Published on Thursday, 15 December 2022 at 2:52:17 PM
With an average of five tropical cyclones each season from November to April, residents are reminded to be prepared this cyclone season
Not all cyclones are created equal. While some are relatively weak and cause only minor damage, others can be truly destructive.
Most tropical cyclones will also bring heavy swells to the coast and dangerous wind and flooding to inland communities.
Residents are advised to prepare themselves and their households this cyclone season by following the below advice:
Have a plan
If everyone in your household agrees on a plan before cyclone season, you'll be much better prepared to face whatever nature throws your way.
Questions to base a plan around include;
- Where will you take shelter?
- If you are relocating to a safer place, how will you get there?
- If you are not relocating, where is the strongest part of the building?
- Who will turn off the gas, electricity and water?
- Where will you find sandbags, tape for windows and tie-down materials?
- How will you secure outdoor items such as caravans, trailers, sheds and boats and who will do this?
- Who will get cash out at an ATM and fill your vehicle with fuel?
Once the cyclone has passed, you'll also need to have a plan for what to do next.
Know when to take action
The warning system shows when and what actions you should take. When a cyclone is forecast, stay informed and monitor the alerts and warnings on Emergency WA or listen to your local ABC radio station.
Blue – Get Ready: Review your cyclone plan. Make sure your emergency and relocation kits are ready. Secure loose objects around your property.
Yellow – Act Now: Get ready to shelter in place or evacuate to a safer place. Make sure your vehicle fuel tank is full.
Red – Shelter Now: It is too late to leave. Shelter in the strongest, safest part of the building. Stay away from doors and windows.
White – Be Careful: The cyclone has passed but many hazards may still remain. Follow the advice of emergency services.
Tip: Remember, even if a cyclone is downgraded, torrential rain, strong winds and storm surge can still cause flooding.
Pack your emergency kit
An emergency kit provides essential items for your family’s short-term survival and should be stored it in an easy-to-grab place.
Remember when packing your kit that you may be without power and water for several days or weeks after a cyclone, and shops may not be open. An emergency kit provides essential items for your family’s short-term survival and should be stored it in an easy-to-grab place.
For list of items to pack in your emergency kit visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/cyclone/prepare
Stay informed
Keep up to date with information as it happens by following the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Facebook and Twitter, listening to your local ABC radio station, and visiting the Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency WA websites.
For more information and resources this cyclone season, visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/cyclone/prepare
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