Before the cyclone season

• Check your house and roof are in good condition.
• Trim back trees and branches well clear of your house.
• Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and cause injury and damage during extreme winds.
• In case of a storm surge warning, know your nearest safe high ground and the best access route.
• Prepare an emergency kit (hold ready in home) containing such items as:
  • a portable radio and torch with fresh spare batteries
  • fuel lamp, candles and matches
  • water containers, canned food, can opener, self-contained cooking gear, and essential warm clothes and strong footwear
  • first aid kit and special medication
• Decide well beforehand where you intend to shelter: at home if it is safe, in an emergency shelter, or possibly with friends or relatives in a secure area.
• Include arrangements for the welfare of your pets and animals in your emergency plans.

Upon a cyclone warning

• Listen to all local radio/TV for further information.
• In your home secure doors, board or tape windows, remove items from walls in case of water damage.
• Store loose items inside; place documents, photos, valuables and clothing in plastic bags.
• Fill water containers, fuel car and place under cover. Then remain indoors!
• Prepare an evacuation kit (in small bags), consisting of your emergency kit plus personal essentials (including important documents such as passports and birth certificates) and valuables in plastic bags.

On warning of local evacuation*

• Lock your house; switch off electricity, gas, water, etc. Take your evacuation kit.
• Wear strong footwear (not thongs) and warm clothing for protection against cuts from debris.
• Heed warnings and follow advice given by Emergency Service personnel.

*Based on predicted wind strengths and storm tide height, it may be necessary to evacuate areas to avoid casualties. Be ready to move to high ground or shelters as directed by Police or Emergency Service personnel. High winds & flooded roads will be hazards during movement. Advice will be given on local TV and radio. Police and State/Territory Emergency Services will also give direct advice.

When the cyclone strikes

• Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows in strongest part of house - cellar, bathroom, internal toilet or passageway.
• Listen to your portable radio for cyclone updates.
• If house starts to break up, protect yourself with mattress, rugs, blankets or tarpaulin. 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.
• If driving, stop - clear of trees, power lines and streams.

After the cyclone

• Don't go outside until advised officially that it is safe.
• Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
• If you had to evacuate, don't go home until advised. Use route recommended and stay calm.
• Don't make unnecessary telephone calls.
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees, and flooded water courses.
• Don't ignore warnings and don't go sightseeing.

Information courtesy NTES

 

All Content © to Darwin Storms Team or respective contributors unless otherwise stated.