what safety measures should be taken in case of a cyclone
Answers
Some of the precautions to be taken during a cyclone are:-
Assuming you choose to remain in your home during the storm, there are a number of steps you should take to stay as safe and comfortable as possible. But you need to be aware that during hurricanes, it is not the winds that cause the majority of death and destruction, but water/flooding from tidal surge. That is why there are mandatory evacuations. Once the tidal surge hits, there is no escape!
Board up all windows to help prevent broken windows, which will also help prevent further damage to the interior of your home, and will help prevent injury from broken glass.
Secure all outdoor furniture to reduce the amount of damage to it, and to help prevent it from being thrown against your (or someone else's) home, and causing more damage to the exterior of the home and the outdoor furniture.
Turn off gas to prevent gas leaks from broken or damaged gas lines.
Stock up on battery powered flashlights, candles, and have a battery powered radio.
Stock up on bottled water, as well as non-perishable foods that can be prepared and eaten without having to be cooked. Be sure to have enough food and water to last for everyone in the home for a week, including pets. And don't forget a can opener and a clean, sharp pocket knife.
If you have an infant on a bottle, have enough bottles on hand so that you won't have to worry about how you can wash them if there is no clean water. And be sure to either have single use sized cans of formula, or an ice chest with plenty of ice to store any opened cans of formula.
Stock up on anti-bacterial hand wipes, gel hand cleaners and paper towels in the event there is no water for washing or bathing.
Have a two week supply of any prescription medications, as well as personal care items (tooth brushes and paste, hygiene products, etc.).
Have a well stocked first aid kit in the event of injuries. Disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotic creams, bandanges, cotton balls, aspirin, Tylenol, and a thermometer are some of the basics you need.
Make sure all vehicles have a full gas tank.
Select the innermost part of your home, on the ground floor, to ride out the storm, but not a basement or cellar. In the event of flooding, being in those areas of your home may make it impossible to escape. Stay away from all windows and glass doors!
Have mattresses, blankets, pillows, etc. already in place before the storm hits.
It would also be a good idea to purchase a bedside commode in the event the water and plumbing is rendered out of order during the storm. You can line the receptacle bucket with small garbage bags to make clean-up much easier and more sanitary. These can be purchased from any medical supply store, as well as many drug stores.
Have a supply of books, puzzles, toys, etc. in the event the electricity is off, especially if you have children.
Fill all bath tubs with clean water; it can be used for sponge baths, flushing toilets, etc. But if there are young children or pets in the home, be sure the door is kept securely closed at all times to prevent a child or pet from falling in the tub and drowning. A young child can drown in two inches of water!
Go over emergency instructions with everyone in the household such as everyone staying together, away from all windows, etc.
Also, if there are several members in the household, develop an "accounting system", where everyone is accounted for at all times in the event the storm gets really intense. Since tornadoes are common during hurricanes, this system is extremely important.
Since water/flooding caused by tidal surge is the leading cause of death and destruction in hurricanes, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings. If you observe water coming into your house, get to an upper floor immediately.
If you have pets that stay outside, bring them in during the storm; they deserve safety and comfort, too.
Put all important papers and documents (birth certificates, drivers licenses, insurance information, etc.) in a water proof zip lock bag and keep it with you, or at least a copy of these. Leave a bit of air in the bag before closing; in the event of flooding it will help it to float, making it easier to find. If you have a safe that you keep these in, you still need to put them in a zip lock bag to help keep them dry.
It would also be a good idea to have a cell phone, fully charged, with you so you will have a way to call emergency services if needed, and to contact family/friends to let them know if you are all ok. Just keep in mind, though, that the cell towers may not be working for a while, so it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan to notify family/friends.
It is recommended that you print this and save for the next hurricane season, rather than trying to rely on memory to take all precautions, and store it in an easily accessible place.