The ultimate checklist to surviving a cyclone in the Northern Territory
Northern Territory residents face potential cyclone threats this season, but these seven essential preparation steps could save lives and protect homes. FREE READ.
Extreme weather in the Northern Territory is part of life, but for those who have not faced a cyclone before, it is easy to underestimate the risks.
There are a few simple things every Territorian can do to make sure you and your household are properly prepared.
Here is our handy checklist based on our annual Cyclone Survival Guide with the latest advice on how to prepare and stay safe during a tropical cyclone.
Make a plan
The news of an impending cyclone hitting your home can understandably cause worry and concern which is why it is important your household is prepared.
Making an emergency plan and ensuring every household member is aware of what will happen will reduce panic and ensure everyone is prepared.
Things to consider when making a plan include where families will shelter during a cyclone, how they will stay in touch with loved ones if they get separated and what steps they should take if they need to evacuate.
Secure NT has a guide and handy template for households to fill out together on their website.
Click here to learn more about making an emergency plan.
Prepare an emergency kit
During a tropical cyclone, power and water can shut off making it difficult to safely store food and prepare meals.
As a result, NT Emergency Services suggests preparing and storing an emergency kit with enough food, water, clothes and medications for each person for three days.
Make sure your kit has:
• First-aid supplies
• Batteries and power banks
• Drinking water
• Non-perishable food such as tinned and dry, sealed food (and don’t forget the can opener)
• Torch
It should also include specific essential items to your household such as nappies, formula or baby food, pet food, medication and clothes.
The NT Government also suggests storing a copy of the household plan and important family documents such as birth certificates in waterproof bags.
Other things residents should consider storing in the kit include a battery-operated radio, toilet roll, a portable cooker and spare keys.
The kit should be stored in a dry area and every household member should be aware of where it is kept.
Prepare your property
To minimise injury and damage to property during high winds, every household should be preparing their homes.
For boat or caravan owners, decide ahead of time where to safely secure them and make sure the tie-downs or anchors are strong.
Having a few sandbags on hand is also advisable for people whose homes are at risk of flooding.
This planning ahead helps to reduce risk of people being injured or property being damaged during a cyclone and steps are taken every year in the NT to help raise awareness and support people in clearing their homes of loose objects.
Visit SecureNT for more information.
Check vehicles and charge devices
Checking vehicles and devices will help people stay connected and be prepared if evacuation is needed.
For vehicles, residents should top up fuel, check tyres, brakes, lights and fluids. Make sure to have a spare tyre, jack and tools to hand.
If safe, store extra fuel in jerry cans.
Make sure all phones, tablets and power banks are charged in case of power cuts and keep important numbers saved and written down.
Stay alert
The Northern Territory uses the Australian Warning System (AWS) for all hazards including cyclones and severe storms.
This does not replace the Bureau of Meteorology advice.
The Bureau provides forecasts and cyclone tracks while the AWS give clear instructions on what steps people should take.
For the latest advice:
• Follow the SecureNT Facebook page and website
• Listen to ABC Emergency commercial radio
• Register for free SMS severe weather alerts
Click here to stay informed on the types of cyclone warnings.
Deciding where to take shelter
If your house is built to code, well maintained, and outside the storm surge area, it is more than likely the safest place to shelter during a cyclone.
However, if your home isn’t safe, or you don’t feel safe sheltering there, plan ahead to stay with family or friends or use a public emergency shelter.
Wherever you are, move to the smallest, strongest room, such as a bathroom, toilet, hallway or laundry, and keep away from windows and glass doors.
To find out more about storm surge areas, click here.
Know where emergency shelters are
The Northern Territory Government has identified and prepared a number of buildings across the Territory that can be used as emergency shelters during cyclones.
These spaces are available for those who do not have a safer place to stay or who do not feel safe sheltering at home.
In your emergency plan, if your household believes taking cover in one of these facilities is the safest option, there are a few things to be mindful of.
The shelters are not evacuation centres and as such, there are no services provided.
Families and individuals must bring their own food, bedding, medication and essential supplies and pets will not be allowed.
You can use the car park shelters if you want to shelter in your car with your pets. Car park shelters are the only shelters you can take pets to.
Car park shelters have very limited access to toilets or any other services. Pets must remain secured and under your control at all times.
Space will be limited and all shelters may fill up quickly so make sure to be aware of several shelters in your area.
A public announcement will advise when shelters are open.
Listen to local radio and check trusted sources such as ABC Emergency and SecureNT to find out which shelters are open.
Click here to see the full list of shelters in the Territory.
Make a pet plan
Pet owners are urged to think carefully about making a plan for where their pets will go and how they will be cared for during an emergency.
There are some underground carparks where people can shelter in their cars with pets during a cyclone but they must be properly restrained at all times.
These carparks are not staffed, are not fully enclosed and do not have debris screens meaning they may not give full protection from wind, rain or flying debris.
Anyone planning on using one should take their emergency kits and everything their pet needs to remain safe.
Click here for more information on keeping your pet safe during a cyclone.
Be aware of evacuation steps
When a cyclone or severe weather hits, emergency services may ask residents to evacuate from certain areas.
If they do, residents should follow directions without delay but there are a few steps households should take if possible before leaving.
Fridges and freezers should be emptied with the doors left open to prevent them from floating or becoming a hazard and valuables, important documents and momentos should be collected and secured.
Power and water should be switched off at the mains, gas turned off and a sandbag placed in the toilet to prevent backflow of sewage.
Residents should take their emergency kits with them and if pet owners cannot take their animals with them, they should be left outside with plenty of food and water in a high location. They should not be restrained or locked up.
Originally published as The ultimate checklist to surviving a cyclone in the Northern Territory
