5 March 2025

As Cyclone Alfred tracks towards the Queensland coast, businesses, schools, and communities across QLD and northern NSW are activating their disaster management and emergency response plans. With heavy rain, destructive winds, and potential flooding forecast, proactive preparation and resilience are critical to minimising risks and ensuring safety.

Staying Informed is Your First Line of Defence

When managing any severe weather event, keeping up-to-date with the latest information is critical. Bounce Readiness recommend regularly checking:

• The Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map from the Bureau of Meteorology
• Official updates from Queensland’s Disaster Management Services
• Live coverage and emergency alerts via trusted sources like ABC News.
• State Emergency Services (SES) updates for real-time alerts on rescue operations and flood warnings
• Local government announcements for road closures, evacuation orders, and emergency shelters

Having multiple sources of information ensures that you receive accurate and timely updates, helping you make informed decisions during the cyclone’s approach.

What Should Your Workplace Be Doing Right Now?

Whether you’re running a school, a government agency, or a business, your emergency management planning should already be in motion. Here’s a quick checklist to finalise your emergency readiness:

✅ Review your emergency response plans – are they cyclone-ready?
✅ Decide if your team will work from home or on-site during the cyclone’s approach.
✅ Check your evacuation kit – essential documents, first aid, emergency caps, and communication tools should be packed and ready.
✅ For schools, assess whether you will close the campus and ensure parents are informed.
✅ Secure critical infrastructure – inspect buildings, reinforce windows, and remove loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
✅ Test communication systems – ensure all staff members can receive alerts through multiple channels such as SMS, email, and internal PA systems.

Personal Preparation: Protecting Your Home and Family

Your personal emergency management planning is just as important as your workplace preparedness. Here’s how to protect your home and loved ones:

🏠 Secure your property to minimise storm damage.
📦 Prepare an evacuation kit for your family, including essentials for a few days (medications, important documents, and supplies for pets).
🧓 Check on vulnerable neighbours, including the elderly or those with limited mobility.
🏛️ Know your local evacuation centre and the safest route to get there.
📻 Have a backup way to receive emergency updates – a battery-powered AM/FM radio is ideal.