Cyclone Action Guide

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Cyclone emergency plans

• Check that your house is built to code and well maintained so that you can decide well beforehand where you intend to shelter, at home if it is safe or with friends or relitives in a secure area. Shelter in a public emergency shelter if these options are not available to you.
• If you cannot shelter at home, decide the route you will take and how you will get to your chosen shelter.
• Secure or clear loose materials around your property, these could become dangerous and damaging missiles in high winds.
• Trim back trees and branches around your house so that they are well clear and cannot damage your property during cyclones or storms.
• Ensure your emergency/evacuation kit is complete and ready for use.
• Know if your property will be affected by storm surge or flooding and identify your nearest safe high ground and your safest route to it.
• Include arrangements for the welfare of your pets and animals in your emergency plans.
• If you have your own transport, remember to have it fully fuelled and ready for use.
• When the threat of a cyclone is imminent, listen to all media outlets for information and updates and continue listening as the cyclone develops or passes.
• In addition to all the normal cyclone preparations you should make, consider house security and advising relatives or neighbours of your intentions and plans.

For further information and advice on preparing your family and property for cyclone events contact the Northern Territory Emergency Service on 8922 3630 or visit your nearest police station.

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
• Get you family together to review and revise your household cyclone emergency plan

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.

Note: Managers of resorts, hotels, motels and caravan parks should take steps to ensure visitors are familiar with the dangers and know what to do in the event of a cyclone.