Listen to this post: How to Prepare for Cyclones – Complete Guide 2025
How to Prepare for Cyclones: Step-by-Step Guide
Every year, cyclones threaten lives and property in storm-prone regions. But panic isn’t preparation. Whether it’s your first cyclone season or you’ve experienced one before, knowing the right steps can drastically improve your safety. This comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide walks you through everything you need to do before, during, and after a cyclone to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What You’ll Need
- Emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies
- Battery-powered radio, flashlights, spare batteries
- Tarps, duct tape, sandbags, and other stormproofing tools
- Time estimate: 2–3 hours to fully prepare your home
- Skill level: Beginner
Before You Begin
Make sure to monitor your local weather alerts and cyclone warnings. Always prepare well before a cyclone is projected to make landfall. Avoid waiting until the last minute to buy supplies, as shortages are common. Have an evacuation plan in place that all household members understand. Remember: electricity and cellular service may fail during the storm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create a Cyclone Emergency Kit
Gather essential items like canned food, bottled water (at least 3 liters per person per day), a flashlight, batteries, medications, cash, important documents (in waterproof bags), and a first-aid kit. This kit should be stored in an accessible area and should be portable in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Why this matters: Access to essentials during and after a cyclone can be lifesaving if utilities or roads are disrupted.
💡 Pro Tip: Rotate out food and medication every storm season to ensure nothing expires.
Step 2: Secure Your Property
Trim any overhanging or dead branches near your house. Secure loose items like garden furniture, bins, or decor, which can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Apply storm shutters or board up windows using plywood. Reinforce garage doors and check your roof for loose tiles or shingles.
Why this matters: Preventing damage from flying debris keeps your home and family safe and saves you thousands in repairs.
💡 Pro Tip: Use hurricane straps or clips to secure the roof to your home’s frame if you live in a high-risk area.
Step 3: Know Your Evacuation Routes
Identify at least two safe evacuation routes and shelter locations in case the primary route becomes blocked. Plan how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Keep your vehicle’s tank full and pack your emergency bag in advance.
Why this matters: Fast-moving storms limit decision time—knowing the route in advance saves lives.
💡 Pro Tip: Download offline maps on your phone for use when GPS or data fail.
Step 4: Stay Informed
Subscribe to official emergency services bulletins and alerts. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates if the power goes down. Monitor cyclone trajectories and government advisories regularly.
Why this matters: Reliable information allows you to make informed, timely decisions to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
💡 Pro Tip: Follow your local disaster management authority on social media for real-time updates.
Step 5: Protect Pets and Livestock
Include pets in your emergency plans. Have a pet transport crate, food, and medication ready. Identify pet-friendly shelters. For livestock, move animals to high ground and ensure secure fencing or shelters to minimize injury.
Why this matters: Animals are at risk in high winds and flooding—planning ahead prevents harm and panic.
💡 Pro Tip: Write your number on your pet’s collar in permanent ink in case you get separated.
