How to prepare for cyclones

The Pacific is no stranger to the threat of cyclone season each year. Even though we may have dealt with them before, it’s important to make sure we are always prepared before each season.

Tower has put together some safety tips to help you and your family get ready in the event of a cyclone, or major storm.

Here's what to do before one strikes:

• Trim trees and keep branches well clear of your home.
• Clear your property of any loose objects that could blow about and cause injury or damage.
• Keep materials handy for securing or repairing items like your windows and roof – tarpaulins, boards and duct tape are especially helpful.
• Fit shutters to all glass areas.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in a handy location.
• Have an emergency plan – and make sure your family know it as well.
• Keep up to date with cyclone warnings and listen to your local radio station for updates (and as soon as a warning is issued, it's a good idea to fill up your car’s fuel tank, just in case you have to evacuate).
• Make sure you have adequate house insurance – which helps you to rebuild and recover after the storm. With house insurance through Tower, you can get optional special benefit gale, windstorm, hurricane, cyclone cover.
• Take lots of photos of your house before the storm hits (both inside and outside) – this will help us make an assessment when it comes to claim time. Make sure to take photos after the storm has passed, too.
• Last but not least, we recommend having an emergency kit ready at all times. Check yours is up to date if you already have one! If you have to evacuate in a rush, your emergency kit might be the only thing you have to keep your family warm, dry and fed.