PREPARE TO LEAVE - Red and orange storm surge zones

Storm surge warningas at 9.30am, Tuesday12December 2023.

This warning is from the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG).

Based on current advice, Tropical CycloneJasper is expected tocause widespread storm surge in the RED AND ORANGE ZONE across the Cairns region.

Visit the Cairns Disaster Dashboard or use the Storm Surge Search to check if you are in a storm tide zone. You can also download a copy of the Storm Tide Evacuation Guide.

Storm surge is when coastal waters rise above highest tide levels because of a cyclone. The tsunami-like waves can go a long way inland.Storm surge is a threat to life and property.

People in these places must PREPARE TO LEAVE. Plan to stay with friends or family away from the storm tide zones.Accommodation is available and people should consider booking a place to stay outside the storm tide zones.

If you don’t have a safe place to go,public storm tide cyclone shelters will be opened at 10.30am today at:

Edmonton Storm Tide Cyclone Shelter, 10-20 Walker Rd (PCYC)Redlynch State College, Jungara Rd

Public Storm Tide Cyclone Shelters are designed to save lives. Be aware:

If you don’t live in the RED AND ORANGE zone,you will be refused entry.Photo identification will be required.You may be locked in for longer than 24hours while the cyclone passesWater will be provided; bring your own foodSmoking, consumption of alcohol and non-prescriptive drugs is prohibitedPets are not allowedYou will be seated throughout the emergency; there are no bedsThere is no wi-fi or entertainment

People who find it hard to move quickly should consider leaving now.

If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For cyclone help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

Impacts

Big waves and sea water will travel a long way inland and through coastal creeks and rivers.This can flood and damage buildings, wash away roads and cars, and damage bridges.Roads could be blocked by fallen trees, powerlines or flood water from the cyclone.There will be lots of wind and rain from the cyclone. There will be flooding in low-lying areas.Power, water, phone and sewerage services could stop working.

What you should do

Decide now where you will go if the storm surge starts.If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.

Prepare your home

Put chemicals and poisons up high to stop them polluting the water.Lift important things onto beds, benches, tables, high shelves or upstairs to protect them.Block toilets, sinks and drains with sandbags to stop sewerage backflow if you can.Empty and turn off fridges and freezers.Be ready to turn off the power, solar, water and gas before you leave home. This will help remove electrical dangers when you come back.Move cars not being used to high ground away from trees.

Pack an emergency kit

battery-powered radio to listen to warningstorch and spare batteriestinned and packet food and bottled water to last five daysenough clothes for five daysimportant medicineimportant papers (like ID, insurance papers and passports)first-aid kitmobile phone, charger and charged power banktoilet paper, face masks and hand sanitiser

if you have very young children, enough nappies for up to five days, wipes, bottles, formula or baby food. Plan to not have a fridge or microwave

if you have a pet, enough pet food for five days, a lead and/or crate.

Check your family, friends and neighbours know what to do. Help them if you can.

Know your evacuation route:Storm surge evacuation routes can be viewed at Council’s website, or by using the map at the Cairns Disaster Dashboard, and provide guidance on the most direct route out of a

storm surge area. Leave yourself plenty of time; there will be a lot of other people evacuating at the same time and roads may be congested.

Evacuation route overviews:

If you find it hard to move quicklyor have special or medical needs

Leaving now is the safest option. Call your support person or service to take you to safety.If anyone in your house uses powered medical equipment, like a dialysis machine or ventilator, go now to a safe place with a reliable power supply, like a generator.Make sure pets are with friends, family or a neighbour.Take your bag with clothes, medicine, ID, insurance papers, cash and keys.

If you are a tourist or visitor, camper or caravanner

Pack up now and leave the area. It will soon be too late to leave. Leaving now is the safest option.Travel out of the warning area. Check road conditions and plan your route before you leave.Stay informed by listening to local radio stations.