Living in Far North Queensland means enjoying the tropics, but it also means preparing for the challenges that come with it. Each year, residents face the risk of cyclones, flooding, severe storms, and extended power outages—especially during the wet season (November to April). A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your household safe, reducing stress, and helping your community recover faster after an event.
Have an Emergency Kit Ready
Include bottled water (3L per person per day for 3 days), non-perishable food, first aid supplies, torch, batteries, portable phone charger, medications, important documents (waterproofed), and some cash.
Shop Smart – Don’t Panic Buy
Build your supplies gradually before the wet season. Keep a rotating stock of long-life foods you actually use (tins, pasta, rice, UHT milk).
In an emergency, cook with what’s in your pantry and freezer first — get creative and avoid waste.
Know Your Evacuation Plan
Identify local shelters, safe routes, and higher ground. Keep your car fuelled. Plan for pets with their own kit.
Secure Your Home
Trim trees, clear gutters, tie down or bring in loose items, and check your roof. Keep shutters or strong ply boards handy for windows.
Stay Informed
Download the BOM Weather app, follow Queensland SES/QFES, and tune into ABC local radio for emergency updates.
Prepare for Power & Communication Loss
Have torches (not candles), spare batteries, battery-powered radio, a gas cooker, and pre-charged power banks. Keep a paper list of key contacts.
Plan for Flooding
Know if your property is in a flood zone. Store valuables higher up, keep sandbags if advised, and never drive through floodwaters.
Health & Safety Prep
Fill prescriptions early, stock mosquito repellent, and maintain a first aid kit. If you rely on powered medical devices, register with your provider for priority restoration.
Insurance & Documents
Check your insurance covers cyclone and flood damage. Store IDs, policies, and other key documents in waterproof bags or scan to the cloud.
Community & Household Drills
Practice what your family will do in a cyclone or flood. Check in with neighbours, especially the elderly or vulnerable. Strong communities recover faster.
Local Community & Safety Resources
- Cairns Disaster Dashboard: cairns.qld.gov.au
- Household Emergency Plan & Kit: Cairns Regional Council
- cairns.qld.gov.au
- Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
- State Emergency Service (SES) (for floods, storms, and cyclones): 132 500
