Cyclones

You are here

Before the Cyclone season:

  • Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows
  • Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds
  • Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
  • Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery operated torches and enough dry cells
  • Demolish condemned buildings
  • Keep some extra batteries for transistors
  • Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency

Necessary actions

The actions that need to be taken in the event of a cyclone threat can broadly be divided into :

  • Immediately before the cyclone season
  • When cyclone alerts and warnings are communicated
  • When evacuations are advised
  • When the cyclone has crossed the coast

When the Cyclone starts

  • Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings).
  • Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you prepare for a cyclone emergency.
  • Pass the information to others.
  • Ignore rumours and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic situations.
  • Believe in the official information
  • When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings.
  • Stay alert for the next 24 hours as a cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours.

When your area is under cyclone warning get away from low-lying beaches or other low-lying areas close to the coast

  • Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded
  • Do not delay and run the risk of being marooned
  • If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safe part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate to leave the place.
  • Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place.
  • Provide strong suitable support for outside doors.
  • If you do not have wooden boards handy, paste paper strips on glasses to prevent splinters. However, this may not avoid breaking windows.
  • Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels.
  • If you have to evacuate the house move your valuable articles to upper floors to minimize flood damage.
  • Ensure that your hurricane lantern, torches or other emergency lights are in working condition and keep them handy.
  • Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room.
  • Be sure that a window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind.
  • Make provision for children and adults requiring special diet.
  • If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.
  • Switch off the electrical mains in your house.
  • Remain calm.

When Evacuation is instructed

  • Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last a few days. These should include medicines, special food for babies and children or elders.
  • Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area.
  • Do not worry about your property
  • At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge.
  • Remain in the shelter until you are informed to leave

Post-cyclone measures

  • You should remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.
  • You must get inoculated against diseases immediately.
  • Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
  • If you have to drive, do drive carefully.
  • Clear debris from your premises immediately.
  • Report the correct losses to appropriate authorities.