‘Don’t panic, do prepare’: why it’s not too late to plan for Cyclone Alfred

For millions of people in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, Cyclone Alfred will be their first experience living through a cyclone. Alfred is forecast to make landfall about 2am on Friday morning.

I am a disaster expert based in northern Queensland, which regularly experiences cyclones. In my other role as an acting SES public information officer, I’m heading south to the Gold Coast to help residents prepare and respond.

Here’s what I want you to know. First, don’t panic. Second, do prepare.