With category 2 Cyclone, Alfred, predicted to hit the coast north of Brisbane Thursday evening, I thought I would impart some FNQ wisdom to help prepare you for this extreme weather event.

This information is relevant for everyone in Southeast Queensland as heavy rain and winds will affect the region.

Prepare a Cyclone/Extreme Weather Survival Kit

Preparing an extreme weather survival kit is the best way to prepare for a cyclone.

In 2021 the ABC published an article outlining all the necessities that you should include in your kit.

Your kit should include the following items:

A battery or solar powered radio so you can keep up to date with local ABC coverage of the cyclone in the event of a power outage.

At least one waterproof torch.

Spare batteries for your torch and radio.

A fully stocked first aid kit and any other medical supplies you may require for three to seven days. This should include any medication you are taking on a day-to-day basis.

Enough drinking water for 3 days. This is about 10 litres per person.

Non-perishable food items to last three days. This includes tinned food, if you need to restock you can visit the food pantry in N28 at Griffith Nathan Campus.

Toiletries including soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, period care products, baby/alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser.

Enough cash to cover essential items for three days. As Bob Katter would say “Cash is King”.

Plastic zip lock bags to protect your identification documents (wallet/passport) and electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable chargers.

Pet care items such as pet food and water. Make sure you have everything required to keep them comfortable.

Cyclone and flood Emergency Plan

Your household cyclone and flood emergency plan should contain relevant emergency contact information and an evacuation plan.

It should also include a record of each household member’s identification numbers such as licence, passport, Medicare, and Centrelink.

The Australian Red Cross has all the resources you require to plan for weather emergencies.

If you are living either on-campus at Nathan, or another student accommodation provider make sure you are keeping in touch with them regularly as they will be announcing specific emergency information.

If you are living in a sharehouse you should discuss your emergency plan with your housemates and make sure you have each other’s phone numbers just in case.

You should also keep up to date with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) website and the ABC local radio for the most current information.

Support Services from Griffith University

The SRC has announced that their support services will continue to run as normal during the cyclone.

In a statement the SRC reminded students of the support they provide.

At this time, we wish to highlight the student support initiatives put forward by the university, such as mental-health and crisis management services, along with SRC initiatives such as grocery boxes and food support for students in need.

The SRC also recommends that students should be regularly checking their emails as there may be class and on-campus event cancelations.

The SRC further encourages all community members to stay vigilant and informed regarding local weather conditions, and to always exercise best judgment during times of extreme weather. The Griffith Student Representative Council is committed to providing support to all students.

SRC restocked the student pantry this morning and would like to remind students to observe the 3 items per person rule to make sure everybody has what they need.

Remember to stay safe and look out for the people around you!