No move is too dumb as homeowners prepare for Cyclone Alfred
When it comes to making it through a cyclone with as little damage as possible - the only dumb move is not making any.
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Should I tape my windows? What do I do with the trampoline? What about my car if I don’t have a garage? And the dog? Why are people filling up their bathtub?
You may feel embarrassed to ask these questions but no query is too dumb in a cyclone like Alfred when the safety of your home, possessions and loved ones are at risk.
No one is suggesting you go and drop $30,000 to strap down your home like one man in Florida famously did during Hurricane Milton last year - but remember not a single shingle or tile lifted from his roof.
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There are plenty of other more simple pieces of advice as the first cyclone to hit south east Queensland in 50 years approaches the coast.
These are the most frequently asked questions being posed by residents in Alfred’s path - and the answers being given by experts.
Should I tape my windows?
It’s always better to board them up, but if you’re not a handyman here is the best approach with tape.
Don’t do the typical ‘X’ across the window, it can actually create larger shards of glass if it breaks. First, use strong adhesive tape along the edges of the window - and do a tight, checkerboard pattern if you have plenty of tape.
Remember to shut your curtains and shutters if you have them, and stay clear of the windows when the cyclone hits.
MORE:1.88m Aussie homes in path of Cyclone Alfred’s fury
What else should I do to prepare my home?
Seal any gaps around windows and doors. Move your valuables and electrical items upstairs - or at least off the ground - to keep them safe from potential flooding.
What else can I use instead of sand bags?
Bags of soil or fertiliser - particularly the 50kg size - can do a similar job to a sandbag. Some have even used pool noodles with some success.
Why are people filling up their bath tubs?
Tap water can become unsafe to use in a cyclone so it’s a good idea to fill up whatever large containers you have in advance - including your bath tub.
That way you’ve got a supply for boiling a cup of tea, flushing your toilet if that stops working and giving your pets a drink.
What do you do with a trampoline?
Trampoline anchors are designed to make the equipment safer for play, not to secure them in a storm.
So it’s best to dismantle your trampoline and bring it inside.
It’s the same with any other unsecured items in your front and backyards - including bins, pot plants, outdoor furniture and any other toys.
What should I do with my car?
Park it inside your garage if you have one.
If not, try reaching out to friends or family or a local shopping centre or parking structure to see if they have space and can accommodate you.
If you’re still out of luck at least try parking your car close to your house so the wall will protect it from one side.
What sort of damage can we expect?
Depending on when your home was built you could see anything from roofs blowing off and garage doors being blown in or out.
It’s not just the wind that could wreak havoc - by blowing rain through vents and under flashings - but also flying debris that could break doors and windows.
Where is the safest place to take shelter in a home?
Bathrooms, especially if yours is located centrally in your home, are generally safest because the plumbing can add stability to the walls.
Hallways are also a good spot - surround yourself with blankets and cushions - but priority number one is to stay away from windows.
What should be in my emergency kit?
You’ll need food until it’s safe to head outside again so stock up non-perishables including canned goods, pasta and rice.
Cook any frozen meals you have in advance so they’re ready to eat and don’t forget to check the back of your cupboards - it’s amazing what items you may have forgotten back there.
We’ve already mentioned the need for a water supply and the other essentials are a week’s worth of any medication you take, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, personal hygiene items like wet wipes and toiletries, a battery-powered radio and pet food.
What should I do with my pets?
The needs of your pets aren’t dissimilar to your own - they’ll want food and water and any medication they require and a safe and warm place to sit.
Make sure they have a collar on or some form of identification in case they get lost.
Originally published as No move is too dumb as homeowners prepare for Cyclone Alfred
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