Preparing for a cyclone
Existing customers:

Preparing for a cyclone


In the Top End we experience extreme weather including some of Australia’s most dangerous cyclones.

Each wet season, which runs from October to April, as many as three cyclones form in our region and it’s important to be prepared.

How do I prepare for a cyclone?

To help you plan ahead, TIO has developed a cyclone guide and videos in conjunction with the Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES). This guide includes information on creating an emergency plan and preparing a cyclone kit so you can reduce the risk of injury and damage to yourself, your family and your property.

Prepare your emergency kit

You need to prepare for disruptions to power and water supplies, unreliable communication methods, injury and dangerous elements for up to 3 days. Ensure your kit will sustain you and your household.

    Battery-operated radio with spare batteries
    Torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches
    Three days of non-perishable foods and a can opener
    10 litres of bottled water per person
    First aid kit and manual with any essential medicines
    Blankets or sleeping bags
    Money
    Important documents (birth and marriage certificates, drivers licence, passports, insurance policies and photos)
    Hand sanitiser and face masks


    Toilet paper and essential toiletries, including sunscreen and insect repellent
    Special needs for infants, the aged and people with disabilities
    Sealable waterproof bags
    Mobile phone, charger and power bank
    Extra car and house keys
    A copy of your household plan
    Pet supplies
    Portable cooker (if using gas remember to have spare canisters or bottles) and cooking and eating utensils

Tips for kits

Store your kit in an easy to reach, dry place.

Every member of your house knows where the kit is stored.

Check the contents of your kit at least once a year to ensure items still work and consumables are not past their use-by date – batteries, water and non-perishables will perish over a period of time.

An emergency kit can also double as a camping kit – stock your kit at the beginning of the wet season and use it in the dry each year.

Prepare your home

Make sure you prepare your home for severe storms, cyclones and storm surge by following some of the suggestions below.

Check with a building practitioner to see if your home has been built to cyclone code
Ensure treetops and branches are well clear of your home. Arrange a professional to trim if necessary (with council permission)
If trees are near powerlines call Power and Water on 1800 245 090
Fit shutters or metal screens to windows
Clear your property and balcony of loose material that could cause injury or damage during extreme winds
Check for signs of corrosion, rotten timber, termite attacks or loose fixings
Arrange for a qualified practitioner such as a building certifier, structural engineer, architect or builder to inspect your home, specifically roof, gable end walls, doors and windows, garage doors, roof eaves, leaks and house attachments
The overflow relief gully (ORG) protects your home from sewage overflows; ensure your ORG is free of debris
No power means no water in high-rise apartments, so keep water aside for flushing toilets.

Severe Weather Guide

Download guide about preparing your home and garden for severe weather

Download Severe Weather Guide
(PDF, 2.10MB)

Home and Garden

Video about Preparing your Home and Garden for Wet season

Watch  

Emergency Kit

Emergency Kit Video for Wet Season

Watch  


What to do when a cyclone warning is issued?

Activate your household emergency plan and finalise your emergency kit
Collect children from school or childcare centres and go home
Park vehicles under solid shelter (handbrake on and in gear)
Secure outdoor furniture, garden items, caravans and boats. Loose items should be locked inside
Close shutters and board up or block all windows
Draw curtains and secure all external doors and windows
Shelter and secure pets and animals
Fill your bathtub and buckets with water
Stay tuned to your local radio/television for further information
Darwin Esplanade

What to do when a cyclone strikes?

Turn off power, gas and water supplies. Disconnect all electrical appliances
Stay inside your shelter area in the strongest part of your home
Listen to your portable radio for cyclone updates
If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses rugs and blankets under a strong table, or hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. water pipe.
Beware of the calm 'eye'. If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from the opposite direction. Wait for the 'all clear'
If driving, stop clear of trees, powerlines and streams
Palm tree after storm

What do I do after a cyclone?

Listen to the local radio for official warnings and advice
Don’t go outside until advised officially that it is safe. If you need to go outside, beware of fallen powerlines, damaged buildings and trees, and flooded water courses
Check for gas leaks and don’t use electrical appliances if wet
If you had to evacuate, don’t go home until advised. Use the route recommended and stay calm
Don’t ignore warnings and don’t go sightseeing, stay where you are if it’s safe
Check on neighbours, render assistance if necessary
Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls
Always assume downed powerlines are live and lethal

What do I do if my property is damaged?

Contact your insurer at the earliest opportunity to lodge your claim. To make an online claim with TIO click here
Before disposing of any items; photograph and make a list of damaged items including make, model and age of item
You can commence clean-up including removal of rubbish only if it is safe to do so. Make sure you wear gloves and closed-in shoes to avoid injury and illness.
Conduct any vital repairs only if it is safe to do so
Keep documents and invoices for any emergency costs incurred.

Things to avoid:

  • If you believe the property may have asbestos do not attempt any cleaning or repairs
  • Do not undertake any repairs which may not be safe or that require a professional (climbing onto roof, electrical work)

Make sure your insurance is up to date

It’s important that you know what you’re covered for, that your insurance is up to date and that the sum for which you are insured covers the replacement value of your property and belongings. If you have an existing TIO insurance policy, ensure you read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to learn more about your policy cover. You also need to refer to your Certificate of Insurance to check your level of cover and any optional covers that you have.

If you have recently purchased a new TIO insurance policy or have amended your existing policy, please note that a 72-hour exclusion period may apply. We do not provide cover (where the type of cover you have under the policy provides it) for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood or storm surge, during the first 72 hours after you first take out or increase the cover under the policy.

Also, remember to take photos of insured assets and update your records.

We understand the unique conditions faced in the Territory

TIO is based in Darwin and our strength lies in our solid understanding of the conditions faced within the Territory year after year.

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