After the severe weather has past, the most important thing to do is look after yourself, your friends and your family. You are still required to follow the advice of emergency services.

What to do after a serious weather event:

• Listen to the local radio for official warnings and advice.
• Don’t go outside until advised officially that it is safe. If you need to go outside, beware of fallen powerlines, damaged buildings, fallen trees and flooded water ways.
• Check for gas leaks and avoid turning the power on at your home if there is flooding or water damage. Have a professional conduct a thorough inspection first.
• If you had to evacuate, don’t go home until advised. Don’t ignore warnings and don’t go sightseeing, stay where you are if it’s safe.
• Check on neighbours, render assistance if necessary
• Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls
• Always assume downed powerlines are live and lethal
• Contact your insurer at the earliest opportunity to lodge your claim. If you need to submit a claim you can do this online.
• Before disposing of any items; photograph and make a list of damaged items including make, model and age of item
• You can commence clean-up including removal of rubbish only if it is safe to do so. Make sure you wear gloves and closed-in shoes to avoid injury and illness.
• Conduct any vital repairs only if it is safe to do so
• Keep documents and invoices for any emergency costs incurred.
• Visit secureNT for up to date emergency alerts and warnings

If you require assistance from Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) please contact 132 500 for emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones.

Things to avoid:

• If you believe the property may have asbestos do not attempt any cleaning or repairs
• Do not undertake any repairs which may not be safe or that require a professional (climbing onto roof, electrical work)

• Lock your doors – even when you’re at home
• Don’t keep your car keys in an obvious / easily accessible place like directly inside your unlocked front door
• Don’t make it easy for others to hide around your property – cut back bushes and trees
• Fit security screens, locks and deadbolts to your property. A sliding door can have a steel bar placed into the ruts for added security
• Make sure you remove the garage remote from your vehicle as this can give an intruder easy access to your house
• Install motion sensor lights within your yard
• If you’re away, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect mail and put the rubbish bin out
• Don’t advertise purchases by leaving belongings in plain sight from the road (bikes, etc)
• Timers are useful to turn lights on when you’re not at home
• Leave a spare key with a neighbour – not hidden under your door mat
• Install an alarm system
• Get to know your neighbours