The Ultimate Cyclone Emergency Supplies List [PDF Download]

What Are Cyclone Emergency Supplies?

A cyclone is a destructive natural disaster, often accompanied by severe consequences such as strong winds, rainstorms, floods, and power outages. Cyclones are an integral part of Australia's summer. Cyclones occur frequently in Australia, with about a dozen tropical cyclones making landfall each year.

Only in the El Nio years will the number of cyclones in Australia significantly decrease. Cyclones affect mainly the northern and eastern coastal areas of Australia, including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

Although Australia's cyclone season is predictable, the intensity and path of cyclones are often difficult to predict accurately. Therefore, preparing cyclone emergency supplies in advance is a key measure to reduce losses. So, what are cyclone emergency supplies? Cyclone emergency supplies are items prepared to meet individuals' and families' basic survival needs and respond to emergencies during the cyclone season.

Cyclone emergency supplies should include basic living supplies, communication tools, and first aid supplies. In addition, families and governments should prepare these emergency supplies in cyclone-prone areas in advance to ensure that they can respond quickly after a cyclone occurs to reduce loss of life and property.

Why Are Cyclone Emergency Supplies Important?

Australia's hurricane season will officially begin in November 2024 and end in April 2025. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the probability of a Category 3, 4 or 5 severe tropical cyclone is higher than usual, as sea temperatures are forecast to be above average in the Australian region in the coming months.

The number of tropical cyclones expected in the 2024-2025 season is slightly higher than the 30-year average, with about nine expected to form and about four becoming severe cyclones.

Therefore, cyclone emergency supplies play a vital role in protecting the lives of Australian residents and accelerating post-disaster reconstruction. The importance of cyclone emergency supplies will be analysed from two aspects: the impact of cyclones on Australia and the role of cyclone emergency supplies.  

Impact of Cyclones on Australia

Cyclones cause damage to Australia in many ways, from infrastructure damage to economic losses to social impacts.

Damage to Infrastructure: Cyclones' strong winds and heavy rains first directly impact infrastructure. Strong winds can uproot trees, destroy houses, damage power facilities, and cause large-scale power outages. For example, when Tropical Cyclone Jasper affected northern Australia in December 2023, nearly 40,000 homes and businesses lost power.

Economic Losses: Cyclone's impact on the Australian economy is mainly reflected in the critical agriculture sector. In late March 2017, Category 4 Tropical Cyclone Debbie swept across the northern coast of Queensland. Strong winds and storm surges caused severe damage to areas in the storm's path.

The cyclone affected several major sugarcane-growing regions, including the Whitsunday Islands, Mackay, Burdekin and Proserpine. About half of Queensland's sugarcane farms are estimated to be located in the cyclone's path, with estimated losses of about $150 million. (Source: abs.gov.au)

Social Impacts: Reconstruction work after the cyclone passes requires a lot of workforce, material and financial resources, which delays local economic development. In addition, residents need to face housing, food and medical care challenges after the disaster, especially low-income families and vulnerable groups, who are more susceptible to long-term impacts.

For example, Tropical Cyclone Debbie, which struck the northeast coast of Australia in March 2017, directly resulted in the loss of approximately 4,802 full-time jobs and AUD 1.544 billion in value added. (Source: nhess.copernicus.org)

The Role of Cyclone Emergency Supplies

The following are the roles of cyclone emergency supplies:

Ensure Life Safety: Cyclone emergency supplies can provide people with basic living security during and after a cyclone, minimising casualties. For example, adequate food and drinking water can prevent residents affected by cyclones from falling into trouble due to a lack of basic living supplies.

Maintain Social Stability: Severe cyclones usually lead to damaged infrastructure and social disorder. The timely supply of cyclone emergency supplies can help restore basic living conditions in the disaster area, maintain social stability, and avoid crimes such as looting.

Accelerate Post-Disaster Reconstruction: The affected areas must carry out large-scale reconstruction work after a cyclone. Cyclone emergency supplies, such as construction materials, tools and equipment, electricity, and communication facilities, are essential for post-disaster reconstruction and can accelerate the restoration of infrastructure, production, and living order in the disaster area.  

For example, the Queensland government invested a lot of resources in post-disaster reconstruction after Cyclone Debbie, including repairing roads, bridges and water supply systems to help local communities recover.

>>Download The Cyclone Emergency Supplies Checklist PDF

The Ultimate Cyclone Emergency Supplies List

Cyclone season is just around the corner, and preparing for it in advance is essential to keep you and your family safe. Here's a comprehensive guide to cyclone emergency supplies to help you stay on top during cyclone season.

A. Basic Food and Water

Having a good supply of food and water will not only ensure your basic survival needs but will also reduce anxiety and increase your ability to cope with emergencies.

Food and water are essential for survival during a cyclone emergency. They provide the essential sustenance to endure potential disruptions in access to basic necessities such as clean drinking water and food supplies. This allows individuals to maintain their health and physical strength until relief efforts arrive, particularly when the storm's impact impedes evacuation or rescue operations.

Food

It's essential to have a stockpile of non-perishable, high-energy foods. Also, make sure you have enough for a week.

• Energy bars and compressed crackers
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Canned foods (canned meat, canned vegetables, and canned fruit)

Water

At least 4 litres of water per person daily is recommended for drinking and cleaning. A two-week supply is ideal.

Drinking Water: At least 3 litres of safe drinking water per person daily.

Buckets or water tanks: Extra water is needed to store it.

Water purification equipment: Water purification tablets, portable water filters, and boiling methods to ensure safe drinking water.

B. Lighting and Emergency Power

When natural disasters such as cyclones strike, the power supply is often interrupted, and lighting and emergency power become critical.

Lighting

The following are some standard lighting equipment used during hurricanes:

Flashlights: Choose waterproof and shockproof flashlights with enough spare batteries.

Headlamp: Convenient for moving freely in the dark, especially when evacuating at night.

Emergency lights: Provide indoor lighting when the power is off.

Emergency power

Emergency power can provide stable power for communication equipment such as satellite phones. It can also provide power support for portable medical equipment such as ventilators. Portable power stations and backup generators are usually available.

Electricity is an indispensable part of human life. So even if the power is cut off in a critical situation, you need to prepare a backup power supply as power support. The backup power supply can provide continuous power supply for electronic devices and additional power support in an emergency. Consider a Jackery Portable Power Station or Jackery Solar Generator when choosing a backup power supply. 

C. Communication Tools

The importance of communication tools in cyclone emergency supplies: When devastating natural disasters such as hurricanes strike, communication tools become vital to emergency supplies. Timely communication can save lives and reduce losses.

Communicating during emergencies is imperative. Responders cannot coordinate their efforts, track significant events, or request essential resources and support when they are most required without the appropriate tools. Also, a reliable power supply, like Jackery, can ensure your communication tools work in an emergency.

D. Emergency First Aid Supplies

Cyclones often cause severe damage, resulting in casualties and damage to infrastructure. In such emergencies, first aid and medical supplies can provide necessary assistance promptly.

Consult your doctor regarding a strategy for lost power, particularly for medical devices reliant on electricity and medications that require refrigeration. Discover the duration for which medications can be stored at elevated temperatures and obtain tailored guidance for any needed medication.

Many of our devices, such as CPAP machines, home ventilators, and continuous oxygen monitors, require energy for charging. It is crucial to prepare your home medical device to ensure it continues to treat you, even in the event of a power outage.

Initially, it is essential to understand all aspects of your home medical device. You must be aware of the specifics to replenish your supplies and submit a new order.

Once you have collected the details of your home medical device, assess the potential impact of a power outage on its functionality. Next, you might consider investing in a portable power supply, such as the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus or 2000 Plus, to ensure the safe charging of your medical devices at home.

The toolbox should include essential emergency tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, tape, ropes, etc., for emergency repairs and building temporary shelters.

E. Personal Protection & Hygiene Products

Personal protection and hygiene products are essential hurricane emergency supplies. They must be adequately prepared in advance to cope with the various challenges that a cyclone may bring.

Personal hygiene products include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, toilet paper, etc. When cleaning debris or handling hazardous materials, masks and gloves protect the respiratory tract and hands.

To prevent head and eye injuries when doing outdoor activities after a cyclone, you should prepare for hard hats and goggles. Also, raincoats and boots help cope with heavy rain and flooding caused by a hurricane.

Maintaining adequate personal hygiene and handwashing is vital to mitigate illness and disease transmission. Access to clean, potable running water is crucial for effective hygiene practices. Hygiene becomes particularly imperative following emergencies such as hurricanes; however, sourcing clean, safe running water can often prove challenging.

F. Important Documents

Before and during a cyclone, everyone and every family should pay attention to the organisation and customs declaration of essential documents to ensure they can be quickly carried out and used in an emergency.

Passports, driver's licenses, insurance policies, financial records, medical records, and family members' contact information memos should be backed up and properly kept in waterproof bags. A certain amount of cash should be reserved for use when electronic payment systems are unavailable.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Emergencies

Access to reliable energy can be crucial for cyclone, hurricane, or storm emergencies in Australia. Jackery, a leader in solar technology, provides cyclone emergency supply solutions like solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations to keep you powered in any situation.

Jackery Portable Power Stations offer an independent energy source, enabling you to keep critical devices charged, whether off-grid or in an emergency.

Combined with Jackery Solar Panels, a Jackery Portable Power Station efficiently stores solar power, ensuring access to backup energy whenever needed. Its multiple ports allow you to power various survival devices simultaneously, providing the adaptability required for outdoor and survival situations.

Additionally, these Portable Power Stations can be recharged in several ways, such as solar panels, vehicle outlets, or standard wall sockets, making Jackery an ideal choice for reliable and versatile energy in emergencies.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

Compact, versatile, and efficient, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is a wise choice for preparing for a cyclone or hurricane, where mobility and charging speed are essential. This portable powerhouse ensures that essential emergency gear remains operational and accessible, regardless of your location.

• Adaptable Capacity to Meet Essential Needs: With an initial capacity of 1264Wh, expandable up to 5 kWh, the Explorer1000 Plus is ideal for powering essential items during outages, such as mobile devices, lighting, and smaller appliances. Thanks to its 2000W output, which can power 99% of household items, you can stay connected and comfortable during interruptions.

• Fast and Effective Solar Recharging: The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plusalso performs exceptionally well in solar charging. Four SolarSaga 100W panels can fully charge it in as little as 5 hours. For added convenience, you can also use wall or auto charging, making it easy to recharge and prepare for the next outage. 

• Long-Last Lifespan: The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plusportable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

For those assembling reliable cyclone emergency supplies in Australia, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers powerful, eco-friendly energy to keep essential equipment functioning when it matters most. Its capacity and versatility make it vital in any emergency preparedness kit.  

• Flexible and Expandable Power for Extended Outages: The Jackery Explorer2000 Plus has a powerful 2 kWh starting capacity, but it can be increased to 12 kWh with additional battery packs. This versatility allows you to continue using vital appliances such as lights, refrigerators, and communication devices during prolonged outages. The Explorer 2000 Plus even supports heavy-duty devices with a power output that reaches up to 3000W, ensuring nearly all critical home appliances stay operational.

• Reliable and Durable for Long-Term Use: Equipped with a LiFePO4 battery, the Jackery 2000 Plus offers a long-lasting solution that can handle over 4,000 charge cycles, providing up to a decade of reliable use. Its quiet operation and lack of emissions make it ideal for indoor and outdoor use, creating a safe, stress-free backup solution that delivers consistent power without noise or fumes.
• Self-Sufficient Solar Power: The Explorer 2000 Plushas a maximum power output of 3000W, 30% greater than other 2 kWh models with similar specifications. Also, the Solar Generator 2000 Plus is commonly used; it can achieve a complete charge within 6 hours by utilising six SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The power source achieves self-sufficiency by harnessing solar energy rather than relying on the power grid for charging.

Tips for Preparing Cyclone Emergency Supplies

Choosing the right hurricane emergency supplies is crucial to protecting people's lives and property during hurricane season. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting cyclone emergency supplies:

Timeliness

Preparing the necessary emergency supplies in advance can reduce casualties and property losses. In addition, please pay attention to the weather forecast and conduct final inspections and replenishments immediately once a cyclone warning is issued.

Appropriate Principle

The reserve of cyclone emergency supplies should be based on the basic living needs of family members for one week, which can meet the needs without causing waste. Excessive reserve of cyclone emergency supplies takes up space and may cause waste due to long-term non-use.

Applicability

Please avoid stockpiling unique supplies that are not commonly used. The selected cyclone emergency supplies must be practical and can meet basic living and rescue needs during and after the hurricane. For example, food, drinking water and common medicines are vital cyclone emergency supplies.

Detailed Classification

The detailed classification principle helps to improve the scientific nature of preparing cyclone emergency supplies. According to their properties, use, and storage requirements, cyclone emergency supplies are divided into food, medical, and emergency.

Focus on Quality

Ensure that the cyclone emergency supplies you purchase are reliable and can be used in harsh environments. Please choose a regular and reliable merchant or manufacturer to buy cyclone emergency supplies to ensure the quality of the supplies and after-sales service. In addition, you can consider purchasing cyclone emergency supplies from suppliers recommended by professional emergency rescue agencies.

Meet Personalised Needs

After preparing basic cyclone emergency supplies, you must consider the unique needs of the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities and prepare corresponding emergency supplies. In addition, if family members have special medical needs, such as taking medication regularly or using special medical equipment, they should ensure that these supplies are sufficient.

Tips for Preserving Cyclone Emergency Supplies

Keeping emergency supplies safe during cyclone season is key to keeping your family safe. Here are some practical tips to help you quickly get what you need and keep your family safe during cyclone season.

Tip 1: Choose a Storage Location

Choose a dry, ventilated, and easily accessible place in your home to store cyclone emergency supplies.

Tip 2: Store by Category

Consider using a locker or shelf to store cyclone emergency supplies by category to ensure easy access. In addition, cyclone emergency supplies can be classified by function, such as food, first aid supplies, tools, etc.

Tip 3: Mark Important Information

Use labels or markers to mark the name and expiration date of each type of cyclone emergency supplies. It will help you check and replace expired items regularly. You can also list cyclone emergency supplies and stick them in your locker to quickly check that they are complete.

Tip 4: Ensure that Supplies Are Sealed and Moisture-Proof

Supplies easily affected by moisture, such as food and water, should be stored in sealed bags or boxes. Ensure the bottled water caps are tight and canned food is not damaged. Medicines and first aid supplies should also be protected from moisture. You can package them in desiccant or waterproof bags.

Tip 5: Regular Inspection and Update

Check the cyclone emergency supplies at regular intervals (recommended every three months) to ensure that all items are within the validity period and in good condition. Expired food, medicines, and damaged cyclone emergency supplies should be replaced or repaired in time. At the same time, the type and quantity of cyclone emergency supplies should be adjusted according to actual conditions to ensure the latest needs are met.

Cyclone Emergency Supplies FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about cyclone emergency supplies in Australia.

1. How do I prepare my house for a cyclone?

Australia is located in the cyclone belt of the southern hemisphere and is often hit by tropical cyclones during the cyclone season. To ensure the safety of people and property, residents usually take a series of measures to prepare for the arrival of cyclones. Here are some preparations that should be made in advance during the cyclone season:

• Pay close attention to weather warnings.
• Strengthen houses and residences.
• Stock up on emergency supplies.
• Prepare and familiariseyourself with emergency plans.

2. What is a cyclone checklist?

During cyclone season, developing a comprehensive cyclone preparation checklist is crucial to better cope with cyclones and reduce the impact of disasters. The checklist should cover home, emergency supplies, and medical and psychological preparation. 

3. What should be in an emergency kit for a cyclone?

In Australia, cyclones are highly destructive natural disasters, often accompanied by secondary disasters such as strong winds, rainstorms, and floods. Preparing a complete emergency kit is crucial to effectively coping with them during the cyclone season. Here is a list of the main items that should be included in a cyclone emergency kit:

• Basic food and water
• Medical supplies
• Lighting and communication tools
• Protective items
• Personal life and hygiene items
• Multi-purpose tools
• Special needs items (baby products, pet products, etc.)

Final Thoughts

Cyclone-related strong winds, heavy rains, storm surges, and floods seriously threaten the lives and safety of residents and cause significant damage to infrastructure, housing, and the ecological environment. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as cyclones may continue to increase. Therefore, sufficient cyclone emergency supplies are the key to Australia's effective response to cyclone disasters and reducing casualties and property losses.