Crucial tips to help keep your home safe as Cyclone Alfred approaches

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, residents of Queensland and New South Wales are bracing for destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for flash flooding in the coming days with millions finalising their cyclone preparations.

Alfred is expected to make landfall late on Thursday, March 5, or early Friday, March 6, somewhere between Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. The danger zone extends far beyond the coast, with wild weather predicted to begin as early as Wednesday. The warning zone includes areas from Double Island Point in Queensland to Yamba in northern NSW, south of Byron Bay.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Christie Johnson has issued a stark warning: “Several hundreds of millimetres of rain is possible within six hours, which could lead to life threatening flash flooding.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli emphasised the seriousness of this rare weather event, urging residents to heed the advice of emergency personnel.

“This is a very rare event for southeast Queensland, but it’s not unprecedented, and we are asking you to take it seriously,” he said.

Part of taking this rare weather event seriously is ensuring you’ve made adequate preparations for the extreme weather and potential power outages that may arise.

“Extreme weather events like Cyclone Alfred are an unavoidable reality in Australia, but proactive preparation can significantly reduce risk and damage,” said Terence Daniel, general manager at PSS Distributors, a leading Australian provider of power protection solutions designed to safeguard businesses and homes from the impact of power disturbances, including weather disturbances.

“Taking the right steps now ensures your home is as resilient as possible, protecting not just your property, but the safety and well-being of your family when the cyclone hits.”

Terence shares eight key actions to protect your home before the cyclone strikes:

1. Secure loose objects: Outdoor furniture, garden tools and even children’s toys can become airborne hazards in strong winds. Store them securely indoors or tie them down.
2. Clear gutters and drains: Blocked gutters can lead to water damage during heavy downpours. Ensure all drains are clear to allow proper water flow.
3. Trim trees and branches: Overhanging branches can break and cause damage in high winds. Cut back any loose or dead branches near your home and power lines.
4. Reinforce outdoor structures: Ensure sheds, fences and carports are well-secured and in good condition to withstand high winds.
5. Check your roof and windows: Inspect your roof for loose tiles or sheets and secure any weak points. Reinforce windows with storm shutters or tape to reduce the risk of shattering.
6. Stock up on essentials: Have a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, batteries and first-aid supplies ready in case of emergency.
7. Prepare for power outages: High winds and flooding often lead to blackouts. Keep critical devices such as phones, modems, security and medical equipment running by investing in a UPS backup battery, which provides temporary power to keep you connected and informed.
8. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with emergency warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and local authorities.

By taking these steps now, you can ensure that you and your family are as safe as possible when Cyclone Alfred strikes. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe.

-with AAP.