The Top Ender Magazine February March 2021 Edition

STAY INFORMED
ONLINE
Weather and warnings - www.bom.gov.au
Information on emergency situations in the NT - www.securent.gov.au
Northern Territory Emergency Service - www.emergency.nt.gov.au
Update on power, water & sewerage services - powerwater.com.au or
follow @PowerWaterCorp on Twitter
EMERGENCY KIT
CHECKLIST
ALERTS
FREE severe weather alerts - register for SMS, email or voice alerts at
www.tiofi.com.au/alerts
CALL
NT Tropical Cyclone Information Service - 1300 659 211
NT Marine and Land Weather Warnings - 1300 659 214
Australian Tsunami Threat Information - 1300 878 6264
NTES emergency help in floods, storms & cyclones - 132 500
Power & Water Corp - enquiries 1800 245 092
or emergencies/faults 1800 245 090
Cyclone Season
Cyclone Season ends on 30 April each year. Darwin is no stranger to cyclones, with the
last big one a Category 2 cyclone in March 2018. Cyclone ‘Marcus’ brought with it strong
wind gusts of 130km per hour. It caused major damage to thousands of trees which, in
turn, caused infrastructure damage to houses, vehicles, fences, carports, sheds,
footpaths etc... Around 430 powerlines were downed leaving some 26,500 residents
without power immediately after the cyclone.
TUNE IN
ABC Darwin - 105.7 FM (official emergency broadcaster)
Or find your local ABC frequency - www.abc.net.au/reception/freq/
Frequency-NT.pdf
LISTEN OUT
Listen for local community safety announcements and Emergency Alert
messages sent to your phone.
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is a distinct audio
signal that has been adopted to alert the community of an urgent safety
message relating to a major emergency/disaster. It will be broadcast on
public media (radio, television, sirens etc..)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CYCLONE
You may be alone for up to 3 days, ensure your emergency kit will sustain you and your
household for that time.
Prepare your property for severe storms, cyclones and storm surges.
Warning: Never use portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces
Listen for official warnings and advice
Follow instructions of emergency services
Fill your vehicle with fuel and fill any water containers you may have
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues the following tropical cyclone services:
- OUTLOOK: Risk of cyclone formation within the next three days
- WATCH: Gales expected in 24-48 hours; forecast updates every 6 hours
- WARNING: Gales expected within 24 hours; updates at least every 3 hours
REMEMBER TO CHECK!
For loose or light materials that may need to be
secured
Your vehicle fuel tank is full in the event of
evacuation
Your emergency kit is ready to use
You all know where the strongest part of the
house is if you need to take cover
Your children, pets and neighbours are all safe
Your window shutters are closed or windows
taped/secured
You have enough water!
TIPS FOR KITS
Store in an easy to reach, dry place
Information sourced from https://www.pfes.nt.gov.au
52 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
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ensure items still work and
consumables are FEBRUARY/MARCH still in date. 2021 53