Caravans and light structures

You must protect your caravan in high winds to protect it from flying debris or being blown over.

It is important to remember that even if you follow the precautions below, it is not possible to totally protect a caravan against a severe storm or cyclone.

Some caravan park operators will require you to take your caravan and leave on notice of a cyclone warning.

People should check with park operators and leave earlier than later.

When you park your caravan

To protect your caravan from a severe storm or cyclone, you should:

• park with the narrow end facing the wind
• park out of the way of trees that might fall
• tie down your caravan securely
• apply the brake
• chock the wheels.

Even if your caravan is securely tied down, you should seek other shelter when warned of approaching high winds.

In some areas flooding can happen with storms. You should be mindful of this when parking your caravan.

Tie down your caravan

When a high-wind or tropical cyclone warning is issued you should:

• tie down the chassis of the caravan to stop it being blown off its supports
• tie down the roof to stop the caravan from overturning or swaying off its chassis
• put your equipment inside the caravan, including your:
• annex
• bikes
• chairs
• household items.

Tie down your chassis

Caravan parks in high-wind areas usually provide ground anchor points.

If there is an anchor point, you should tie down your chassis with either:

• short lengths of strong chain and turnbuckles
• or sound rope of at least 9.5mm diameter.

If there are no anchor points, you should use nylon rope or steel cable anchored at ground level and attached to the caravan chassis.

Before you tie down, ensure the caravan supports are sound and stable.

Tie down your roof

The most effective roof tie-down is a strong net firmly fixed at ground level and passing over the caravan for the full length of the van.

Put your equipment inside the caravan

Put all of your things inside the caravan. Any heavy or bulky items that don't fit should be laid on their side, tied together with strong rope, and lashed to an anchor point.