Cyclone Proof Homes - How To Get Ready?
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Cyclone proof homes are essential for withstanding the extreme weather conditions of Far North Queensland, where the wet season often brings heavy rain, flooding, monsoons, and cyclones. Preparing your home in advance not only enhances its resilience but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your property and belongings against severe weather events.
Key Features of Cyclone Proof Homes
Cyclone proof homes are specially designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris. These homes incorporate reinforced materials and strategic design elements to minimize damage and ensure occupant safety. Some key features include:
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Cyclone-Resistant Roofing – Secured with extra fastenings and designed with a streamlined shape to reduce wind uplift. Metal roofing is often preferred due to its durability.
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Reinforced Walls & Foundations – Made from high-strength materials like reinforced concrete, steel framing, or specially treated timber to resist high wind forces.
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Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors – Equipped with cyclone-rated shutters, laminated glass, or reinforced frames to prevent breakage from flying debris.
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Elevated or Flood-Resistant Design – Homes in flood-prone areas may be elevated on stilts or built with water-resistant materials to reduce damage from storm surges.
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Secure Roof-to-Wall Connections – Strong fixings and anchoring systems ensure the roof stays attached to the home even under extreme wind pressure.
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Wind-Resistant Garage Doors – Designed with additional bracing or reinforced tracks to prevent collapse during high winds.
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Strategic Landscaping – Trees and outdoor structures are positioned to reduce wind resistance, and debris-prone items are secured to prevent damage.
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Ventilation & Pressure Management – Some designs incorporate pressure-relief vents or shutters to reduce internal pressure build-up, preventing structural failure.
Assess the property for immediate risks
Checking your immediate surroundings for risks can help mitigate the risk of damage. Some ways you can do this include:
- checking trees, particularly those near power lines, windows and exit points, for overhanging branches and ensuring they are trimmed back;
- putting away or otherwise securing loose outdoor furniture and other items including pool accessories and light pot plants which may be thrown around by strong winds;
- securing loose roof tiles and checking that gutters are securely fastened to the building; and
- clearing downpipes and gutters to ensure water can drain away easily.
Put together an emergency kit
An emergency kit should contain everything you need if you are trapped by flooding and/or you are left without access to power and/or clean water.
At a bare minimum, the kit should include:
- hessian bags and sand for sandbagging if floodwaters are threatening your home;
- a first aid kit in case of any injuries;
- petrol (if it can be stored safely);
- bottled water and non-perishable food;
- a pre-charged battery pack you can use to power your phone; and
- masking tape to secure your windows.
Have a household plan
All members of the household should know where the emergency kit is held, along with the knowledge of how to shut off the supply of water, gas and electricity in case a cyclone hits.
There should be one dedicated room on the property which is the safest room to shelter in if and when a cyclone hits. All who reside in the household should be made aware of the plan to take shelter here. Typically this room would be the one with the least amount of windows; the bathroom usually works well.
Preserve important documents
It is wise to check that your insurance is current and what you are covered for in case you need to make a claim. Keep a copy of your policy and any relevant account details handy so you can easily access them if needed. You should also store important documents such as passports, birth and marriage certificates in a waterproof container on a high shelf.
Act quickly
With all of the above mechanisms to protect your home in place, the last thing you need to do is act as soon as danger presents itself. As the weather turns, you should:
- ensure your car or any other vehicles are sheltered or at least moved away from trees and waterways;
- bring your pets inside;
- turn off your electricity, gas and water; and
- secure the glass of your windows with masking tape.
Once the cyclone has passed
It is vital that you remain in your safe room while the cyclone hits. You should seek information through a battery-powered radio or your smartphone if you can access the internet. You may be warned that it is time to evacuate, or you may be told to stay where you are. You should always take the advice and follow the instructions of the local authorities and emergency services.
After the cyclone hits it is wise to check your property for any damage in case you need to make an insurance claim. Capture details of any damage in photos and videos and write notes which will help support your claim.
If you find that flooding has occurred move carefully and try to avoid it as it may contain harmful microbiological organisms, mould spores and/or sewerage. You should also avoid turning on any electrical appliances that may be waterlogged and cause further damage to your property if they short circuit or cause an electrical fire.
It doesn’t take long to get your property cyclone ready, and with Far North Queensland’s wet season taking up almost half a year (around November to March each year), it is prudent to be prepared in case the worst-case scenario presents itself.
If you’re unsure whether your home meets cyclone safety standards or need assistance with repairs and insurance claims after a storm, our team can help ensure your property is protected and compliant.