Cyclones & Hurricanes Survival Guide

Tropical cyclones — known as hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific — are among the most destructive forces in nature. A major cyclone can sustain wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph) and generate a storm surge that raises sea levels by 5 metres (16 feet) or more, flooding entire coastal communities in minutes. Unlike earthquakes, cyclones come with advance warning — days, not seconds. That warning time is your greatest advantage, and using it wisely makes the difference between life and death.

Globally, tropical storms cause tens of thousands of deaths per year. The majority of cyclone fatalities are caused not by wind, but by storm surge and flooding — inland communities far from the coast can be devastated by rainfall flooding that persists for days after landfall.

Understanding Cyclone Categories

Category	Sustained Wind Speed	Expected Damage
1	119–153 km/h (74–95 mph)	Damage to trees, minor roof/gutter damage
2	154–177 km/h (96–110 mph)	Major tree damage, some structural damage
3	178–209 km/h (111–129 mph)	Significant structural damage, power outages
4	210–251 km/h (130–156 mph)	Severe structural damage, widespread devastation
5	252+ km/h (157+ mph)	Catastrophic destruction — survivable only in well-constructed shelter

⚠️ Category is not the only measure of danger. A Category 1 storm with slow movement can dump enormous rainfall and cause catastrophic flooding. Storm surge from any major cyclone can be lethal regardless of wind speed. Always follow official guidance for your specific location.

Before the Storm — Days in Advance

Monitor and Decide Early

1. Track the storm using official meteorological services — check updates every 6–12 hours as the storm approaches.
2. Know your evacuation zone designation (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3 — varies by country) and what conditions trigger mandatory evacuation of your zone.
3. If you live in a mobile home, on a coastline, in a low-lying area, or in a poorly constructed building: plan to evacuate. These are the most dangerous locations in a cyclone.
4. Decide early — roads and shelters fill up. Waiting until the last 12 hours dramatically increases risk.

Prepare Your Home

1. Shutter or board all windows — flying glass is a leading cause of injury. Use storm shutters, hurricane film, or plywood (minimum 16 mm / 5/8 inch thick).
2. Secure all outdoor items — chairs, tables, pot plants, tools, and ornaments become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Bring them inside or tie them down securely.
3. Reinforce your garage door — this is typically the weakest structural element; if it fails, the roof can lift off.
4. Trim or remove dead tree branches close to the house that could become projectiles.
5. Fill your bathtub with water — if water supply is disrupted, this water can be used for flushing toilets and washing. Do not drink it without purification.
6. Stock up on supplies (see below) — stores close early and run out of essentials quickly.

Supply Checklist

Item	Quantity
Water	4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day — minimum 7-day supply
Non-perishable food	7-day supply (no cooking required if possible)
Manual can opener	1
Torches + batteries	Multiple, or hand-crank/solar
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio	Critical for updates during power loss
First aid kit	With any prescription medications (30-day supply)
Waterproof document bag	ID, insurance documents, bank information
Cash	ATMs and card machines will be down
Portable phone charger	Multiple — fully charged
Fuel	Fill your vehicle tank before the storm arrives
Sandbags	For flooding-prone entries

If Evacuating

1. Leave as soon as authorities recommend it — do not wait for a mandatory order if you have advance notice and the means to go.
2. Take your go-bag, medications, pets, and essential documents.
3. Tell someone outside the storm zone where you are going.
4. Use designated evacuation routes — other roads may flood or be blocked.
5. Do not return until authorities declare it safe.

During the Storm

Sheltering in Place

If evacuation is not possible or authorities have not ordered it, shelter in a well-built structure:

1. Identify your safe room — an interior room on the lowest level (or ground floor if no basement) away from windows. A bathroom, hallway, or closet is ideal. Avoid ground floors in flood-prone areas (move to upper floors for flooding).
2. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings — food will last longer if power fails.
3. Charge all devices now — the storm will likely knock out power.
4. Stay inside. Do not venture out during the storm under any circumstances.

The Eye of the Storm

⚠️ The eye of a cyclone can bring a sudden eerie calm — clear skies, no wind, silence. This is NOT the end of the storm. The most dangerous half of the storm (the eyewall on the other side) is about to arrive. Stay sheltered. The calm can last 20 minutes to an hour.

Wind Hazards

• Stay away from all windows and exterior walls, even if they appear intact — windows can implode suddenly.
• If you hear a freight-train roar or extreme pressure change, take cover immediately under a sturdy table or mattress — a tornado may have formed within the storm.
• If the structure you are in begins to fail, move to the most interior, lowest space possible — lie flat against the floor and cover your head.

Flooding During the Storm

• If water starts entering your home, move to upper floors immediately — do not attempt to go outside.
• Do not attempt to swim through floodwater during a storm — debris and current are lethal.
• If you must go to a roof: take something bright and a torch to signal rescuers.

After the Storm

Immediately After

1. Continue to shelter until official all-clear is issued — conditions can remain dangerous for hours after the storm passes.
2. Avoid floodwater — it is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, fuel, and sharp debris.
3. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary — flooded roads are not passable; downed power lines make roads lethal.
4. Stay away from all downed power lines — treat every downed line as live.
5. Check your home for structural damage before re-entering if you evacuated.

Power and Utilities

Issue	Action
Gas smell	Do not use any switches, open windows, leave building, call gas company
Electrical damage	Do not turn power on until inspected; do not step in standing water near electrical equipment
Water supply	Do not use tap water until authorities confirm it is safe; boil or purify
Sewage backup	Do not use toilets if sewage system is damaged

Carbon Monoxide Warning

⚠️ Generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of post-hurricane death. Generators, gas stoves, charcoal grills, and camp stoves must NEVER be used indoors or in garages — even with windows open. Place generators at least 6 metres (20 feet) from the building with exhaust pointing away.

Debris and Structural Hazards

• Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and gloves when clearing debris — hidden nails, glass, and sharp metal are everywhere.
• Photograph all damage before clearing — required for insurance claims.
• Do not enter any building that is visibly damaged, leaning, or has water damage to its foundation until inspected.
• Watch for wildlife displaced by flooding — snakes and other animals shelter in debris piles.

Mental Health After a Cyclone

A severe cyclone is a traumatic experience. Anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability, and grief are normal responses. Prioritise:

• Reconnecting with family and community
• Establishing routine as quickly as conditions allow
• Accepting help when it is offered
• Seeking professional support if distress persists beyond a few weeks

Quick Reference — Cyclone Survival

Situation	Action
Storm forecast 72+ hours away	Prepare supplies, check evacuation zone, secure outdoor items
Storm 24 hours away	Board windows, fill water containers, charge devices, consider evacuating
Evacuation ordered for your zone	Leave immediately — take go-bag, documents, pets
Sheltering in place	Interior lowest-floor room, away from windows
Calm period during storm	Stay sheltered — you are in the eye, the storm continues
Downed power line after storm	Stay well away — treat as live
Generator use	Outdoors only, at least 6 m (20 ft) from building
Tap water after storm	Boil or purify until authorities confirm safe

---

This guide is for general preparedness education. In an emergency, always follow the instructions of local emergency services. Cyclone tracks and intensity are uncertain — always rely on official meteorological guidance for your specific location.