Top Enders should prepare for cyclone threat

As the chance of a tropical cyclone affecting the Top End builds Territorians are reminded to review their insurance cover before it’s too late.

 Advice issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at 2:15pm today said the likelihood of a cyclone forming in our region on Saturday was ‘high’ (more than 50 per cent).

 TIO General Manager Insurance Michael Hoare said most insurers required cover or policy changes to be in place at least 72 hours before an extreme weather event.

 He said now is the time for people to contact TIO to purchase or update their cover.

“When a tropical cyclone is called it’s unfortunately too late for people to make changes to their policies,” Mr Hoare said.

“We encourage Top Enders to look at their cover for cyclone, flood and storm surge. TIO customers are automatically covered but those insured elsewhere should check their policies carefully.”

Mr Hoare also advised Territorians to prepare their homes and families for a cyclone by:

• Having a personal disaster plan for their family, including where to go and what to do in the case of storm surge or flooding
• Preparing an emergency kit with portable radio, fresh batteries, non-perishable food, water and enclosed footwear. Don’t forget special medical or baby needs.
• Secure loose items and plan how to protect personal belongings, photographs and documents.
• Care for friends and neighbours.

 For more information visit www.tiofi.com.au or call 1300 301 833.

 

Six top online and social sources for Top End cyclone information

By Tracy Jones

With the cyclone season now upon us, all of us in the Top End need to be prepared. With your cyclone kit packed, your insurance updated and your family emergency plan updated, you need to think about how you will access the information you need to get through.

Our research at Creative Territory has shown us that up to 90 per cent of Top Enders are now using the web and social media to find out what is going on. The problem is, the social media space is now so overcrowded with “experts” it is hard to know who to trust.

Here’s our advice on where to go, depending on the type of information you are looking for:

1.       For official weather information go to www.bom.gov.au The Bureau of Meteorology issues all official cyclone watches and warnings. It is also the place to watch the latest radar information. You can also see radar images by downloading the Rain? app on your mobile phone or tablet device.

2.       For official updates on government information and services, go to www.secureNT.nt.gov.au This site aggregates information from all NT Government agencies in one place. It also includes useful tips to help you get ready for the season. You can also like secureNT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/secureNT) or follow them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/@secureterritory). This is a trusted source for official information.

3.       If you are looking for more colour and interest but still want to have a reasonable level of trust in the information, use local traditional media outlets. ABC regularly updates its website with the latest information. ABC Darwin, The NT News and Nine News Darwin have very active social media channels through both Facebook and Twitter.

4.       A number of websites provide great professional and para-professional commentary on weather conditions as they change. Try www.northauschasers.com , the Weather Channel or Weather Zone.

5.       In Twitter, do a search for hashtags that will help you sift through information. For example, in the Top End, search for #topend which is used by many locals to help index their Tweets. Once a cyclone is declared, many Tweets will use the appropriate hashtag – for example, during Cyclone Carlos in Darwin many people used #Carlos or #TCCarlos  Just be aware that not all this information can be trusted – not because people are trying to fool you, but because not everyone has accurate information.

6.       Watch out for what your friends are saying and see what people you follow are saying. They’ll provide you with a very local weather forecast right from their own home.