Cyclone / Storm Info

Cyclone Guide to the Northern Territory

The official Northern Territory cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April. During this time there is an increased risk of severe storms and tropical cyclones, so it is important for residents to be vigilant and have a plan in place in the event of a cyclone or severe storm warning.

The severity of cyclones are categorised by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), ranging from 1 to 5, relating to the zone of maximum winds. An estimate of cyclone severity is included in all BOM cyclone advice.

Information Specific to The Avenue

The Avenue has been designed and constructed to withstand Category 5 cyclonic conditions.
The building is NOT in the storm surge zone (per the latest NTG Storm Surge Inundation Map)
Emergency lighting in the stairwells will last for 1-2 hours on battery power. Ensure you have a torch in your Emergency Kit
Loss of power will also result in loss of running water & gas, until such time that the temporary genset can be connected.

This may be done prior to the cyclone impacting the building. When the genset is connected it will will only run essential services - which is restricted to; Gas, Water, Sewerage, Fire Systems, Emergency Lighting (exit lights and stairwell lighting), Access Control (building security), limited basement lighting and foyer lighting. This does not include; individual tenancy power, lifts, air conditioning or hot water

Please note that although Gas will be run under the genset, apartment stove tops do have an electric starter, so you will need a lighter to ignite a flame.
When elevators lose power they are programmed to stop at the closest level and unlock the doors, however if the elevator faults you could be locked between levels. The lift contractor may not be able to attend for a number of hours. Use the lifts as your own risk prior to a cyclone

Common Areas that are SAFE to shelter in during a cyclone;

Basement 1 (Commercial) near lift areas
Inside apartment (away from windows – a wet area like a bathroom or the laundry is best)
Level Foyers (Last resort - Do not obstruct doors, hallways or fire stair doors)

Common Areas that are NOT SAFE to shelter in during a cyclone;

Basement 2 (Residential) due to (low) flood risk
Fire Stairwells & Elevators (Do not use elevators when there is an increased risk of power outages)
Podium Level Amenities (including Gym, Games Room & Function Room)

Before the Cyclone Season

Cyclones will most likely affect essential services in the building, including water, gas and power; and will possibly disrupt your ability to travel and communicate (cell & internet services). It is also possible that you and your family will need provisions sufficient to sustain yourselves for three days or more. Get your family or household together and agree on an emergency plan.

During this time you should;

Prepare a cyclone/safety kit, containing: A portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries, water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener, matches, fuel lamp, a first aid kit & manual, masking tape for windows & waterproof bags, portable / battery powered phone battery charger.
Prepare a household plan. Ensure household members know where the strongest part of the apartment is and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation. If your household plan doesn't include staying within your apartment, decide the route you will take and how you will get to your chosen shelter.
If you are planning to travel or will be away from your apartment for more than 48 hours throughout peak cyclone season (November – April) it is best to ensure that all balcony items are brought inside or secured as these can become missiles during high winds.
If you would like someone to check your apartment AFTER a cyclone or a strong wind/storm warning you can advise your travel dates with Reception and give temporary permission to enter in the event of a cyclone/storm or by visiting www.spiritontheavenue.com and entering it as a Front Desk Instruction.
Prepare your storeroom to ensure minimal damage in the event of flash flooding in basement when you are not home/on holidays.
Cyclone Clean Up – Darwin City Council offers a cyclone clean up service to the wider Darwin area, however The Avenue has a private waste management service in place and is not included in this service. If you have large items that you need to dispose of, please contact the Caretaker direct to find out when the next large items skip will be available to use.

**Please be advised that The Caretaker will NOT be responsible for bringing your balcony furniture inside or securing your property as the Caretaker & Housekeeping team will need to secure common areas**

When a Cyclone WATCH is issued (within 48 hours)

When there is a cyclone threat, warning messages are issued to the public via radio and television.

A CYCLONE WATCH indicates the areas and communities that may experience gales or stronger winds within 48 hours.

During this time you should;

Check your emergency kit, ensure phone batteries are charged and fill water containers (you should have at least 3L of water per person per day for at least 72 hours).
Check your property for any loose material and tie down (or fill with water) all large, relatively light items.
Ensure your storeroom has all items off the floor and sand bags set up to block flood water.
Fill vehicles' fuel tanks
Ensure household members know what the strongest part of the apartment is and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.
Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations, or check www.bom.gov.au/cyclone for further information and warnings.
Check neighbours are aware of the situation and are preparing.

When a Cyclone WARNING is issued (within 24 hours)

A cyclone warning will be issued for your area if gales or strong winds are expected within 24 hours.
Official advice will be provided by local authorities as the event evolves.

During this time you should;

Collect children from school or childcare centre and go home, if requested by local authorities,
Park vehicles under solid shelter (hand brake on and in gear).
Heavily tape all windows. Draw curtains and lock doors.
Pack an evacuation kit of warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be taken with your emergency kit. Large/heavy valuables could be protected in a strong cupboard.
Fill your laundry sink & kitchen sink with water as a power outage will result in loss of running water. Using this water to flush the toilet will only work 1 time.
Remain indoors (with your pets). Stay tuned to your local radio/TV for further information.
Ensure your mobile phones are charged and reduce use of devices to maintain power in case of power outage.
Avoid elevator usage where possible. Although the onsite Caretaker will check elevators when the power goes out to see if anyone is caught in them, it may not be straight away and lift technicians may not be able to attend for hours depending on the severity of the storm.

**It is during this time that the Caretaker will likely change over to the emergency genset and lifts will be unavailable for use.**

When a cyclone strikes

Disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates.
Stay inside and shelter (clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building, i.e. laundry, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
Beware the calm 'eye'. If the wind drops, don't assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official 'all clear'.
If your apartment starts to break up or a window/door is smashed you may need to evacuate to the foyer. Close and lock your apartment door if you need to move out of the apartment. If absolutely necessary for your safety move into the fire stairs.
If driving, stop (handbrake on, in gear) - well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in the vehicle.
Do not use the elevators even if it is functional at the time it may not remain that way and assistance may not be available for hours.

On warning of local evacuation

Based on predicted wind speeds (over category 5) and storm surge heights, evacuation may be necessary. Official advice will be given on local radio/TV regarding safe routes and when to move.

Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for protection.
Lock doors; turn off power, gas, and water; take your evacuation and emergency kits.
If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards.
If evacuating to a public shelter or higher location, follow police and Territory Emergency Services directions.
Remember to take bedding needs and books or games for children.
Leave pets protected and with food and water.

After a cyclone

The Caretaking Team will send out SMS for important information as it becomes available

Don't go outside until officially advised it is safe by the Bureau of Meteorology or a government authority.
Check for gas leaks. Don't use electric appliances if wet.
Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice
If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don't return until advised. Use a recommended route and don't rush.
Beware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don't enter floodwaters.
Heed all warnings and don't go sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.

Post-Cyclone Contacts

Please note the Caretaking team will attend site as soon as possible after a cyclone to ensure essential services are reinstated and the site is made safe.

To report an urgent issue within the common areas that presents an immediate risk to resident safety or property, please call the Caretaker’s on 0422 251 479 (if the mobile is not answered please ensure you leave a message, alternatively send a text)

For issues within your apartment that do not relate to common property;

Tenants: Please call your property manager
Owners: Please call a contractor to attend

The Caretaking team are responsible, first and foremost, to manage common areas and should not be relied upon to assist with individual property until such time that the common areas as risk free and all services reinstated.

For updates on Power, please see updates from Power Water using the following methods;

Website: www.powerwater.com.au/customers/current_bulletins
Facebook: www.facebook.com/powerwatercorp
Twitter: www.twitter.com/powerwatercorp

The Caretaking team have a hierarchy of services that are to be repaired and reinstated;

Essential Services; Power, Water, Gas, Sewerage, Security
Secondary services; Air Conditioning, Hot Water, Elevators
Non-essential services; Free to Air television, Foxtel, Internet

Where possible the Caretaker will send out SMS or email updates to advise on current and upcoming works to these services. To report issues with non-essential services please wait at least 48 hours post-cyclone or until after all essential and secondary services are confirmed as reinstated.

For further cyclone preparation advice you can visit;

Bureau of Meteorology:     www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/checklist
NT Emergency Services Website:   www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Cyclones
NT Government Website:   https://nt.gov.au/emergency/cyclones