With the Cyclone Season Officially Here…Do you Have your Essential Cyclone Kit Sorted?

Okay, okay!  We know it’s been a long time since we’ve had a cyclone here in our beloved D-Town, but with the cyclone season now officially under way, it’s that time to issue to you all a reminder to be prepared.  Yes, the Scouts were onto something when they coined that approach, and it certainly applies to all of us here in the tropics.

To avoid being caught out without a torch, water or food in the wake of a big storm, getting prepared right now is your best bet.

When it comes to food, prepare for five days, just to be on the safe side.  Here’s an idea of what you’ll need to feed two people for this period of time, and you’ll just need to adjust it to suit your tastes and the number of people in your family:

• 1 box of breakfast cereal
• 1 packet of rice
• 2 packets of crispbread
• 4 boxes/cans of instant soup
• 1 jar peanut butter/jam/honey/Vegemite
• 10 packets of instant noodles/pasta
• 5 tines of fruit
• 1 packet of dried fruit/nuts
• 12 x 250ml boxed fruit juice
• 4 cans of vegetables
• 1 large packet of dried potato powder
• 2 cans of fish
• 10 cans of meat and vegetables
• 5 cans of baked beans/spaghetti
• 1kg milk powder or 8 x 1 litres long-life ilk
• 1 jar of coffee
• 1 box of tea bags
• 1 can Milo

Bear in mind also, that cooking equipment is not permitted in public shelters and any food not in tins must be stored in waterproof, air-tight containers.

As for the essential, non-food items you’ll need to have in your cyclone kit, here they are:

• A waterproof, battery-operated torch
• Candles and waterproof matches
• Portable radio with ample supply of batteries
• Strong plastic bags for containing any clothing or valuables
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• A minimum of 10 litres of water per person
• First Aid Kit, manual and combination pocket knife
• Masking tape
• Portable stove, cooking gear and utensils
• Fuel for your vehicle
• Any special needs items for infants, elderly or disabled people
• Medications, toiletries and sanitary items
• A change of clothing which is durable and protective
• Copies of important documents, e.g. birth certificates, passports, licences, etc.
• Money as well as change for phone calls
• Pet supplies
• A copy of your household plan
• Mobile phone, spare battery and phone charger
• Spare house and car keys
• Books, cards and board games to help pass the time

Cyclones can be a stressful time, but a little preparation really goes a long way, so be sure to be prepared like all of us here at the Ray White Bayside team!