Be ready before it hits

Before

• Know if you are in a flood-prone or low-lying area; plan a route to higher ground.
• Move valuables and electrics above expected flood level; prepare sandbags if available.
• Charge phones and keep your go-bag ready when heavy rain is forecast.

During

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown — never walk, swim or drive through flood water (15 cm can knock you down, 60 cm floats a car).
• Move to higher ground immediately if told to evacuate; avoid bridges over fast water.
• Stay away from downed power lines; assume water is contaminated.

After

• Return only when authorities say it is safe; watch for weakened structures.
• Do not use wet electrical devices; boil/treat water until declared safe.
• Document damage with photos for aid/insurance.

Before

• Know your evacuation zone and route; reinforce/secure roof, windows and loose objects.
• Prepare your kit, fuel and cash before the storm; agree when you will leave.
• Follow the official storm category and warnings — do not wait for the eye to pass.

During

• Shelter in a small, windowless interior room on the lowest safe floor.
• Stay indoors during the calm "eye" — winds return suddenly from the opposite direction.
• Evacuate early if in a surge zone; surge, not wind, causes most deaths.

After

• Beware downed lines, gas leaks, and flood water; do not sightsee.
• Use generators outdoors only — carbon-monoxide kills.

Before

• Store water and prioritise drinking/cooking use; fix leaks.
• Plant drought-tolerant crops; conserve soil moisture (mulching).
• Track official seasonal forecasts and water-restriction notices.

During

• Follow water-rationing rules; reuse greywater for plants where safe.
• Protect livestock with shade and water; reduce herd if advised.
• Watch for heat and wildfire risk that often accompany drought.

After

• Rebuild water stores before the next dry season.
• Assess soil and replant with resilient varieties.

Before

• Identify cool places (air-conditioned buildings) you can reach.
• Check on elderly, infants, outdoor workers and people with chronic illness.
• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

During

• Drink water regularly even before you feel thirsty; avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
• Stay indoors during peak heat; wear light, loose clothing; limit exertion.
• Know heat-stroke signs (confusion, hot/dry skin, fainting) — call emergency services and cool the person.

After

• Keep hydrating; watch vulnerable people for delayed heat illness.

Before

• Create defensible space — clear dry vegetation around buildings.
• Prepare N95/FFP2 masks and a plan to seal indoor air; ready a go-bag.
• Sign up for local fire alerts and know multiple evacuation routes.

During

• Evacuate early when told — fire moves faster than you expect.
• If trapped by smoke, stay indoors, close windows, run air filtration; wear N95 outdoors.
• Check live air-quality (AQI) before any outdoor activity.

After

• Return only when cleared; watch for hotspots, ash and weakened trees.
• Keep masks on during clean-up; ash can be toxic.