Cyclone planning and preparation

Introduction

Tropical Cyclones are extremely powerful storms that form above the ocean. Sometimes they reach land, bringing dangerously high winds, tornadoes and large amounts of rainfall that can quickly escalate to flooding in vulnerable areas. This damage can occur near to shore or much further inland due depending on geographical features of that land and the intensity of the hurricane.

Cyclones often go by other names. A hurricane is a strong tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean or northeastern Pacific Ocean whereas a typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. In the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, comparable storms are referred to as tropical cyclones. Often and generally they are simply referred to as Cyclones.

Winds over 120 km/h (75 mph) are referred to as having 'hurricane force' speeds.

Cyclones are named. Since the early 1950s, hurricanes have been named after women. In 1980, male names were introduced, and now the storms are named alphabetically, alternating between male and female names. These names are repeated every six years unless the storm is particularly severe.

Cyclone strength categories

When a cyclone is announced, it is often referred as having a certain category of strength. It is useful to know what those categories mean relative to their impacts such that you can better prepare.

Category 1

• Damaging winds. Slight or no house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Sea vessels may drag moorings.
• Maximum mean wind speed 63–88 km/h.
• Typical strongest gust is up to 125 km/h.

Category 2

• Destructive winds. Minor house damage. Significant damage to street signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break moorings.
• Maximum mean wind speed 89–117 km/h.
• Typical strongest gust 125–164 km/h.

Category 3

• Very destructive winds. Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Significant damage to crops and trees. Power failures likely.
• Maximum mean wind speed 118–159 km/h.
• Typical strongest gust 165–224 km/h.

Category 4

• Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Extensive damage to vegetation. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.
• Maximum mean wind speed 160–199 km/h.
• Typical strongest gust 225–279 km/h.

Category 5

• Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction of buildings and vegetation.
• Maximum mean wind speed greater than 200 km/h.
• Typical strongest gust greater than 279 km/h.

Preparing homes and buildings for a cyclone

Communities are usually warned 3 days in advance of a cyclone. These 3 days should be taken as a valuable opportunity to prepare. It is good to stop everything and focus on doing so. Here are some key steps to take to reduce harm to your home.

Get the needed tools

To prepare your home or community building for a cyclone, you will be needing tools. Here are some good ones to have.

• Ladder
• Hammer and plenty of nails
• Electric drill, screw bit and screws
• Rope
• Staple gun
• Extensible pruning saw
• Large roll of plastic sheeting and/or tarpaulins
• Get sandbags if possible
• Get a sump pump if possible
• Get an emergency backup power solution if possible. Battery power is safer than diesel generation in a cyclone.

Prepare for strong winds

It is essential to ensure that not just your buildings but their surrounds are prepared to high winds.

• Prune any trees to stop loose or weak branches being torn off
• Ensure that any propane or gas tanks or anything carrying fuel are firmly strapped down outside. Do not bring them inside
• Tie down any loose objects outside the home as they can lift up and hurt people and animals
• Board up any glass and put strong shutters on windows. Use long screws rather than nails where possible
• Make the house as solid and secure as possible
• Fill any cracks or spaces to stop the wind getting in – the pressure of the wind during a hurricane can force roofs to lift

Prepare for flooding

Planning for large volumes of water in advance can protect you and your home from harm.

• Clean out drains, gutters and downspouts. Blocked drains will build up water and increase chances of structural damage and so flooding
• Place sandbags outside around the lowest points of your home to dam and slow water flow
• Consider installing a sump pump with battery backup
• Learn where your main fuse board is situated so you can turn it off if you need to
• Consider elevating the heating system, water heater, and electric panel if possible