A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
It's important to create and maintain a cyclone survival plan, so you and your family know how to respond when threatened by a cyclone. The plan should include what you must do in days before a cyclone hits and a list of items you need while sheltering.
Refer to your state's Fire and Emergency Services website. They can provide examples of what to include in your survival plan and how to create your checklists. Make sure you don't forget your pets.
Create an action plan for tropical cyclones to prepare your property to minimise potential damage.
Resource
Actions
Leaves and other vegetation can build up in gutters. During a cyclone, blocked gutters can allow rainwater to overflow into eaves. This can damage eaves linings or flow inside the house and damage internal walls.
You should make sure that gutters, rainheads, downpipes and overflows are free of debris. Before a storm, check they're flowing correctly.
Install 14 mm thick plywood shutters on windows and glass sliding doors. This should be done as part of the preparation for an approaching cyclone. The brackets for the plywood sheets need to be installed before the cyclone season. They must be in place so the sheets can be positioned quickly and easily.
The plywood shutters should be pre-cut to size with holes matching the bracket positions. They should be clearly labelled so that they can be installed in the correct location and orientation. They should be stored in dry conditions and easily accessed when needed.
For higher windows and doors, ladders may be required to install the sheets. Safe work practices should be used to lift the sheets into place and secure them.
This type of action is appropriate for glass sliding doors where permanently mounted debris screens may make accessing the door difficult.
Water can get through windows and glass sliding doors through the seals. These seals move as the window flexes under high wind pressure. It can also enter through weep holes that are designed to let condensation out.
Installing a plastic sheet catches water that has been blown around seals and through weep holes during peak gusts. It holds this water so that it can flow out through the weep holes during lulls in the wind gusts.
You should make sure that any doors in your house that don't comply with the current building standard are reinforced with a bracing system.
Garage and other large access doors are at risk of damage from strong winds. They may become dislodged from door tracks or other retaining hardware in strong winds.
If the door fails it can cause serious damage and major structural damage to the property.
Guidance can be found in AS/NZS 4505 Garage doors and other large access doors
Preparation Immediately before and event
Trees that are near to the house, or overhang the roof, pose a risk from:
- dropping leaves and other detritis that may block gutters and downpipes allowing rain water to enter the ceilings and eaves
- fallen branches that may block gutters and damage the roof cladding or structure
- damage to the building envelope, windows or doors from fallen trees
Loose items around your property can damage your home in a cyclone. If items become airborne they can damage your house.
You should:
- take down shade sails and umbrellas
- secure outdoor furniture before an event.
Resources
You should secure caravans, boats and other trailers. This will help to prevent them being overturned or shifted by high winds. Moving items could cause damage to the home and other buildings.
Preparation Immediately before and event
Strong winds in a cyclone can spin fan blades, damaging the fan. It can also cause the fan to swing in the wind, causing the blades to hit the ceiling. This can damage both the ceiling lining and the fan.