A special message from Royal Life Saving – Royal Life Saving Society Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Alfred

A message from Paul Barry,
Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Society Queensland.

As a valued member of Royal Life Saving, your safety and preparedness are our top priorities. With an approaching cyclone forecasted for South East Queensland, we want to ensure that you, your family, and our community are well-prepared for any challenges ahead.

If you are located in Brisbane, please listen to the emergency radio which is for the Brisbane area radio 612 AM, Sunshine Coast 91.7 FM and Gold Coast 90.3 FM.

Below are some tips for you, but please remember to listen to all local community safety messaging.

We expect to be back at work on Monday morning, and you are welcome to reach out to us if you need assistance. My contact number if you need to contact me is 0408 185 727, but in an emergency please call 000.

Please stay safe.

Paul Barry
Brisbane, 7 March 2025 (2pm)

Tips

Before the cyclone

Disconnect all electrical appliances (listen to your battery radio for updates).
Stay inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building (i.e. internal hallway or bathroom). Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture.
Beware the calm ‘eye’. If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official ‘all clear’.
If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear or park) — but well away from the ocean/rivers/water, and clear of trees and power lines. Stay in the vehicle.

After the cyclone

Don’t go outside until officially advised it is safe.
Check for gas leaks and other hazards. Don’t use electric appliances if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don’t return until advised. Use a recommended route and don’t rush.
Beware of damaged or downed power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.

What to expect after the cyclone

Some emergency services workers have compared the impact of a severe cyclone to a war zone. Be prepared for a lot of structural and environmental damage.
Power and communications can be lost for hours, days or weeks. You may not be able to access your bank account and may need to rely on cash kept in your emergency kit.
Water, gas and sewage services may not be working. There could also be road and airport closures and loss of communications.
Food and fuel may be in short supply, or unavailable.
High levels of stress and trauma may also be felt in your community or family if there has been destruction, injuries or deaths, loss of services or isolation.
Not all businesses and support services will function efficiently and well, be prepared for slow service, delays and incorrect information.
During this time, it is very important to look after your wellbeing. Refer to the wellbeing section below for tips and links to support organisation

Will there be a mud army?

There may not be, in 2011 parts of Brisbane were impacted and parts were not, so many people volunteered to help others and were able to drive to other suburbs to helps others.
This time, we expect the entire area may be impacted, so we recommend you help your immediate area only, and don’t drive to other suburbs until the clearance is given. This can unreasonably risk you or others.
Volunteering Queensland has been appointed to be the coordinating agency for a mud army (or similar) if it is to occur.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Anticipatory Anxiety

Anticipatory anxiety occurs when we feel worried or nervous about a future event that has not yet happened. In the case of an impending cyclone, the uncertainty about the potential impact can lead to heightened stress and anxiety.

How can you manage Anticipatory Anxiety