Surviving a Tropical Cyclone: A Mum’s Guide to Keeping Your Family Safe

As a mum, my top priority is keeping my family safe, no matter what life throws our way—including tropical cyclones. The thought of strong winds, power outages, and flooding can be terrifying, but with the right preparation, we can get through it. After just experiencing Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast and all the above mentioned weather events, here’s my cyclone survival guide, filled with Amazon must-haves to help keep your little ones safe and comfortable.

1. Stock Up on Emergency Essentials

When a cyclone is on the way, the last thing you want is to be scrambling for supplies. I always make sure we have these essentials ready:

Emergency Survival Kit

A good emergency kit includes first aid, food, water, and basic survival tools. This 4-Person Emergency Survival Kit comes with a LifeStraw water filter, food rations, and a first-aid kit. A lifesaver when you’re stuck indoors for days! I love that it comes with a set of gloves, this would have been handy when we were helping move fallen trees off the road and friends' houses.

Buy it here

First Aid Kit

With kids, you never know when a scrape or fever will happen. I always keep a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit handy, with bandages, antiseptics, and medication storage.

Get one here

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2. Keep the Lights On (Even Without Power!)

Cyclones almost always mean power outages, and scared kids in the dark? No, thank you!

Battery-Powered Lanterns

These Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns are lightweight, bright, and perfect for lighting up the house when the power goes out.

Grab them here

Solar-Powered Flashlights

I also keep a few hand-held flashlights for the kids to use. No batteries needed.

Find them here

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3. Stay Connected & Informed

Information is crucial in a storm. I always make sure we can get weather updates, even if mobile service goes down.

NOAA Emergency Radio

This hand-crank radio doesn’t need electricity and can even charge your phone

Check it out here

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4. Keep Phones & Devices Charged

Kids (and let’s be honest, us mums too) rely on devices to stay entertained and distracted during storms.

Portable Power Bank

I love this 20000mAh Charger, which keeps my phone and tablet charged when we’re stuck indoors.

Buy it here

Backup Generator

The AMERISUN Portable Generator provides reliable power with a fuel-efficient engine and multiple charging ports, making it ideal for emergencies and power outages. Its compact design ensures it’s easy to store and transport when needed most.

Get yours here

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5. Keeping the Kids Calm & Happy

A cyclone can be scary, but keeping little ones entertained helps ease anxiety.

Activity Kit for Kids

I put together a box of coloring books, board games, and puzzles to keep the kids busy while we wait out the storm. I'll put together another post about the activities we did to stay entertained soon!.

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Final Tips from a Mum Who’s Been There

Plan ahead. Make a list of everything you need and stock up before storm season. These items sell out quickly when a disaster is on its way, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and have them in your garage.

Talk to your kids. Explain what’s happening in simple, reassuring terms.

Have a safe space. Pick a secure room away from windows where the family can huddle together.

Stay flexible. Cyclones are unpredictable, so be ready to adapt.

With the right preparation, you can keep your family safe and comfortable through a tropical cyclone. Stay safe, mamas!

What’s in your cyclone emergency kit? Let me know in the comments!