Preparing for a Cyclone

Protecting the things that matter most is a key part of any strong financial plan. For many of us, that means looking after our home and the people we care about. Depending on where you live, there may also be a higher risk of natural hazards that can impact your property. These can include bushfires, floods, severe storms and cyclones. In these articles, we’ll walk through some of the most common risks and share practical steps to help you prepare your home and support your safety before a major event.

Before you begin, it’s important to keep these essentials in mind:
1.    Have an emergency evacuation plan ready and be prepared to leave early if advised.
2.    Always follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.
3.    If you plan to stay and defend your property, ensure you have a well-prepared and safe plan in place.
4.    Review your insurance policy regularly so you understand what’s covered and any exclusions that may apply.

Combining strong winds, heavy rain and flying debris, cyclones can be devastating. Preparing early can help reduce the impact a cyclone may have on your home and property. It’s also important to review your insurance regularly. Check that your level of cover reflects the current replacement value of your home and belongings, and that you understand what is included in your policy.

Here are some practical steps you can take too:

Prepare your home

  • Check official government and emergency services guidance relevant to your local area to understand your level of risk and recommended preparation actions.
  • Develop your Emergency Action Plan.
  • Familiarise yourself and your family or colleagues with your cyclone emergency plan. Prepare an emergency pack containing tinned food, a tin-opener, water, a first- aid kit, blankets, warm clothing, spare batteries, matches, a battery- powered radio and gloves.
  • Secure the roof, walls and eaves of your premises.
  • Trim tree branches around your premises.
  • Clear away or secure items outside that could be blown about by the wind or carried away in surging water.

During a cyclone

  • Contact 000 or your local SES in any emergency. Be aware of where the cyclone is expected to be heading.
  • Use a battery-powered radio to monitor your local radio station for updates on the cyclone, weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts.
  • Remain in your home or business if the building meets appropriate cyclone regulations and is not in a storm surge/flood-prone area. 
  • Before a cyclone hits, move all vehicles under cover if possible.
  • Turn off gas and power supplies.
  • Secure all shutters, windows, doors, and any items left outdoors.

After a cyclone

  • If there is any danger, contact 000 or your local SES.
  • Continue to monitor your local radio station for updates on the weather, power supply, emergency warnings and evacuation alerts.
  • Don't go outside until authorities advise that it is safe.
  • Know where you and your family or colleagues can shelter safely.
  • Stay away from fallen power lines and anything that may be touching them.
  • Avoid damaged buildings and trees, as well as creeks and rivers that are flooded.
  • Never drive your vehicle through flood water, even if it looks shallow.
  • Once the danger has passed, take photos of damaged or destroyed items before disposing of them to assist in any insurance claims.

We’re here to help

If you need help with your insurance, please visit bankvic.com.au/insurance or contact us on 13 63 73 for a free no-obligation quote.

References: A waiting period may apply to cyclone, grassfire or bushfire claims. Please refer to your PDS, KFS, policy schedule, and Certificate of Insurance for full details, terms and conditions and to check whether this applies to you. Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article. This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at June 2026 and may be subject to change. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article. Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 10 Carrington Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Terms and conditions: Police Financial Services Limited –– trading as BankVic ABN 33 087 651 661 AFS Licence No. 240293 arranges Home and Content, Landlord, Motor and/or Caravan & Trailer insurance as an agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (Allianz) ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708. We do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Before making a decision, please consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Home , Landlord, Motor and/or Caravan & Trailer PDS and relevant key fact sheet (KFS) , Home Buildings, Home Contents, Landlord Buildings and/or Landlord Contents KFS. The Target Market Determinations are available by calling 13 63 73. If you purchase this insurance, we will receive a commission that is a percentage of the premium.