Step 1. Put together your cyclone kit 

The first thing to do is put together the cyclone kit that you will use in the event of a cyclone. Below is a list of items that are recommended for this. With the likelihood that supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations and other essential retailers may face supply shortages or travel restrictions, it is important to stock up as soon as you’re able to.  

If you are going away on holiday during the wet season, you should prepare your home before you leave as if there were a cyclone warning in place. 

Here is what you will need for your 2022 cyclone kit: 

• A cloth face mask or multiple disposable masks, hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes
• In the event of a major cyclone, it is recommended that you have sufficient water and non-perishable food for each member of your family for 3 days.
• Don’t forget your pet’s food
• Any essential medication stored in a waterproof bag
• First aid kit stored in a waterproof bag
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries including toilet paper
• Disinfectant
• Basic tool kit
• Torches & additional batteries
• Candles & matches
• Battery-operated radio & additional batteries
• Esky – with ice
• Plastic cups, plates & utensils
• Plastic sheet or tarp with ropes
• Keep sensible clothing nearby - covered shoes, a sweater, jeans, wet weather gear
• Cash 
• Any other essentials that are critical for you and your family

Step 2. Establish where you will store and how you will protect your cyclone kit

This may seem obvious but when you end up needing to access your kit, issues can arise if you cannot find it or discover wet or damaged items that can’t be used as a result of poor storage. 

Here is how you can look after your cyclone kit: 

• Store your kit in a dry area of your household that is easily accessible without electricity
• Make sure every member of your household knows where the kit is stored
• Check the contents of your kit at least once a year to ensure items still work and consumables have not passed their use-by date
• Batteries have expiry dates, water does go stale and non-perishables will perish over a period of time
• A household 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 season each year

Step 3. When going on holiday or responding to a cyclone warning, prepare your property 

Cyclones - or even severe rain and wind - can cause significant damage to your home. So, taking the steps to assess your home, and memorising where your utility systems are located and how to effectively minimize damage is a crucial step. 

Here’s how you can prepare your property:

• For your balcony – move all furniture and plants inside or ensure everything is securely tied down
• Store pool furniture in your pool if there is insufficient space inside your home - this will help avoid the furniture being swept away
• Secure all doors and windows
• Turn off all electrical equipment that operates on standby at the power point or at the power board. This includes air conditioning units, TV, dishwashers, and gas bottles
• Turn off the hot water system
• Turn off washing machine taps
• If you own a boat, fill it with water and put bungs in (more info here)
• If your residence has a yard, clear all garden furniture and vegetation debris
• Secure all important documents in plastic bags/waterproof containers  

Step 4. Find appropriate shelter 

You have prepared your home and put together your cyclone kit, now ensuring your safety during the severe weather or cyclone is the last thing to do. 

Your options for shelter: 

• Most properties in Darwin are built to the highest possible cyclone rating so they might be a shelter option, but this will depend on your circumstances
• If you have any safety concerns, check where the public shelters are located and make an evacuation plan now
• For advice on when public shelters open, check local radio stations for updates
• Shelter away from windows
• Make sure your cyclone kit is close by
• Check the local radio stations for updates: ABC Radio- 105.7 is the official radio station to listen to
• Do not leave your safe area during the lull as the cyclone eye passes
• Heed all advice from local authorities 

To stay even more informed and prepared, take note of the numbers below for emergencies and weather updates. 

 

Important numbers to contact:

 

EMERGENCY POLICE / FIRE / AMBULANCE 000

POLICE ASSISTANCE 131 444 

 

ROYAL DARWIN HOSPITAL 08 8922 8888 

 

Bureau of Meteorology 1300 659 211 www.bom.gov.au/nt  

 

POWER WATER Emergencies: 1800 245 090 

 

Updates: 1800 245 092