Preparing for Cyclone Alfred: Essential Tips for South East Queensland Residents

With Cyclone Alfred set to make landfall along the coast of South East Queensland, preparation is the key to ensuring safety for you, your loved ones, and your property. Whether you call a house or an apartment your home, the steps to secure yourself and be ready for the impacts of a cyclone are vital. Below is your go-to guide to help you plan, prepare, and stay safe.

Securing Your Home, Whether It's a House or Apartment

For Houses:

• Clear your yard of any loose or light items, such as outdoor furniture, toys, and garden tools. These can turn into dangerous projectiles during strong winds.
• Check your roof and gutters. Secure any loose tiles and clear gutters of debris to minimise water damage from heavy rain.
• Trim tree branches that are close to your home, as they can cause damage during high winds. Obtain council permission if necessary.
• Secure windows and doors by installing storm shutters or using strong plywood boards to prevent glass shattering.
• Reinforce garages and sheds to ensure they are sturdy enough and remove items stored in sheds if they cannot be secured.

For Apartments:

• Secure your balcony by removing or securing lightweight items like potted plants, outdoor chairs, and other decor.
• Keep windows shut tight and draw your curtains to minimise exposure to broken glass in case of impact from flying debris.
• Know your strongest room, which is often a bathroom or an internal hallway, to shelter in during the storm.
• Check with building management about safety protocols for your apartment block in case of an emergency evacuation.

Preparing an Emergency Kit

Having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Include the following items for at least 5–7 days of self-sufficiency:

• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Bottled drinking water (3 litres per person per day)
• Medicines and first aid supplies
• Battery-operated torch and spare batteries
• Portable, battery-powered radio to stay informed
• Cash in small denominations (ATMs and card payment systems may be unavailable)
• Identification documents and insurance papers in waterproof containers
• Sturdy clothing and shoes, as well as bedding
• Supplies for your pets, such as food, water, and identification tags
• Power banks to keep your phones charged during blackouts

Staying Updated and Knowing When to Act

Cyclones come with rapidly changing conditions. Stay informed by:

• Tuning into the local Radio station for updates and warnings.
• Monitoring disaster dashboards provided by councils for road closures and evacuation routes.
• Following the Bureau of Meteorology's tracking updates for real-time information about Cyclone Alfred.
• Using mobile emergency apps like the SES Assistance App if in Queensland.

Be cautious about relying on social media for updates, as unverified sources can spread misinformation. Always stick to official channels.

Additional Tips

1. Fill up vehicles early, as fuel supplies can be disrupted. Park cars under solid shelter or away from large trees.
2. Use sandbags to protect your property from potential flooding, especially if you’re in a low-lying area.
3. Stock up on gas for your barbecue or camping stove if power outages last longer than expected.
4. Communicate with neighbours, as their resources and knowledge might prove invaluable.
5. Plan for your pets, ensuring they’re accounted for in evacuation or shelter plans.

A Note from Lloyd Estate Agents

At Lloyd Estate Agents, we prioritise the safety and preparedness of our community. We strongly encourage everyone to remain informed and take the necessary steps to secure their property and well-being during this time.

Please be advised that all scheduled private and public inspections have been cancelled for the remainder of this week and throughout the weekend as we continue to monitor the situation. We believe it is critical for everyone to focus on their preparations and safety.

We urge all residents to stay updated through official channels, follow local instructions, and take all necessary precautions as the cyclone approaches. Your safety is paramount, and in times like these, community awareness and readiness are key.

Take care and stay safe. From all of us at Lloyd Estate Agents, our thoughts are with you and your loved ones.