Evacuation advice

Do you need to evacuate?

  • An evacuation order for a cyclone is only issued if lives may be at risk from a storm tide flooding developed areas.  Residents are not evacuated based on wind-threat. 
  • If storm tide is not a threat and an evacuation order is not issued, residents should remain at their own premises, make themselves secure and listen to the radio for updates.  Your home is often the safest place for you and your family.
  • Three evacuation zones have been identified – Red, Orange and Yellow – based on the likelihood of flooding from storm tide. 
  • Check your meter box for a colour-coded sticker (red, orange or yellow) or refer to the Storm Tide Evacuation maps to identify if you live in one of the zones.  (Note: If are outside the predicted storm tide risk zones, you will not need to evacuate.)
  • If you are within a red, orange or yellow zone, your property is at risk of storm tide flooding during a cyclone. You should prepare to evacuate when Emergency Services issue an evacuation order. 
  • Emergency Services will inform you if you have to evacuate from these zones. Listen to your local radio. Street patrols and door knocking by Emergency Services may also occur to notify the public.
  • If an evacuation is called during working hours, be aware that access to your street/suburb may be restricted for ingoing traffic.
  • Residents who have limited mobility or have a disability, and have no means of transport and no family in the Region, can register on the Cairns Regional Council Evacuation & Recovery Register. Contact the Disaster Management Unit for more information on (07) 4044 3044.

Where to evacuate?

Family & friends:

  • Evacuees are encouraged to seek temporary shelter with family or friends in safer, higher places (outside the evacuation zones) or with an accommodation provider.

Evacuation Centres:

  • Evacuation Centres are an absolute last resort and should only be used if you have nowhere else to go.  Note:  Evacuation Centres are not intended as ‘cyclone shelters’ and are not designed to protect against high winds or windborne debris.
  • Council has a number of buildings earmarked for use as evacuation sites - these will be activated for evacuees with no alternatives only when it is imperative.  
  • Do not go to any Evacuation Centre unless officially advised because it will not be functioning and will not be ready to receive evacuees.
  • The Disaster Coordination Centre will publicly notify of the opening of any declared Evacuation Centres via local ABC and commercial radio broadcasts.
  • Evacuees will be requested to register at the nearest open Evacuation Centre.
  • Evacuation Centres are typically large public buildings such as halls.  They are likely to be crowded, noisy and uncomfortable. There may also be long queues for toilets and to access kitchen facilities. Evacuees may have to be there for several days.
  • Evacuation Centres do not allow alcohol, weapons and pets.

Avoid driving on the range roads:

  • Evacuating outside of the Cairns region just before or during a cyclone event via the Kennedy Highway, Mossman-Mount Molloy Road or the Gillies Highway is a major risk. 
  • These range crossings are prone to landslips and closures from vehicle breakdown and debris.

How to prepare & what to take? 

  • If you don't have means of transport seek assistance from family, friends or neighbors. Alternatively contact the Disaster Coordination Centre or other Emergency Services.
  • Take your emergency kit with you, including some water, food, change of clothing, medication, toiletries, radio, spare batteries etc.
  • Take some bed linen and towels with you and something to sleep on if possible.
  • Confirm arrangements for your pet. Don't forget pet food, medication, a leash or pet carrier and paper towels or newspaper for cleanup.  (Note: pets cannot be taken to Evacuation Centres.)
  • If leaving your pet at home, leave plenty of food and water, and allow your pet access to elevated spaces to escape danger.
  • Consider taking with you games or toys for the children and reading material for the adults.
  • Take with you important personal and household documents, cards and cash.
  • If time is available consider lifting valuable items off the floor if the threat is flooding or storm surge.
  • Lock up and turn off all non-essential electrical/gas appliances.
  • Evacuate with only one car per family/household.

Public cyclone shelters

  • The Queensland Government has released guidelines for the construction of purpose-built public 'cyclone shelters'.
    The Guideline provides detail on the requirements of public cyclone shelters including site selection, design of new buildings, including management and operational aspects.

Private cyclone shelters

  • Queensland does not have any mandatory requirements for the installation of private cyclone shelters by individuals.  However, if an individual choses to build a private shelter, it may offer them an additional level of safety. 
  • If you are considering a purpose-built shelter, it is recommended that a qualified structural engineer be consulted on the options available and that you have the appropriate approvals before proceeding.