Cyclone safety checklist: what to do before, during and after

Quick answer: Before a cyclone: follow IMD and your district administration, pack an emergency kit (water, dry food, medicines, torch, power bank, documents in plastic), charge phones, secure loose objects and move to a shelter if told to evacuate. During: stay indoors away from windows, switch off mains power and gas, and don't go out when the wind drops — it may be the eye of the storm. After: wait for the official all-clear, keep away from fallen power lines and floodwater, and drink only boiled or bottled water. Emergency: dial 112.

Key takeaways

• Red alert = take action now; orange = be prepared; yellow = stay updated.
• Keep documents, cash and medicines in a waterproof bag you can grab in a minute.
• The calm "eye" can last 30 minutes or more — the strongest winds return from the other side.
• Storm surge (sea water pushed inland) kills more people than wind — coastal residents must evacuate when told.
• After the storm, electrocution and contaminated water are the biggest dangers.

#IMD warning colours

Get warnings from mausam.imd.gov.in, the Mausam and Sachet (NDMA) apps, Doordarshan, All India Radio and SMS alerts from your state.

#Before the cyclone

Emergency kit checklist

• Drinking water — at least 3–4 litres per person per day for 3 days
• Dry food — biscuits, poha, chana, dry fruits, baby food if needed
• Medicines — 1 week of regular medicines, first-aid kit, ORS
• Torch, spare batteries, candles and matchbox (in a plastic bag)
• Charged power bank and phone charger
• Battery radio
• Documents — Aadhaar, ration card, bank passbook, insurance papers — in a zip-lock bag (also keep photos in your phone or DigiLocker)
• Cash in small notes — ATMs and UPI may not work
• Clothes, a blanket, sanitary pads, a whistle and a rope

Preparing your home

• Bring in or tie down loose items — pots, tin sheets, bicycles, signboards.
• Close and fasten windows; tape won't stop glass breaking, so stay away from windows.
• Cut weak branches near the house if it's safe to do so.
• Move valuables and electrical items to a higher shelf.
• Fill buckets and drums with water for cleaning.
• Fishermen: don't go to sea; bring boats to safe ground and tie them.
• Know your nearest cyclone shelter and how to reach it.
• Keep livestock untied so they can escape floods, or move them to higher ground.

Tip: Make a family plan: who picks up children and elderly relatives, where you'll meet if separated, and one phone number everyone remembers.

#During the cyclone

• Stay indoors in the strongest room, away from windows and glass doors.
• Switch off the main electricity switch and gas cylinder valve.
• Keep the radio or phone on for official updates, and save the battery.
• Don't go outside when the wind suddenly calms — it may be the eye of the cyclone, and violent winds will return.
• If your house starts to fail, take cover under a strong table or in an inner room.
• If evacuated: go to the shelter early, take your kit, lock your house, and follow officials' instructions.
• Don't drive or walk through flowing water — 15 cm can knock you down, 60 cm can sweep away a car.

#After the cyclone

• Wait for the official all-clear before leaving the shelter or house.
• Stay away from fallen electric poles and wires — report them to the electricity board.
• Don't enter damaged buildings; walls and roofs may collapse.
• Drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water; throw away food that touched floodwater.
• Watch for snakes and insects that move into homes during floods.
• Photograph the damage for insurance and government relief claims.
• Check on neighbours, especially elderly people and people living alone.
• Watch for fever, diarrhoea and skin infections in the days after floods; visit a health centre early.

#Emergency numbers

#Special care for vulnerable people

• Elderly and people with disabilities: arrange transport early; pack mobility aids and medicines.
• Pregnant women: carry medical records; move to a shelter near a hospital if advised.
• Children: keep an ID card with a parent's phone number in their pocket.
• Pets: carry food and a leash; check whether your shelter allows animals.

#Follow live updates

For the latest on the current storm, see our Cyclone Arnab live updates.

#Frequently asked questions

What should I do when a cyclone red alert is issued?

Take action immediately: follow evacuation orders, move to a safe building or shelter, and stay indoors.

What should be in a cyclone emergency kit?

Water, dry food, medicines, torch, batteries, power bank, radio, documents in a waterproof bag, cash, clothes and a whistle.

Is it safe to go out when the wind stops during a cyclone?

No. It may be the eye of the storm. Strong winds return, often from the opposite direction.

What is storm surge?

A rise in sea level pushed onto the coast by a cyclone's winds. It can flood low-lying areas quickly and is very dangerous.

Which number should I call during a cyclone?

112 for any emergency. 1070 (state) and 1077 (district) for disaster control rooms.

How do I get official cyclone warnings?

From IMD (mausam.imd.gov.in), the Mausam and Sachet apps, government SMS alerts, radio and TV.

#Sources

• NDMA — National Disaster Management Authority
• India Meteorological Department
• NDMA — Sachet alert portal