Cyclone and flood preparations simple and essential
With less than one month until the start of the Wet Season, people in the State’s northern parts are being urged to carry out preparations that may protect them from the destruction cyclones and floods can cause. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Bureau of Meteorology will hold a series of public meetings in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Midwest Gascoyne regions starting from Monday, 14 October.
The Cyclone Awareness Tour meetings will include a presentation about the Bureau of Meteorology’s annual seasonal outlook. DFES Country Assistant Commissioner Chris Arnol said the tour was an opportunity for people in the North West to be reminded about how they could best prepare for the season and keep their families safe. “The meetings are open to people who live or travel through the area, and want more information about what they can expect on the frequency and severity of cyclones,” he said.
Five cyclones formed off the State’s North West coast last season. Two cyclones crossed the coast with Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty being the most significant, crossing as a Category 3 cyclone. Assistant Commissioner Arnol said simple preparations people could undertake now included securing loose items around the home, trimming trees and preparing an emergency kit that includes a portable battery operated radio. “During Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty in February, there was a Red Alert in place for several days across the Pilbara and significant flooding that led to community emergency evacuations,” he said.
“Whether you work, live or are travelling through the North West, you need to know the cyclone community alerts system and what to do for each alert level, especially if another large cyclone such as Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty again lingers near the coast. “It is your responsibility to plan and prepare for the upcoming season.”
For more information on how to prepare for a cyclone or flood, visit the DFES website www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safety information/cyclone to download a Cyclone or Flood Smart Kit.
Public Sessions – 2013 Public Information Session Schedule.doc
