Cyclone Alfred Is Coming: Do You Panic, Shrug It Off, or Get Prepared?

With Cyclone Alfred set to make landfall in South East Queensland, Australia, early Friday morning—coinciding with high tide in the early hours—now is the time to prepare.

The government is taking it very seriously with South East Queensland schools shut tomorrow and Friday and hundreds of Northern New South Wales schools already shut today, Gold Coast airport will be closed from Wednesday afternoon and all public transport stopped on Thursday and Friday too.

Preparing for Cyclone Alfred is crucial to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage.

After the Christmas tornado in 2023 the Gold Coast is on high alert. Certain shelves at the supermarket are bare, but it's important to stay calm and just make sure that you are prepared.

Here are ten practical steps to help you get ready:

1. Secure Loose Items: Tie down or store outdoor furniture, garden tools, and any loose objects that could become projectiles in strong winds.getready.qld.gov.au
2. Inspect and Repair Your Roof: Check your roof for any damage or loose tiles, and fix them to prevent leaks and structural issues during the cyclone.getready.qld.gov.au
3. Clear Gutters and Drains: Remove debris from gutters and stormwater drains to ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.getready.qld.gov.au
4. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, medications, and personal hygiene items.getready.qld.gov.au
5. Identify a Safe Room: Determine the strongest, safest room in your home—typically a small, windowless area like a bathroom or laundry—to shelter in during the cyclone.getready.qld.gov.au
6. Develop an Emergency Plan: Create a household emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and roles for each family member.
7. Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates and follow advice from authorities to stay aware of the cyclone's progress and any evacuation orders.couriermail.com.au
8. Protect Important Documents: Store vital documents, such as identification and insurance papers, in waterproof containers to safeguard them from water damage.getready.qld.gov.au
9. Prepare for Power Outages: Charge electronic devices in advance and have backup power sources, like portable chargers or generators, ready to use.
10. Assist Neighbours: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they are prepared and offer assistance if needed.

By taking these steps, you can enhance your preparedness for Cyclone Alfred and help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

Here are five tips to help small children during disasters like cyclones:

1. Stay Calm and Reassure Them – Children take cues from adults, so speak calmly and offer reassurance. Use simple language to explain what’s happening and what steps you’re taking to keep them safe.
2. Create a Comfort Kit – Pack a small bag with their favorite toy, blanket, snacks, and activities like coloring books or puzzles to provide a sense of security and distraction.
3. Have a Family Emergency Plan – Teach them what to do if you need to evacuate, including practicing drills in a fun, non-scary way. Let them know where to go and who to listen to.
4. Protect Their Ears and Eyes – Limit exposure to distressing news reports and loud storm noises. Play soft music or use headphones to reduce anxiety.
5. Involve Them in Small Tasks – Giving children simple jobs, like holding a flashlight or packing their own bag, helps them feel more in control and less afraid.

Have you experienced a cyclone before? What are your top tips?

Reference: Prepare For Natural Disaster | Get Ready Queensland

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