Find a store
Request a Quote
Search
SIGN UP
Be ready this storm season. Don't wait for the winds to change.

Living in North Queensland means storm season is always on our minds. While cyclones get the headlines, the real risks from November to April include flash flooding, electrical storms, and extreme heatwaves.

A woman and child count and packing food, water and provisions

Know Your Risk

  • Check your local council’s disaster dashboard to see if your property is in a storm tide or flood zone. These zones determine the updates and evacuation advice you’ll receive when a storm is imminent.
  • Stay informed: Download the BOM Weather app and set up warning notifications for your area.
A woman cleaning her gutters

How to Prepare

As storm season approaches, it’s best practice to do a thorough check of your home and surroundings:

  • Inspect your roof, gutters, downpipes, and seals on doors/windows. Remove debris and trim overhanging branches.
  • Check fencing for damage/corrosion
  • Any rotting timber
  • Termites/termite damage
  • Garage doors are adequately wind and debris rated, or you have temporary bracing system that can be installed
  • Secure loose items outdoors, and check sheds, boats, and caravans.
  • Know where your power switch is and have backup lighting and water storage.
  • Review your insurance policy for storm, flood, and cyclone cover. Ensure your home is in good condition, with a strong and secure structure
  • In the case of a cyclone or strong wind warning secure any loose items
  • Reminder: The time immediately after a storm or cyclone can be just as dangerous as the event itself. Watch out for fallen powerlines and stay out of floodwaters.
A man covering his window with plywood

Emergency Plan Essentials

  • Evacuation plan: Know your routes and where you’ll go.
  • Where you will shelter in home – the strongest part of the building is often the bathroom, toilet or hallway
  • Emergency kit: First aid, battery-powered radio, supplies for at least 5 days, torch, generator, water storage.
  • Pet plan: Make arrangements for pets in case of evacuation.
  • List of emergency contacts
An illustration of a checklist
DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST

Authoritative Resources​

For more information, visit your local council’s dashboard or trusted emergency services sites.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe and storm-ready.

Check out more information on how you can be storm season ready here:

National:

Discover your weather | The Bureau of Meteorology

Queensland

Get Ready Queensland

SES | State Emergency Service ​

Cairns Regional Council

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Cook Shire Council

Douglas Shire

Mareeba Shire Council

TRC – Tablelands Regional Council

Townsville City Council

Charters Towers Regional Council

NT

Northern Territory Government

NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services

City of Darwin | Darwin Council, Northern Territory

Home | East Arnhem Regional Council

WA

DFES – Department of Fire and Emergency Services

WA State Emergency Service (SES)

Home Shire of Broome

Please note this communication is Cairns Hardware commentary only and is not to be relied on as advice. Information was formed from the following resources:

Preparing-for-Cyclones-Guide.pdf

Dashboard – disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au

Protect your home | Get Ready Queensland