Before 1 November, check that every roller shutter opens, closes and locks properly, clean the tracks on screens and shutters, look over outdoor blinds and their brackets, clear the gutters, trim branches over the roof and plan where loose outdoor items will go. When a warning is issued, follow the Bureau of Meteorology and Get Ready Queensland advice, close your shutters early and roll outdoor blinds right up.
Why do it now
Queensland's tropical cyclone season officially runs from 1 November to 30 April. The Queensland Government's advice is to prepare before the season starts, because it saves time and stress if a warning does come. Most of the jobs below take an afternoon, and they're far easier on a calm, sunny weekend than the day a system starts forming off the coast.
Roller shutters, screens and doors
- Open and close every roller shutter all the way. Listen for grinding, and watch for any that stick or drop unevenly.
- Check that each shutter sits down fully and locks at the bottom.
- Clean the tracks on screens and shutters so leaves and dirt can't jam them.
- Make sure security screen doors close, latch and lock properly.
- Walk around the house and note any windows with no protection at all, so you know what you'd do with them.
Queensland Government advice is not to tape an X on your windows. It can turn a broken window into large, dangerous pieces of glass. Boards, shutters and screens are the better options, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission suggests fitting glass doors and windows with shutters, security screens or similar.
Outdoor blinds and the patio
- Outdoor blinds are made for sun, rain and privacy, not storms. Get in the habit of rolling them right up whenever strong winds are forecast.
- Check brackets and fixings for rust or anything loose.
- Decide where the outdoor furniture, pot plants, shade sails and bins will go if a warning is issued.
Around the house
- Clear the gutters and downpipes.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof.
- Look for loose roof sheets or screws.
- Park somewhere sheltered if you can, and keep fuel in the car.
When a warning is issued
Follow the Bureau of Meteorology warnings and the advice at Get Ready Queensland. Close roller shutters early, roll outdoor blinds right up, bring loose items inside and decide on the safest room in the house: an inside room away from windows.
Something not working?
If a shutter is sticking, a screen door won't lock or an outdoor blind looks damaged, it's much easier to sort out now than in the week a cyclone is forecast. Give us a call on 07 4728 9554 and we'll talk you through your options. If you're thinking about adding roller shutters before the season, book a free measure early.
Common questions
When is cyclone season in Townsville?
The official tropical cyclone season in Queensland runs from 1 November to 30 April.
Should I tape an X on my windows before a cyclone?
No. Queensland Government advice is not to tape an X on windows, because it can create large, dangerous pieces of glass if the window breaks. Boards, shutters or properly fitted screens are the safer options.
Can I leave outdoor blinds down in a storm?
No. Outdoor blinds are made for sun, rain and privacy, not cyclones or strong winds. Roll them up when strong winds are forecast.
Do security screens protect windows in a cyclone?
Security screens are designed and tested to resist break-ins, not as cyclone protection. Some products are separately tested for wind pressure or flying debris, so if storm protection matters to you, ask exactly what a product has been tested for.
GNB Shade & Security Specialists (Garry Neven Blinds) is a family-owned business in Garbutt, Townsville, with more than 30 years in security screens, plantation shutters, blinds, roller shutters and outdoor blinds. We're a licensed Invisi-Gard dealer, everything we sell is made in Australia, and we measure, build and install to order. Free measure and quote on 07 4728 9554.
