In Australia, cyclones of varying intensity generally occur between November and April each year, with the areas most at risk of cyclone including northern Queensland, northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

A violent storm

A cyclone is a violent storm with very high winds rotating around a calm centre of low pressure. Cyclones can cause destructive winds of more than 280kmh, as well as floods, storm surges and widespread damage. The strong wind, heavy rain and flying debris caused by a cyclone can extensively damage property.

Practical preparation for imminent cyclone

Practical steps you can take if it is safe to do so include:

• Securing all loose items outside your property including garden furniture, umbrellas, sheds, trampolines, pool furniture and children’s cubby houses.
• Securing boats or vehicles and moving your car under cover.
• Clearing your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
• Using waterproof bags to protect clothing and important documents from storm damage.
• Unplugging electrical equipment.

Ahead of cyclone

You can take practical steps to reduce the damage caused by a cyclone. This includes:

• Familiarise yourself with your insurance policy. Find out what is included in the policy and understand its exclusions. Contact your insurer if you have questions.
• Inspect your property and take practical streps to reduce risk such as removing dead or rotting trees that may fall on your property and keep gutters clear.
• Check the condition of your roof and repair any damage or loose tiles.
• Prepare a disaster plan, including identifying the strongest part of your property in which to shelter during a cyclone.

• Prepare a room-by-room inventory of the contents of your home. This list helps determine if your assets are adequately protected and can save time when making a claim.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit, with cash, food, water, toiletries, medication, a household contents inventory, copies of important documents, protective clothing, a radio and a torch – and batteries for both.
• Know where and how to turn off mains power, water, gas and solar power.

Longer term preparations

• Maintain your property to ensure there is no corrosion, rotten timber or loose fixtures that could weaken the structures.
• Install appropriate windows or shutters to glass windows and doors and ensure all locks are strong enough to withstand strong wind.
• Every year use a building and contents insurance calculator to ensure your insurance cover adequately covers estimated costs to repair, rebuild or replace home and contents, vehicles and any outbuildings on your property in event of a disaster.

During a cyclone

During a cyclone, safety is always the first priority.

You should enact the plans you made before the cyclone and follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency services. 

If you are advised to evacuate, take your disaster supply kit, lock your house and follow evacuation instructions.

You should tell someone when you leave and where you are going and make sure to check in with local authorities, emergency services and ABC local radio for updates.

After a cyclone

The time immediately after a cyclone is often just as dangerous as the event. Don't go outside until authorities advise that the cyclone has passed and your region is safe. Don't be deceived by the apparent calm when the eye of the cyclone passes.

Immediate aftermath

• Safety is the priority - don’t do anything that puts anyone at risk.
• Only return to a property or vehicle when emergency services give the go ahead.
• If water has entered the property, don't turn on the electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process.
• Do not drive a vehicle if it has suffered water damage.

Cleaning up after a cyclone or cyclone flood 

If you've been given the go-ahead to return to your property, you can clean up if it's safe to do so, but check out these tips first.

• Before you start your cleanup, document the damage with photos and videos to support an insurance claim. 
• Take photos before removing any water damaged or soaked items that may pose a health risk.
• Make a list of damaged items, including the brand, model and serial number if you can.
• Don't throw away items that could be repaired unless they pose a health risk.
• Speak to your insurer before you authorise any building work.