Severe storms

To minimise the risk from storms to you and your property, you should:

• have an emergency kit on hand, including a battery-operated radio, waterproof torch and spare batteries
• keep a list of emergency numbers close by
• clear your downpipes and guttering
• store poisons above ground level in case of flash floods
• secure loose items in your garden, yard or on your balcony.

During a storm, you should:

• stay inside and away from windows
• listen to your radio for storm updates
• if outdoors, find safe shelter
• make sure your pets are safe.

Never seek shelter in temporary structures, sheds, buildings with unearthed metal roofs, or under small groups of (or single) trees. Safe shelters include fully enclosed large permanent structures or substantial buildings and enclosed 'hard-top' (metal-bodied) vehicles.

Avoid bodies of water and metal objects such as fencing that may conduct electricity.

When sheltering (including inside a vehicle), avoid contact with the external surfaces, metal objects such as pipes, wiring, metal parts of the vehicle, and avoid using plugged in electrical equipment.

If you are caught outside away from safe shelter:

• Avoid being on the highest point in an open area or near tall objects, but do not lie flat on the ground.
• Crouch (alone) with your feet together, preferably in a ditch or hollow so you are not the highest object.
• Remove all metal objects from your body.

After a storm you should:

• check your property for damage
• beware of fallen power lines
• check on your neighbours if it is safe to do so.

For assistance in clearing storm damage, contact NT Emergency Service on 132 500.

For Power and Water emergencies and faults call 1800 245 090.

In a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero 000.

Read more about what you should do after a cyclone or disaster.