should take these precautions to protect yourself and your family, your home and broader community.
Before a cyclone
Outdoors
Secure or remove anything that could be picked up in strong winds or swept up in storm water, such as outdoor furniture, children's play equipment, tools, kerbside rubbish bins and barbecues.
Tie down sheds or other small structures not permanently fixed and secure caravans, boats and vehicles in your garage or tie them down to strong structures.
Indoors
- listen to your local radio/TV station for official advice and warnings
- shelter your pets and animals
- secure doors and windows and draw curtains
- put valuables, medications, spare warm clothing etc. in plastic bags with your emergency kit
- disconnect electrical items and outside TV aerials and turn off gas
- fuel your car and park it undercover or cover it with tied tarpaulins/blankets.
Sandbags
If required, sandbags are available at the following locations:
- Darra - South Depot, 38 Shamrock Road
- Lota Depot, 58 Herbert Street, Lota
- Morningside - Balmoral Depot, 9 Redfern Street
- Newmarket - SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road
- Zillmere-North Depot, 33 Jennings Street
- Acacia Ridge - Mortimer Road Park
- Toowong - Old Toowong Bowls Club, Corner Gailey Road and Heroes Avenue
- Camp Hill - Whites Hill Reserve, off Boundary Road
- Boondall - Boondall Entertainment Centre carpark..
Hardware and garden / landscaping companies may also have sandbags available for purchase.
Stay informed
The Bureau of Meteorology provides regular updates once a low-pressure system (the forerunner of a cyclone) forms.
It is important to be prepared and stay informed. Sign up to receive Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts and visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard for real-time severe weather information.
A battery-powered radio and spare batteries should be part of your emergency preparations and included in your emergency kit.
During a cyclone
Shelter in place
Choose the strongest area of your home, with few or small windows. The bathroom or internal hallways are good options. Use mattresses and blankets to protect yourself.
Your household emergency kit will be your lifeline during and after the cyclone, with the food, water and other items you will need. Make sure to have it with you.
Self-evacuate to family or friends
If you live in an older property, or are not comfortable sheltering at home, have an arrangement to stay with family or friends.
The eye
The centre, or 'eye' of the cyclone, is a period when conditions may ease. If the wind drops, the cyclone is not over. Violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear' and stay safe inside.
After a cyclone
Wait for the all clear
Stay indoors until authorities give all clear to leave your home. Do not turn on electricity, gas or water until suppliers have advised it is safe to do so.
When you can leave your home, be careful of debris and fallen power lines, and avoid flood water which could be contaminated with chemicals or sewerage.
Returning home
Emergency services will conduct Rapid Damage Assessments of properties and advise residents when it is safe to return to their homes. Do not return to your home until you have been advised it is safe.
Recovery hubs
Recovery hubs will bring together government agencies, insurance companies and other support services such as the Red Cross, so residents can access assistance. Locations will be announced when hubs are opened.
Storm surge
Storm surge is a significant rise in the ocean level, caused by an approaching cyclone. Water can be pushed far inland over an extended period of time, or in strong, destructive waves.
Not all cyclones will generate storm surge. If storm surge is predicted, people in storm surge areas may be advised to evacuate.
Stay informed by monitoring the Bureau of Meteorology website, Council’s emergency dashboard and local media.
A battery-powered radio and spare batteries should therefore be part of your emergency preparations and included in your household emergency kit. The ABC is the official emergency broadcaster and a critical source of information, especially if other communication channels are impacted by loss of power or internet.
Evacuation
If storm surge is predicted, people in storm surge areas may be advised to evacuate.
If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Don't wait. Leave yourself plenty of time; there will be a lot of other people evacuating at the same time and roads may be congested.
Your first and best option if you have to evacuate is to stay with family, friends or colleagues outside the storm surge inundation area, or to leave the affected area early.
After the storm surge
It's important to continue to shelter in place until you receive official information it is safe to go outside. Do not turn on electricity, gas or water until suppliers have advised it is safe to do so.
Evacuation facilities
Evacuation facilities will be open for people who are unable to stay in their home or have nowhere else to go. These facilities are designed to accommodate as many people as possible and provide basic services. The best option is to stay with family and friends outside the affected areas.
Recovery hubs
Recovery hubs bring together government agencies, insurance companies and other support services such as the Red Cross, so residents can access assistance.
Returning home
Following the cyclone that causes the storm surge, emergency services will conduct Rapid Damage Assessments of properties and advise residents when it is safe to return to their homes. Do not return to your home until you have been advised it is safe.
Council will announce locations of these facilities. Find more information on Council’s emergency dashboard.
Vulnerable residents
Residents who are frail, aged and/or have a disability should refer to their Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Toolkit. People are the best experts at knowing what they need. P-CEP can help people who are ageing at home, have a mental illness, a chronic health concern, and other support needs.
P-CEP was co-designed by people with disability, carers, community organisations, emergency services, and researchers. But as a tool, it can be used by anyone or any household.
Council is committed to working with all people to increase personal awareness, resources, and ability to prepare for and weather any crisis in their life, including natural disasters.