EMQ Central Region Regional Director Robbie Medlin said tropical disturbances were common at this time of year and could vary in intensity.

"While heavy rainfall and isolated flooding is most likely, Queensland does experience catastrophic damage from cyclones and was impacted as recently as 2006 when Cyclone Larry hit Innisfail," Mr Medlin said.

EMQ urges residents living in cyclone and storm surge prone regions to check their emergency evacuation plans.

"Is your property prepared and does your family know what to do if a cyclone warning is issued?" Mr Medlin said.

"If not please take the time to look at how you can protect your family."

Mr Medlin said typically severe weather events could cause damage to trees and structures, result in water inundation and, in extreme circumstances, isolation from public services.

"Being prepared makes sense but many of us do not take the important steps to make sure we are ready," Mr Medlin said.

"A commonly expressed view after a disaster event is ‘we were not prepared', we would like to think all residents would take the time to ensure they know what to do in an emergency."

EMQ advises a Cyclone Watch will be issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) when gales or stronger winds associated with a cyclone is expected to hit within 48 hours.

The BOM will issue a Cyclone Warning when gales or stronger winds are expected to hit within 24 hours.

"Often the most significant impact from tropical cyclones or tropical lows is flooding but the potential for devastating impact is very real," Mr Medlin said.

"Impact zones will vary and widespread effects of cyclones can be felt for thousands of kilometres."

Dramatic beach erosion across the Sunshine Coast to northern NSW in 1998 was the result of Tropical Cyclone Yali while the 1974 Brisbane flood event was caused by Cyclone Wanda.

EMQ has prepared a checklist for use in the event a Cyclone Warning is issued.

EMQ advises:
• Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone ;
• Check that your Emergency Kit is complete and easily accessible. For Emergency Kit checklist visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/emergencykit.asp
• Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone watch or warning has been issued;
• Clear your property of all loose items. This means bringing outdoor furniture, children's toys and gardening equipment inside or under cover ;
• Secure any boats and move all vehicles and bicycles under cover;
• Fill buckets and bath with water in case water supply becomes restricted and ensure you have sufficient water purification tablets to make the water drinkable;
• Prepare an evacuation kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof plastic bags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets; and
• If your windows are fitted with shutters, ensure these are closed securely. If not, tape your windows in a criss-cross fashion using strong packing tape.
More information about cyclone preparation, as well as what to do during and after a cyclone can be viewed at www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/beprepared.asp