With thanks to advice from the NT Government and Bureau of Meteorology in conjunction with TIO, Mix 1049 proudly presents a series of Stay Safe in the Wet messages throughout our Wet and Cyclone seasons. If you have missed any of the updates, read on below for more information or see the links at the end for where to find out the latest, most up-to-date and correct information on storm and cyclone safety.
YOUR PETS
It’s up to you to ensure your animals are included in your household or farm emergency plans.
If you have to evacuate, the RSPCA says animals should only be left behind when it is impossible to move them in advance, or take them with you.
Should you have to evacuate and leave your animals behind, leave a note for emergency services.
Let them know what animals they’ll encounter, how many, where and how you can be contacted.
WHEN A CYCLONE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED
When a cyclone warning has been issued, listen to all local TV or radio stations for more information.
Secure your doors, board up windows and remove items from walls in case of water damage.
Store loose items inside and put valuables such as documents and photos inside plastic bags and tape them up.
Fill up water containers, fuel up your car, put them under cover and stay inside!
Put an evacuation kit together in small plastic bags. It should contain your emergency kit plus personal essentials such as birth certificates or passports.
IF AUTHORITIES ISSUE AN EVACUATION ORDER
If authorities issue a local evacuation order in the event of a severe storm or cyclone, lock your house, switch off your utilities and take your evacuation kit.
Wear strong footwear and warm clothing to protect you against cuts from debris.
Heed any advice or warnings from emergency services personnel.
WHEN A CYCLONE STRIKES
When a cyclone strikes, stay inside and well clear of windows and get into the strongest parts of your home, such as the bathroom or cellar or if in a two story house, stay downstairs as it is generally less affected by wind.
Listen to your portable radio for cyclone updates.
If seeking shelter in your house, try a room with a toilet.
Otherwise you’ll need an emergency means of ablutions and may need to get a stock if water if the mains supply fails.
If your house starts to break up when a cyclone strikes, protect yourself with a mattress, rug or tarpaulin. Anchor yourself to a strong feature like a water pipe or get under a sturdy table or bed.
BEWARE THE CALM DURING THE STORM
Beware the calm of the cyclone’s eye and don’t assume the storm is over.
If a calm period is due to the eye, violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction.
If you are out driving during a cyclone, stop. Seek shelter clear of trees, powerlines and streams.
After a cyclone passes, do not go outside until the official all-clear has been given and don’t make unnecessary phone calls… Keep the lines clear for emergency services
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
AFTER A CYCLONE HAS PASSED
After a cyclone, watch out for fallen powerlines, damaged buildings or trees.
Trees may have been brought down, while water courses may have been flooded.
If you had to evacuate, don’t go back home until advised.
Use the recommended route and stay calm.
After a cyclone, don’t ignore the warnings.
Don’t go sightseeing.
DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE STAYING ON YOUR PROPERTY?
If you manage a hotel or other form of accommodation, or even if you have people staying at your house, make sure your guests know the dangers of cyclones.
Let them know what to do if a cyclone strikes.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
Do you know where your nearest emergency public shelter is and could you get there in an emergency?
Familiarise yourself with where they are, but do not proceed to any until advised to do so.
