Over the last 30 years, resources have been invested in Bangladesh for building cyclone shelters and setting up national warning systems, linked to regional weather forecasting and local volunteer networks. During an ActionAid disaster preparedness pilot project in 2000, documentation of older people's disaster experiences demonstrated knowledge of local warning indicators based on animal behaviour or natural phenomena. This knowledge is not always being passed on to younger generations, and is increasingly disregarded as unscientific. This paper suggests that some of these indicators could be incorporated into locally managed warning systems, to increase the empowerment and resilience of poor and vulnerable people.