Cyclone and storm surge preparation checklist

This cyclone and storm surge preparation checklist will help you prepare your business for a cyclone.

Cyclones are violent storms that can damage your business through flooding, high winds, storm surges and flying debris. Knowing your business has strategies in place to help cope with a natural disaster like a cyclone should make it easier for your business to minimise losses, maintain business continuity and recover quickly.

Read through this cyclone and storm surge preparation checklist and tick the items you've done.

Complete the list of actions to ensure your business is as prepared for a severe storm as possible.

You can customise this checklist to include information specific to your business by adding items to the 'Other' section.

Stay connected and keep informed

Clearly identify and analyse the possible risks to your business from a cyclone

Check with your local council to become familiar with the community disaster plan, local evacuation centre locations, preferred transport routes and council's disaster dashboard

Identify the local information channels and processes for alerts and updates on the cyclone

Compile a list of current emergency phone numbers, including numbers for your local police, fire, ambulance, State Emergency Service, local council, gas and electricity companies, and staff contacts

Pack laptop, tablets and mobile phone(s), chargers (including car chargers), spare batteries and power banks

Staff preparedness

Consult with staff about the situation

Allocate tasks for your staff to prepare the business for the cyclone

Ensure staff safety by sending them home when necessary.

Stock and equipment

Ensure enough stock is on hand to supply your business and customers in the critical period after the event

Identify where equipment and vehicles will be relocated or put in place procedures to protect them

Keep enough spare parts on site to ensure your equipment is operational for some weeks after the cyclone has passed

Plan for the possibility of an extended power outage, including relocating any perishable stock to an alternative location

Obtain a generator (if applicable) and a sufficient supply of fuel to support your business after the cyclone

Establish reciprocal help arrangements with similar businesses in areas that are unlikely to be affected by cyclone damage

Infrastructure

Check your building is in sound condition, especially the roof and eaves

Trim any overhanging branches

Clear your property of any loose items that may blow about in extreme weather (e.g. sheet iron or wood)

Treat windows to minimise damage from flying debris (e.g. taped windows or fitted them with metal screens or shutters)

Business documentation and records

Understand your data requirements and identify what data in your business is important (data for processing orders and customer records would be considered high importance)

Back up your data, identify where your back-ups are located (e.g. on laptops, personal computers, servers or off-site) and secure them in a safe place

Identify and prioritised your computer programs for business success (email, accounting, ordering applications) and secure the media (CDs/DVDs) and licences for these

Identify what is needed to recover your programs and data (laptops, personal computers, servers) and make provisions to commission these. Know your network or internet access requirements

Locate and pack your critical documentation (e.g. insurance, financial, legal and identification documents) in a portable waterproof container

Business continuity

Develop your business continuity plan

Prepare an emergency kit