When to evacuate
Consider your level of risk
PRIOR to each cyclone season, Townsville residents and visitors should consider their level of risk regarding cyclones and their associated hazards and prepare themselves for sheltering and/or evacuating from their homes if necessary.
People living in a cycloneprone area should have a Household Emergency Plan (see page 25), which includes evacuation and shelter considerations.
In most cases, the safest thing to do in a cyclone is to shelter in place, that is to stay at home and ride it out within your household.
WHAT IS YOUR RISK?
• If you live in a storm tide inundation area you may be advised to evacuate. Evacuation is based on predicted storm tide and level of possible inundation (red, orange, yellow and blue).
• Find out if you live in a storm tide evacuation zone by visiting www.townsville.qld.gov.au and follow the links to disaster information.
• You should also consider evacuating if you live in a pre-1982 home or feel concerned for your safety. • If you need to or decide to evacuate, the best option is to go to family, friends or colleagues outside threatened areas. Plan this now and include the information in your Household Emergency Plan. • The Evacuation Centre and the Public Cyclone Shelter should be a last resort, and authorities open them only when necessary.
• If you live alone or if you have special care needs, you need to plan and prepare now so you can quickly evacuate and shelter in a safer place when the need arises.