What to do and when

REFERRING to this guide can help keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a cyclone

Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees, and flooded watercourses

REFERRING to this guide can help keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a cyclone

 

Once a cyclone watch is issued

 

• Check your property for any loose material and tie down (or fill with water) all large, relatively light items such as boats and rubbish bins.

• Fill your vehicles’ fuel tanks and fill jerry cans with fuel if you have any.

• Check your emergency kit and fill any water containers you may have. You should have at least 10 litres of water for every person sheltering with you.

• Don’t forget your pets. Be sure to include food, water and any medications needed for your pets when putting together your emergency kit.

• Ensure household members know the strongest part of the house and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.

• Tune in to local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings.

• Check neighbours are aware of the situation and are preparing.

• Fully charge power banks for phones and devices.

• Know the whereabouts of your family and pets and be ready to collect children from schools if a decision is made to close them.

Upon a cyclone warning

 

 

• Collect children from school or their childcare centre and go home.

• Park vehicles under solid shelter (with the handbrake on and in gear).

• Put wooden or plastic outdoor furniture in your pool or inside with other loose items.

• Where possible board your windows from the outside or block them from the inside using a mattress and strong sturdy furniture.

• Draw curtains and shut doors.

• In case you may need to evacuate, pack an evacuation kit of warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers, photos etc in waterproof bags to take with your emergency kit.

• Put large/heavy valuables in a strong cupboard.

• Remain indoors (with your pets).

• Stay tuned to your local radio for more information.

On warning of a local evacuation

Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, an evacuation may be necessary. Official advice will be given on radio and television regarding safe routes and when to move.

• Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.

• Take your evacuation and emergency kits, lock your doors, turn off power, gas and water at the mains (contact Power and Water to ask how and where).

• If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.

• If evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow NT Police and Northern Territory Emergency Service directions.

• If going to a public shelter, take bedding needs and books or games for children.

• Leave pets protected and with food and water, or you can take them to one of the designated underground car parks — they must be restrained and you must remain with your pets.

•Alcohol is not permitted in any shelter.

When the cyclone is imminent

 

• Heed all warnings and follow advice given by local authorities.

• Go directly to your shelter. Public shelters will be open at this stage.

When the cyclone strikes

• Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows in the strongest part of the house — bathroom, internal toilet or passageway.

• Disconnect all electrical appliances.

• Listen to your portable radio for cyclone updates.

• If your house starts to break up, protect yourself with mattress, rugs, blankets or tarps. Anchor yourself to a strong fixture (such as water pipes) or get under a strong table or bed.

• Beware the calm ‘eye’. Don’t assume the cyclone is over — if a calm period is due to the ‘eye’, violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction.

After the cyclone

 

 

• Listen to local radio for official warnings, updates and advice.

• Don’t go outside until advised officially that warnings are cancelled. If you need to go outside, be careful of fallen power lines and trees, broken sewerage and water lines, loose roof sheeting and other material.

• Check on your family and neighbours, provide assistance if safe to do so. Call for emergency help if required.

• If you evacuated, don’t go home until advised. Use the route recommended and stay calm.

• Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls. Contact family and friends by text to let them know you’re OK.

• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees, and flooded watercourses.

• Don’t ignore warnings and don’t go sightseeing.

• If your pets are injured, seek veterinary treatment.

• If your pets are lost, notify your local council, microchip registry, neighbours and nearby animal shelters. You can also check social media sources.