Cyclones are powerful tropical storms that bring destructive winds, heavy rain, coastal water surges, and flooding. Queensland and the Northern Territory are particularly vulnerable to cyclones due to their tropical climate and coastal geography.

The official cyclone season in Australia runs from November to April, with the potential for severe storms to impact communities, damage infrastructure, and pose significant risks to health and safety.

Stronger than normal storms, cyclones can build over time. This can lead people into a false sense of security, as the situation may not seem as severe in the lead-up to the cyclone itself.

If a cyclone makes landfall, meaning that it crosses from the sea onto land while still being strong enough to be classified as a cyclone, the damage it can cause can be disastrous.

Preparation is key to minimising the risks associated with cyclones. The damaging weather can last for days, exacerbating risks as hazards intensify.

Create an Emergency Plan

Creating an emergency plan is important to ensure that everyone in your household or workplace knows how to handle a cyclone situation.

Prepare this ahead of time and review it at the beginning of each cyclone season. Update as often as necessary to ensure that all aspects of your household are accounted for, such as new pets or changes to your backyard.

When a cyclone warning happens, put your plan into action in the days leading up to the expected landfall. Remember, this cyclone emergency plan is also useful for severe storms.

Identify the safest room in your home to shelter in, such as a small, windowless space on the lowest level. Prepare this room for occupation. This may mean clearing out objects that are stored there, and bringing in bottled water, blankets, first aid kit, and torches. Plan evacuation routes, both to outside your home and from your home to outside your suburb should flooding occur. Know the location of the nearest cyclone shelter.

Discuss emergency procedures with family members. Choose age-appropriate things that children can help with, so they feel more empowered to handle severe storms – for example, they could check that torches are operational, and choose their favourite toy to pack in an emergency bag.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should be kept up-to-date, fully stocked, and stored in a convenient location. This makes is far more useful should an emergency occur suddenly.

Your emergency kit should include:

• A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any personal prescriptions. This could be a pre-purchased complete kit or one you have made yourself.
• Non-perishable food and bottled water (at least three days’ supply).
• Torches, spare batteries, and a portable radio.
• Fully charged portable phone chargers.
• Important documents (ID, insurance papers) stored in a waterproof container.
• Essential tools, such as a multi-tool and waterproof matches.
• Comfort items for children, such as a stuffed toy or colouring book.
• Food for pets.

Secure Your Home

Trim trees away from buildings and power lines, and remove loose debris from your yard. This includes toys, gardening tools, and garden furniture.

Reinforce windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood in the event of damaging wind gusts, hail, and flying debris.

Place sandbags across doorways to limit the effects of flooding.

Secure outdoor furniture, sheds, and other potential hazards.

Secure Your Pets

Your pets will need an emergency plan, just like your family does.

Ensure they have identification, in the event that they go missing. A microchip is the most reliable, but a tag on a collar can work well too. Make sure these details are up to date for your current address.

Have crates or carry bags ready and stocked with some water and a little food. If the weather is bad enough that you are sheltering in your emergency room, secure your pets in their crates and have them in the emergency room with you.

Consider bringing outdoor animals into safe structures, such as barns or sheds, where practical and possible. If they are remaining outside, don’t tether them – they may cause themselves injury trying to break free.

Be aware that some evacuation centres may not accept pets, so plan alternatives just in case. If you have to leave pets behind, leave them indoors in a secure, small room such as a bathroom or laundry, with food and water available to them.

Prepare to Evacuate

If evacuation orders are given, it is better to be prepared ahead of time rather than rushing.

In advance of a known cyclone, pack a bag or two of essentials that you can take with you if needed. Pack clothes, toiletries, important documents such as passports and birth certificates, non-perishable food, and water bottles.

Don’t laden yourself with non-essential items. Rather, stack them on high surfaces within your home such as on benches, in case of flooding.

Ensure you pack for your pets as well, bringing their favourite toys, comfort items, and food.

During a Cyclone

When a cyclone warning is issued, it’s crucial to stay calm and follow safety protocols. If direct advice is given by the government or SES, follow that advice as swiftly as possible.

Stay Indoors and Listen to Updates

Use a battery-powered radio to stay informed about cyclone developments and emergency updates.

Avoid using candles due to fire risk; use torches instead.

Move to a Safe Area

Stay in your designated safe room away from windows and doors.

If flooding is expected, move to higher ground.

Do not go outside until authorities confirm it is safe. The eye of the cyclone may create a temporary lull, but dangerous winds can return suddenly.

Stay Calm

Panicking will not be helpful in any situation. Stay as calm as possible. Use distraction techniques for yourself and any children, if needed. This could include listening to music, playing a board or card game, colouring in, telling jokes. Snuggling down in your safety room with blankets and a few snacks can be very helpful and distracting from the storm raging outside.

Conclusion

Cyclones, while rare, are increasing in frequency and intensity. Knowing how to prepare your home and your household can mean the difference between an uncomfortable time and a disaster.

Take the time during non-cyclone season to keep your house prepared, maintained, and ready. Have your action plan and emergency kit ready, and ensure all household members know what to do should a cyclone occur.

The Dangers of a Tropical Climate

Darwin’s tropical climate, with its intense heat, high humidity, and seasonal storms, creates unique health and safety risks that make first aid training essential. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke are constant threats, particularly for outdoor workers, athletes, and the elderly. The region’s wet season also brings heavy rainfall and flooding, increasing the risk of injuries, infections, and water-related accidents.

Knowing how to recognise and respond to these emergencies can prevent serious complications and even save lives. By completing a first aid course, Darwin residents can stay prepared for the challenges of living in a hot and unpredictable environment, ensuring their own safety and that of their community.