As Cyclone Alfred intensifies, businesses across the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane must take urgent action to protect their people, assets, and operations. With winds reaching up to 120 km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential power outages, the coming days present significant risks. Preparation is key to minimising disruption and ensuring a swift recovery.

General Preparedness: Building Resilience Before the Cyclone

Stay Informed

Monitoring reliable sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is essential for receiving timely warnings and updates. Understanding cyclone categories, expected wind speeds, and rainfall forecasts can help businesses take appropriate precautions.

Inspect and Maintain Property

Ensuring your property is structurally sound before a cyclone arrives can significantly reduce damage. Businesses should:

• Report any maintenance concerns to landlords if operating from a tenanted property.
• Check the condition of windows, doors, and roofs to identify vulnerabilities.
• Trim overhanging branches and trees to prevent them from causing damage.
• Secure or relocate outdoor furniture, equipment, and signage that could become projectiles in high winds.

Develop an Emergency Plan

A well-documented cyclone action plan is essential for business continuity. This should include:

• Evacuation procedures that align with local emergency services recommendations.
• Communication strategies to ensure staff receive timely updates.
• Asset protection measures, including securing important documents and critical business information.

Employees should be trained on this plan to ensure a coordinated response when required.

Review Insurance Coverage

Business owners should review their insurance policies before cyclone season to confirm they have adequate coverage for potential damage and business interruption. This includes assessing:

• Coverage for wind and water damage.
• Protection against business interruption and financial losses.
• The claims process and documentation requirements in case of damage.

Immediate Actions When a Cyclone Warning is Issued

When the Bureau of Meteorology issues a cyclone warning—typically 24 hours before the impact of gale-force winds—businesses must take immediate action.

Secure the Premises

• Lock windows, doors, and external shutters to prevent wind and water intrusion.
• Store valuable equipment and critical documents in a secure, elevated location to protect against flooding.

Protect Data and Operations

• Back up business-critical data and ensure it is stored securely off-site or in the cloud.
• Test backup power supplies, generators, and uninterruptible power systems to confirm they are operational.

 Communicate with Employees

• Inform staff about the cyclone’s expected impact and any changes to business operations.
• Provide clear instructions on responsibilities and safety measures.

Post-Cyclone Recovery: Ensuring Safety and Business Continuity

Once the cyclone has passed, businesses must assess conditions carefully before resuming operations.

Ensure Safety Before Returning to the Premises

• Check for hazards such as downed power lines, unstable trees, or structural damage before entering any building.
• Follow local authority instructions and only return when it is declared safe.

Assess Damage and Begin Recovery Efforts

• Inspect water, gas, and electrical systems to determine if they are safe to use. Contact utility providers if any issues are detected.
• Clear debris only if safe to do so or seek assistance from the State Emergency Services (SES).

Document Damage for Insurance Claims

• Take detailed photographs and videos of any damage to support insurance claims.
• Keep records of repair costs and any business losses related to the cyclone.
• Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.

Stay Updated and Seek Assistance if Required

• Continue monitoring local government and emergency service updates for recovery efforts and further weather risks.
• Seek financial or logistical support from government agencies or industry bodies if necessary.

Final Considerations for Business Owners

Proactive cyclone preparation can significantly reduce business downtime, financial losses, and most importantly, keep employees and customers safe. Businesses should take this opportunity to review their risk management strategies and ensure they are adequately prepared for extreme weather events.

For real-time cyclone updates and official guidance, visit:

• Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au)
• Queensland Disaster Preparedness (www.getready.qld.gov.au)

Taking action now can make all the difference when facing a severe weather event. If further support or guidance is needed, businesses should reach out to KBI Insurance (if they are clients) otherwise their insurance brokers for further advice and claim lodgement.