Inside the Cyclone Jasper ‘red zone’: Map shows the terrifying storm barreling towards Cairns and Townsville – here’s how Aussies can prepare

BEFORE

Residents in affected areas should begin preparing for the cyclone as soon as the first warnings appear.

Build an emergency kit and plan

Your emergency kit should contain everything your family needs to survive several days without access to power or clean water.

This should include:

• There will be enough water for three days – approximately 10 liters per person.
• Enough non-perishable food for three days, plus cutlery, a can opener and plates.
• Cooking equipment – ​​portable stove and fuel.
• Self-powered items including radios, flashlights, portable charger.
• First aid kit
• Essential Medicines
• Warm and protective clothing
• Toiletries
• Important documents (sealed in plastic bags)
• Cash
• Bed dress
• Pet supplies
• Additional batteries

Your family should also have an emergency plan and know how to turn off water, electricity and gas supplies.

Your plan should include which local shelter you will go to if necessary, the best route from your home to the shelter, what you will leave behind in an emergency, what room you will shelter in and how you will keep in touch with friends and family.

QFES also recommends refueling your vehicle and parking it in a secure location in case you need to evacuate.

Check your property

Objects in the cyclone’s line of fire must be cleared of any projectiles that could cause injury or damage.

QFES recommends clearing gutters and downpipes, removing shade sails, moving caravans and boats to a secluded area or securing them securely to the ground and trimming any dangerous trees.

All outdoor furniture, including trampolines and garden pots, should either be moved indoors or tied down.

Homeowners should also check that their windows and door seals are in good condition.

Check your area

If you see trees in your street that could fall and damage houses or power lines, contact your local council or electricity supplier.

CYCLONE DAY

On days when a cyclone is forecast to affect your area, QFES advises keeping a close eye on local warnings.

Households should also:

• Fill emergency containers with drinking water
• Close all windows and consider sealing the inside with plastic sheeting to prevent wind-driven rain.
• Make sure all pets are kept in the house.
• Check that the emergency kit is ready.

QFES is also urging residents to check in with friends and loved ones to ensure they too are prepared for the cyclone.

DURING A CYCLONE

QFES urges all residents in cyclone-affected areas to listen to and comply with local radio and television warnings.

If you are ordered to evacuate, go to the nearest municipal shelter.

“Emergency services or local council staff may visit your area to issue warnings,” QFES said.

“If a warning is issued, make sure everyone in your home is aware of the warning and advice.”

During a cyclone, everyone in your family should wear closed shoes and sturdy clothing for protection.

All electricity, gas and water in the home must be disconnected from the main power source.

If your home was damaged by a cyclone and you did not evacuate, QFES advises you:

• Go to the shelter listed in your emergency plan.
• Keep an eye on the radio for local information.
• Stay home until officials say it is safe to go out.

If your home is damaged during a hurricane, QFES recommends sheltering under a sturdy table, bench or heavy mattress.

“If you are driving when a cyclone hits, stop the vehicle and apply the handbrake,” QFES said.

“Stop at a sufficient distance from the sea, away from trees, power lines and streams.

– Stay in the car.

AFTER THE CYCLONE

Do not go outside the shelter until authorities say it is safe to do so. The eye of cyclones may appear calm before dangerous conditions return.

QFES recommends contacting family and friends after the storms have passed.

If you are returning home from an evacuation shelter, follow the route recommended by emergency services and avoid driving through flood water, even if it appears shallow.

Inspect and photograph any damage to your property for insurance purposes.