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Surges > What you should do
What
you should do
At
the beginning of the storm and cyclone season (September)
There are a number of simple things that you and your family can
do to stay safe and protect your property.
What
you should do:
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Check
that your home is in a sound condition, especially the roof
and eaves. |
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Trim
any tree branches hanging over your roof. |
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Clear
your property of any loose items that may blow about. |
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Check
that you have adequate household and contents insurance and
which hazards are not covered by the policy. |
Prepare
an emergency kit containing:
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A portable
radio, torch and spare batteries; |
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Stocks
of fresh water and canned food; |
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Matches,
fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, utensils and can
opener; |
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Waterproof
bags for clothing and valuables; |
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A first
aid kit and manual. |
Keep a list
of emergency phone numbers handy, including numbers for your local
Police, Fire, Ambulance, State Emergency Service, Local Council,
Gas and Electricity Company and relatives.
When a severe storm surge seems
likely
What
you should do:
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Listen
to your local radio station for warnings and advice. Don't
use your phone unless it is essential. |
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Prepare
to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and
poisons to higher locations. |
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Consider
which indoor items you will raise (eg furniture, clothing
etc.) or empty (refrigerators, freezers etc.) if water threatens
to enter your home. |
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Check
your emergency kit and consider what you will do with your
pets. |
If
you need to evacuate
What
you should do:
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If you
decide to leave of your own accord, make sure you tell the
Police or your local State Emergency Service as well as you
neighbours. |
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Make
sure you pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables,
personal papers, photos and valuables in waterproof bags,
to be taken with your emergency kit. |
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Raise
your furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and
the roof space (place electrical items as high as possible). |
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Empty
and turn off refrigerators and freezers, leaving the doors
open to help prevent them floating about. |
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Turn
off the power, water and gas and remember to take your mobile
phone. |
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Whether
you leave or stay, put sandbags in toilet bowls and over all
laundry/bathroom drain-holes to prevent sewage back-flow. |
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Lock
your home (remembering to take your keys) and take the recommended
evacuation routes for your area. |
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Don't
drive into water of unknown depth and current. |
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