As Cyclone Alfred approaches South East Queensland, it’s crucial to make sure you are ready for the severe weather conditions that it may bring. This cyclone marks the first of its kind in over 50 years for the state, emphasizing the importance of being fully prepared.
To safeguard your home and ensure your safety, consider the following practical tips beyond the standard preparations:
1. **Secure Outdoor Items**:
– Disassemble and store large outdoor items like trampolines and furniture in a secure shed or garage.
– Use strong ropes, tie-down straps, and ground anchors to secure items.
– Anchor down pool toys, inflatable furniture, and camping equipment to prevent them from being swept away by strong winds.
2. **Use Sandbags**:
– In flood-prone areas, strategically place sandbags to block entry points like doorways and windows.
– Lay a tarp and stack sandbags tightly to create a sealed barrier against flooding.
3. **Protect Windows and Doors**:
– Secure windows and doors with cyclone shutters or plywood boards using heavy-duty screws.
– Reinforce windows by taping them in an “X” pattern to reduce the risk of glass shattering from debris impact.
4. **Elevate Electrical Appliances**:
– Raise fridges, freezers, and other electrical appliances on elevated surfaces to protect them from potential flooding.
5. **Store Water**:
– Fill containers with clean water for drinking, cleaning, and flushing toilets in case of water supply disruptions.
6. **Ensure Pet Safety**:
– Move livestock to higher ground and secure pet enclosures.
– Have a pet emergency kit ready with food, water, and medications.
7. **Inspect Roof and Gutters**:
– Check for roof damage, loose tiles, and clean gutters to ensure proper drainage.
8. **Prepare Your Vehicle**:
– Fill your vehicle’s tank with fuel and park it in a safe, covered location away from potential hazards.
9. **Know Utility Shut-Off Procedures**:
– Familiarize yourself with how to turn off gas, electricity, and water in case of an emergency.
10. **Create an Emergency Kit**:
– Assemble essential items such as non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and important documents in a readily accessible emergency kit.
11. **Stay Informed**:
– Monitor weather alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology and local councils for real-time updates.
– Keep a battery-powered radio or charged mobile device for emergency communication.
By taking these proactive measures and staying informed, you can better prepare yourself and your home for the potential impacts of Cyclone Alfred. Stay safe and be ready for any situation that may arise during this severe weather event.
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