It is important to know and have planned in advance where you are going to be sheltering in the event that a tropical cyclone arrives and to ensure that you heed public warnings.
A good survival plan for a tropical cyclone includes have a plan on where you and your family – inducing your pets – are going to shelter.
Following the devastating Cyclone Tracey in 1974, building codes have required all buildings in the Northern Territory to incorporate cyclone resistant construction.
This means that your home can be used as a shelter. It is recommended to use the most protected part of the house as shelter, this is usually the smallest room in the house with small or no windows (i.e. the bathroom).
Preparing your home and shelter area:
- Where possible, board your windows from the outside or block them from the inside using a mattress and some strong sturdy furniture
- Remove pictures and valuables from walls and shelving
- Place valuables and precious items in strong water-proof garbage bags and tape up
- Pack away all loose items into cupboards and secure cupboard doors if possible
- Prepare your shelter area with mattresses, blankets, pillows, emergency with radio, items to keep everyone occupied and facilities for pets if they are sharing your shelter
Choosing to evacuate your home
This should be dedicated upon early and action should be taken as soon as the NT Emergency Services have publicly advised to make your way to a public shelter.
Points to remember:
- Evacuate well before strong winds affect your area
- Allow time to secure and protect your rental property
- You may need to sustain yourself and your family for a few days, so be prepared
- Listed to radio or television broadcasts and only return when the “all clear” is given
- Advise friends of plans and confirm your safe return
You will also need to be advised that if choosing to use an Emergency Shelter the follow conditions apply:
- They have a limited capacity and do not guarantee safety in all circumstances
- They do not allow animals
- They are mainly staffed by voluntary personnel with a police and medical presence
- They do not provide meals or special baby needs
- They might become welfare assembly centres after the cyclone
- They are used at your own risk
Location details of emergency shelters within the Darwin and Greater Darwin
- Berry Springs Primary School, 1150 Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs
- Casuarina Senior College, 61 Trower Road, Moil
- Cox Peninsula Community Government Council Office, Lot 62 Wagait Tower Road, Wagait Beach
- Dripstone Middle School, 326 Trower Road, Tiwi
- Girraween Primary School, Carruth Road, Girraween
- Nightcliff Middle School, 90 Aralia Street, Nightcliff
- Palmerston Senior College, Tilston Avenue, Driver
- Rosebery Primary & Middle School, Corner Forrest Parade & Belyuen Roads, Rosebery
- Supreme Court Building, The Esplanade, Darwin
- Taminmin College, Challoner Circuit, Humpty Doo
Location details for car parks within the Darwin and Greater Darwin region
- Casuarina Square Shopping Centre (i.e. BigW Basement Parking), 247 Trower Road, Casuarina
- Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade, 116 The Esplanade, Darwin
- Palmerston Hub Complex , 3 Maluka Street, Palmerston
- Palmerston Shopping Centre, Temple Terrace, Palmerston
