Memories of residents’ worrying searches to find out if they lived in tidal surge areas in the lead-up to Cyclone Yasi has prompted Cairns Regional Council to update its website.

A property search feature is now available on Council’s website to assist residents in identifying areas of storm surge risk associated with cyclonic activity.

Mayor Val Schier said the online feature made it easier to check the risk status of an individual property, improving household and business preparation.

“You can now enter an address and find out whether it is located in a red, orange or yellow risk zone,” Cr Schier said.

“This means you can check your friends’ and families’ addresses and work out your evacuation plan well before it is needed.”

The property search is based on the storm tide mapping that was distributed in booklets earlier this year and is available on Council’s website.

Free-standing homes in storm surge risk areas have had colour-coded stickers placed in their meter boxes to further assist with identifying the level of risk.

“We are now well into the official cyclone season and every household should have their emergency kit stocked and be well-advanced in having their evacuation plan established,” Cr Schier said.

“By providing detailed information on areas at risk from storm surge, Council is giving members of the public the tools to make their own potentially life-saving decisions. It is now up to individuals and families to make those decisions and work out what they need to do if a cyclone does approach our coastline.”

To use the online storm surge risk property search, visit www.cairns.qld.gov.au and follow the link on the home page. From there, further information can also be found on evacuation procedures and preparing for a natural disaster.

Storm surge maps are also available on The Newsport’s homepage by clicking on the link Evacuation Guide. 

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