10 steps to prepare for a cyclone

Sometimes Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who’s in charge. While you can’t control when or where a cyclone will hit, the best way to minimise potential damage is to be prepared.

When a major storm is coming, stay informed by following  your local news sites and weather channels for updates. In addition, make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities. Follow these 10 cyclone and storm preparation steps to help keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes.

If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.

Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys indoors. If necessary, secure outdoor sculptures with burlap or blankets tied with rope.

Protect windows, doors and skylights with appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection.

Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls are taken inside, and elevated off the floor.

Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.

Fill your car’s petrol tank, charge your mobile phone, test your generator and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages.

Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.

Keep important documents, such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers and insurance policy information, as well as valuables such as jewellery, in a safety deposit box or in a bolted safe in an interior closet in your home.

Gather torches, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.

This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.