Australia Weather News

Evacuation centres are designed to be a safe place to wait out a cyclone — not be a home away from home.

There are numerous shelters and evacuation centres that have been opened in north Queensland as Tropical Cyclone Debbie moves towards the coast.

These locations are for those who have nowhere else to seek safe refuge — for instance, with family or friends away from the affected area.

"Generally they're for short-term, not long-term stays," said Mark Roche, deputy commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

"In a lot of cases in may be crowded, but that's because it's a place of support and refuge.

"The best place for people to be will be with family and friends."

You'll find support, but it's no hotel

Those evacuating to Townsville's Heatley High School ahead of Cyclone Debbie have been told not to bring pillows or mattresses because there's not enough room to stretch out.

Instead, evacuees will be offered one of the 800 chairs that have been set out.

At cyclone shelters such as this one, residents usually spend a lot of time just standing or sitting around — hence the advice to plan ahead and stay with relatives. It's probably going to be more fun with them.

"It's meant to be a location for support, not something that's the most comfortable," Mr Roche said.

"They don't want people there longer than they need to be."

There are evacuation centres that offer limited capacity for entertainment, Mr Roche added, such as TV, books and puzzles, but it depends on the location.

Can I charge my phone?

Cyclone shelters and evacuation centres normally have power, so yes.

But it's up to you to pack your charging cable.

Depending on the location, there will be other services provided by the local government.

"In a lot of cases they're staffed by community volunteers but also Fire and Emergency Services personnel, police and other groups like the Red Cross," Mr Roche said.

People needing to use a shelter are advised to limit what they bring with them. You should check your local government website for specific information on what you can and can't take with you.

But you should probably be aware, you can't take your pets.

That's because shelters are usually crowded, and there could be frail or elderly people there.

Know where you can go

"Be aware of your local area because sometimes it's at the last moment [you need to leave], so you need to be careful," Mr Roche said.

Especially if you're visiting an area, it's up to you to monitor what's going on and where you can go, if you should need help.

"It might be how to get there (to a shelter) and what is the expectation when you get there," Mr Roche said.

"Local government websites have the most up-to-date information ... [and] if you're travelling through ... a local information centre can [help too]."

The maths behind an evacuation shelter

Before being opened as shelters, authorities have to confirm buildings are structurally sound, fire safe and have plenty of lighting, toilets and water.

Buildings must also be big enough, allowing about five square metres per person. That's why schools and community centres can often easily be converted into shelters.

Ahead of a cyclone, preparations are made to ensure each person has access to enough water, working on the principle of 15 litres per person per day — allowing for 4 litres for drinking and 11 litres for other purposes.

When it comes to showers, shelters in the "hot climates" must be able to provide one shower per 30 people.

The guidelines allow for one toilet per 20 evacuees, which can ideally be segregated for men and women and have mobility access.

Portable showers may been to be trucked in in the days before the cyclone.

ABC