Four Stages of Alert

When a BLUE ALERT has been 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 or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home or 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.

Stage Yellow

When a YELLOW ALERT has been 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.
  
  
• Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points.
  
  
• Store or secure other loose items like outdoor furniture that is likely to be thrown about by destructive winds.
  
  
• 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 emergency kit.
  
  
• Prepare to move quickly to the strongest part of your house or relocate to the nearest welfare 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.
  
  

Stage Red

When a RED ALERT has been issued, you need to take shelter immediately

• Keep listening to your portable radio for information on the cyclone’s 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.

All Clear

• When an official ALL CLEAR notice 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 on 132 500 for assistance.

• For life threatening emergencies, call 000.

• Avoid telephone use except in 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, take the roads recommended by authorities and do not hurry.