Cyclone season in Australia, particularly in the northern, tropical regions, calls for careful preparation. Companies gather safety teams to review infrastructure, confirm compliance, and prepare assets for the conditions ahead. Two common questions we hear from clients are: Are fabric shelters wind rated? and What steps should we take during a cyclone?
The answers lie in how your shelter is engineered, how it is maintained, and how you prepare before and after an extreme weather event.
Are Fabric Shelters Engineered to Withstand Extreme Weather?
Yes. Every DomeShelter™ Structure is engineered to site-specific Wind Regions and Design Parameters in accordance with AS1170.2:2021 – Structural Wind Actions. This ensures your shelter matches the conditions of its location. Australia is divided into Wind Regions A–D, with Region D covering the most severe cyclonic areas.
In rare cases, wind speeds can exceed design standards. That’s why proactive inspections, maintenance, and preparation are essential — ensuring your shelter performs as engineered when storms arrive.
Preparing Your Shelter for a Cyclone
Your shelter is most resilient when installed to its Engineering Certification and Manufacturer’s Specifications. Ahead of forecasted cyclones:
- Check Certifications
- Inspect Fabric Covers
- Review Anchoring & Tie-Downs
- Check Framework & Connections
Depending on design criteria, some operators remove fabric covers during cyclone warnings to reduce debris risk. Others keep them on, viewing covers as durable but replaceable. Both approaches can be valid — the decision depends on your site’s risk profile.
What to Do During and After a Cyclone
- During: Safety first. Evacuate personnel and follow your site’s emergency protocols.
- After: Inspect shelters for structural damage, fabric tears, or anchor movement. Document conditions and arrange a professional inspection if required.
Inspections & Reporting by DomeShelter Australia
Regular inspections aren’t just about compliance — they reduce risk and extend shelter performance. Our DomeShelter™ Inspections & Reporting Service applies to all industrial fabric structures, not just DomeShelter™Structures. Our team can:
- Evaluate the framework, fabric condition, and anchoring systems.
- Catalogue shelters and creates a digital inspection record for lifecycle tracking.
- Provides risk-prioritised reports with clear, actionable recommendations.
Inspections are particularly valuable before cyclone season, ensuring your shelters are ready for the conditions ahead.
Read more: DomeShelter™ Inspections & Reporting And Preparing For Cyclone Season
Book a DomeShelter™ Inspections & Reporting Service today.
Stay Prepared
With over 30 years of experience and 8,700+ shelters delivered worldwide, DomeShelter Australia has a proven record in cyclone-prone regions. Our structures are engineered for harsh conditions — but engineering strength must be paired with preparation.
Request a Quote for a cyclone-rated shelter
Book a DomeShelter™ Site Inspections & Reporting Service
*Disclaimer: This is a guide only. The responsibility of the structural adequacy of the shelter once on site remains with the owner. It is important to always ensure the structure is installed and maintained in accordance to Manufacturers Specifications and Engineering Certifications.
