Be prepared the best motto for cyclone season

Save yourself from stress and the possibility of missing out by preparing your cyclone kit before a cyclone is bearing down on the Territory.

Keep in mind that power may go out, conditions may be wet and shops are likely to be shut.

And remember that small comforts like a hot cup of coffee can help calm the nerves during a cyclone — but damage from the storm could affect the quality of tap water and it could be days before power and normality are restored.

The Carey family — Brian, Nicole and Isabella, 5, — gather essentials for their cyclone survival kit. PICTURE: Fiona Harding

Essential non-food items

•A torch, preferably waterproof with plenty of batteries, candles and waterproof matches

•A portable radio and plenty of batteries

•Blankets or sleeping bags

•Strong plastic bags (for clothing, valuables etc)

•10 litres + of water per person

•A First Aid kit, First Aid manual and combination pocket knife

•Masking tape

•Portable stove, cooking gear, utensils

•Fuel for your car

•Special needs for infants, the elderly and disabled

•Medications, toiletries and sanitary supplies

•Spare change of strong protective clothes for each household member

•Copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports, licences, etc)

•Books, playing cards or games

•Money, including change for phone calls

•A copy of your household plan

•Pet supplies

•Mobile phone, spare battery and charger

•Extra car and house keys

Five-day cyclone pantry

The following will feed two people for five days. This list is a suggestion only and you may vary it according to your family’s preference and budget.

Remember all non-tinned food should be stored in airtight and waterproof containers.

Authorities do not allow cooking equipment to be taken into public shelters.

•1 box of breakfast cereal

•2 packets of crispbread

•1 packet of rice

•10 packets of instant pasta/noodles

•5 tins of fruit

•1 packet of dried fruit/nuts

•12 x 250ml boxed fruit juices

•4 cans of vegetables

•1 large packet of dried potato powder

•10 cans of meat and vegetables

•2 cans of fish

•5 cans of baked beans/three-bean mix

•1kg milk powder or 8 x 1 litre long-life milk

•1 box of tea bags

•1 jar coffee

•1 can Milo

•4 boxes/cans of instant soup

•1 jar peanut butter/jam/honey/Vegemite

Originally published by the NT Times, read the original article here.