While the exact path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred remains uncertain, preparedness is key to ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones. Hervey Bay has experienced cyclones before, including Tropical Cyclone Daisy in 1972, which made landfall on K’gari (Fraser Island) and caused significant damage across our region. While severe cyclones are less common here compared to northern Queensland, being ready can make all the difference if a storm does impact our community.
A Look at Cyclones That Have Affected Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is generally sheltered from direct cyclone impacts due to the protection of K’gari (Fraser Island), but we have still felt the effects of several storms over the years:
- Cyclone Daisy (1972) – One of the most significant cyclones to impact Hervey Bay, Daisy caused flooding, strong winds, and property damage.
- Cyclone Oswald (2013) – While Oswald didn’t make landfall in Hervey Bay, it brought severe flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, cutting power to thousands of homes.
- Cyclone Marcia (2015) – This Category 5 cyclone tracked south after making landfall, bringing storm surges and damaging winds to coastal areas, including parts of the Fraser Coast.
While major cyclone landfalls are rare, their effects can still be severe, with heavy rain, flooding, storm surges, and damaging winds. That’s why preparing early is essential.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Cyclone
Taking proactive steps now can help protect your property and reduce risks if the cyclone does affect our area.
1. Secure Outdoor Items
✔️ Move loose outdoor items inside—this includes garden furniture, BBQs, toys, and outdoor tools.
✔️ Tie down large, heavy objects that can’t be moved to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
2. Reinforce Windows & Doors
✔️ Install cyclone shutters or use strong boards to cover windows and glass doors.
✔️ If you don’t have shutters, secure windows with strong tape in an “X” pattern to reduce the risk of shattering.
✔️ Ensure all external doors are secure—consider bracing garage doors.
3. Trim Trees & Clear Gutters
✔️ Trim overhanging branches that could fall on your house or power lines.
✔️ Clear gutters, drains, and downpipes to reduce flooding risks.
✔️ Remove dead or weak trees near your home.
4. Check & Strengthen Your Roof
✔️ Secure loose tiles or sheets on your roof.
✔️ Check roof screws and fastenings—cyclonic winds can lift unreinforced roofing.
✔️ If needed, have a professional inspect and reinforce structural weak points.
What to Include in Your Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential in case power and water services are disrupted.
🔹 Food & Water – At least three days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
🔹 First Aid & Medications – Include a first aid kit, prescription medications, and personal hygiene items.
🔹 Torches & Batteries – Ensure flashlights and a battery-powered radio are ready to use.
🔹 Important Documents – Keep copies of insurance policies, ID, and emergency contact details in a waterproof folder.
🔹 Clothing & Bedding – Pack warm clothes, blankets, and sturdy shoes in case you need to evacuate.
🔹 Cash & Fuel – ATMs and EFTPOS machines may not work if power is out, so keep some cash on hand.
Stay Informed & Know Where to Get Updates
Staying updated is critical, especially as cyclone paths can change quickly. Use reliable sources for the latest information:
🔹 Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) – Official cyclone warnings and tracking maps → BoM Cyclone Tracker
🔹 Queensland Disaster Management – Emergency plans and alerts → Queensland Disaster Alerts
🔹 Local Council & SES – Updates on evacuation centres and road closures → Fraser Coast Disaster Dashboard
Follow instructions from emergency services if evacuation is necessary.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
While we don’t yet know if this cyclone will impact Hervey Bay, taking precautions now can make all the difference if conditions worsen.
✅ Secure your home and outdoor areas
✅ Stock up on essential supplies
✅ Stay informed and follow updates
Being prepared means you can focus on keeping your family safe without the last-minute stress. If you need advice don’t hesitate to contact us or reach out for assistance with local emergency services.
Let’s look out for each other and stay safe, Hervey Bay!
