Be prepared for extreme weather

Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.

While living in the Territory means great weather, an outdoor lifestyle and no traffic jams, it does come with some risks, like the potential for extreme weather conditions.

As in other areas of northern Australia, cyclones are a frequent visitor to the Top End. While many thankfully blow away before major damage is done, it only takes one (Cyclone Marcus most recently and historically Cyclone Tracy) to remind Top Enders that it is far better to be prepared than make a last minute scramble once a cyclone has been declared.

Key preparations include:

Having an emergency plan

Know where you and your family will take cover, have valuable and important documents in a safe but accessible place and an emergency telephone list.

Preparing a cyclone kit

Following a cyclone or severe storm there may be power interruptions, road blockages and trees down. A cyclone kit should have enough supplies for 72 hours and include 10 litres of bottled water per person. Make sure you have a first aid kit, a battery operated radio, spare batteries, a spare set of clothes and sturdy shoes.

Maintaining your property

Keeping the yard clean of unnecessary obstacles, fences, gutters and the roof in good order help prevent additional damage if a storm hits. Local councils have a cyclone clean up at least once a year which provides a great opportunity to remove unwanted items form your yard.

Keep in contact with emergency services information

In the event of an extreme weather condition it is best to listen out for information from the experts. Tune into emergency services bulletins on the radio, and follow the Bureau of Meteorology. Register for free TIO weather alerts and connect to SecureNT for the latest information from NT Emergency Services.

While cyclones might not be such a concern further south, the Territory is also known for flooding and fires. Find out what the major risks are in your area.

If your property is within a storm surge zone, consider how best to prepare your property and if required to evacuate, where you would go.

For properties in areas prone to fire, take the following precautions:

• Mow your grass regularly, particularly around your house and out buildings
• Enclose open areas under your deck and floors
• Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding
• Relocate any flammable liquid away from your home.

And finally, remember not to leave your insurance needs to the last minute. For TIO’s Home and Landlord Insurance a 72-hour exclusion period may apply after you first take out or increase the cover on your policy for loss or damage caused by storm surge, cyclone or flood. For Comprehensive Car Insurance, the exclusion period applies for cyclone, flood and bushfire.

To update your insurance details call our contact centre on 131 846 or view our home insurance options.

This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 1st August 2023 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither TIO, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.