FOR live cyclone updates go to cairns.com.au/cyclone or for more cyclone information visit Cairns Regional Council's website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.

Live cyclone updates: twitter.com/cairnsnews 

North Queensland braces for two cyclones in a week | Anthony moves back towards Queensland coast | Cyclone Anthony and the guessing games | Ensure you don't create a cyclone missile | Close eye for Cyclone Anthony off coast | Tropical Cyclone Zelia to intensify, move away from QLD coast | Call for review of cyclone alerts | Tropical Cyclone Tasha crosses coast south of Cairns 

Q Who can I call for help and when?
A If it is a life-threatening emergency, phone 000 straight away. If it is regarding flood or storm damage to your home, phone SES on 132 500 and they will come to your home once it is safe to do so. Do not phone emergency services for household preparation assistance.

Q Should I tape my windows?
A If a cyclone warning is issued, Emergency Management Queensland advises residents to tape their windows in a criss-crossing pattern using strong packing tape and draw all curtains to minimise the risk of glass particles flying. Tinted windows do not need to be taped.

Q What should I do with garage doors, leave them open or shut?
A Garage doors are designed to be shut in a cyclone. To minimise shaking and the risk of the door popping open, a car can be parked against the door with a blanket acting as a buffer in between. Products are also available from hardware stores and garage door retailers to enhance safety.

Q Do I need to store extra water for washing and the toilet?
A Yes. Fill up your bathtub, and if your bin is almost empty fill it up with water to use to flush the toilet. Water from your pool can also be used. Fill clean containers with water for drinking.

Q Do I need to tie down things like the kids’ trampoline, the barbecue, outdoor settings?
A The easiest thing to do is bring them inside. Trampolines should be dismantled if possible, but if not, can be placed upside down and tied to steel pickets in the ground. Dinghies can be filled with water to prevent them becoming projectiles.

Q Where can I go for emergency shelter?
A More than 100 buildings have been identified in the Cairns area as possible cyclone shelters. Emergency services will assess which ones can be used and advise media for immediate publication and broadcast.

Q What should I do if I want to leave my home before the cyclone hits?
A Carry out all safety precautions and tell your neighbours where you have gone, so emergency services do not waste vital resources searching.

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