The cyclone season officially runs from 1st November to 30th April each year. It is very important to remember, however, that cyclones have been known to occur every month of the year.
The Department of Fire & Emergency Services is the designated Hazard Management Agency for Cyclones in Western Australia and has much information available regarding preparation for cyclones, actions to take during cyclone alerts, and general information associated with any of the possible outcomes of cyclone impact. Our communities sometimes become complacent about cyclones, this places both the individual and the community at risk - cyclones can damage and devastate our communities as we experienced in 2015 with Cyclone Olwyn.
The Department of Fire & Emergency Services launched the 'Be the calm before the Storm' campaign which feature Carnarvon and local residents from the Gascoyne:
What is a Cyclone?
A cyclone is an area of extremely low pressure characterised by rotating winds around a central calm "eye". The most destructive winds are closest to the eye, with damaging winds sometimes extending over one hundred kilometres from the centre of the cyclone. A cyclone often produces large amounts of rain. In addition to damage from wind gusts, flooding may occur within the affected area, associated catchment area and river basins.
In severe cyclones, wind gusts in excess of 280 km/hr can and do occur.
Pre-Cyclone Season Preparation
One of the most important things that any individual can do is to prepare their property for the cyclone season. Preparing properly means that damage from a cyclone impact is minimised. This may contribute to the saving of both life and property.
DFES recommends that the following be undertaken before the season commences.
- Clean your residence or work area of unwanted materials and rubbish.
- Trim trees of excess height and growth to enable them to withstand higher winds. Council's annual free clean-up takes away any rubbish.
- Clear drains of rubbish or obstructions.
- Have available emergency supplies - first aid kit, torch (and batteries), canned food, portable radio (and batteries), drinking water containers.
- Decide where best to shelter your pets.
- Organise tie-down areas and supplies for caravans, boats, trailers, etc.
Public Warning System
Community Alerts are available on the local radio, ABC North West and television stations. It is a good idea to have a battery-operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries on hand to keep up to date with the regular updates broadcasted.
Available Radio Stations for Carnarvon and Coral Bay
6LN – 666AM
6CA – 846AM
6PNN – 106.1AM
ABC NORTHWEST - 702AM
Download the ABC Listen App on Apple or Android devices, and select ABC Pilbara - Note this will only be accessible if mobile data signal is available.
Your responsibility
It is your responsibility to be prepared and be informed. If your neighbours are unaware of the following information, do your bit and educate them. If a cyclone forms, track it and do your preparations early. If they are not needed, it doesn't matter, but if they are needed you have protected yourself, your family and your friends - you have done the right thing to help your community to ride out a cyclone impact.
It is your responsibility to ensure everyone, including pets remain inside your home or evacuation centre for the duration of the Red Alert.
For any further information please contact your local State Emergency Service Unit.
Sanitary Precautions in the Home in Natural Disasters
Normal household services and facilities such as water supply, water disposal and food preservation may break down in disasters such as cyclone, earthquake, flood and fire, with risks to your health. The mains water supply may be polluted or may be cut off altogether. Sewerage systems, septic systems or sanitary pan collection may not operate. Garbage collection and disposal may be impossible. Electric power failure or fuel shortage may put refrigerators, deep freezers and cooking appliances out of action, spoiling your food supplies, and perhaps making it impossible even to boil water for drinking.
Set out below are some things you can do until normal services are restored. Listen for further advice on your radio.
Water
The water of doubtful purity should be boiled.
If there is no power or fuel, water can be made safe for drinking by:
Adding concentrated household hypochlorite bleach, up to 10 drops per litre and leaving for 30 minutes. More than 10 drops may be needed if the water is very turbid or the bleach very old. If the right amount has been added, the water treated should smell faintly of chlorine; or
Adding 'Milton' (baby's bottle steriliser) in the same proportions as for bleach; or adding chlorine-based water purifying tablets e.g. 'Puritabs' which, after contact with water for 30 minutes, destroy most pathogenic organisms. Add one tablet to one litre of water, shake well to dissolve the tablet and allow to stand for half an hour. Where the water is suspected of being highly polluted, two tablets per litre can be safely used.
Take care, not to wastewater. Dirty water, polluted water or even seawater can be used to flush toilets. You can wash with a cupful of clean water and soapy cloth. If the water is cut off, save the water in your hot water system for drinking, cooking and kitchen use. Turn off power to the hot water system.
Food
Eventual food spoilage cannot be prevented if refrigerators or deep freezers are not operating, but it can be minimised by:
- Cooking and eating perishable non-frozen foods first
- Opening your refrigerator or deep freeze only to take food out to eat, and as infrequently as possible leaving bottles or cans of drinks, water containers in the refrigerator to act as a 'cold source'.
- Storing cooked foods, butter etc. in an improvised "Coolgardie safe" (a well-ventilated container covered with a wet blanket, sheet or towels in a shaded breezy place)
- Discarding rotting or tainted food (bury or incinerate) before it taints other food.
Alert Stages & Procedures
There are 4 Alert Stages, Blue, Yellow, Red and All Clear. The meteorological bureau issues watches and warnings, and the State Emergency Service issues Alert stages in terms of colour.
Coloured lights indicate alert status
In Carnarvon, you will see the Alert Lights on the tower at the SES behind the Civic Centre. You will also be required to keep up with the broadcasted alerts on TV and radio
In Coral Bay, you will be required to keep up with the broadcasted alerts on TV and radio. It is also good practice to keep in touch with the local emergency services volunteers.
Blue Alert
A cyclone has formed and may affect the area within 48 hours. Check the following:
- Clear your area of all loose material and rubbish.
- Check all doors and windows are secure.
- Emergency supplies are at hand and fully stocked.
- Tie down equipment is available for boats, trailers, caravans, etc.
- Observe economy in the use of water.
- Check that generators are operational and fuel on hand ready for use.
Yellow Alert
The cyclone is moving closer and appears inevitable within 12 hours. Carry out the following activities:
- Ensure that all loose material and objects around buildings are securely fastened into position.
- Check that all cyclone screens are securely fastened into position (where available).
- Tie down boats, caravans, trailers, etc.
- Prepare safe shelters for pets and animals.
- Top up vehicle fuel tanks.
- Fill emergency containers with water and make sure all other emergency supplies are at hand.
Red Alert
The cyclone is imminent:
- All personnel should make arrangements to be in their residences/shelter areas when the cyclone arrives.
- Ensure pets / animals are safety sheltered.
- Park your vehicle in a sheltered area, apply hand brake, and engage park or reverse.
- During the height of the cyclone, keep clear of windows and stay in the most sheltered part of your house.
- Should the eye of the cyclone pass immediately over the area, the wind will temporarily drop and then blow in the opposite direction. Except in extreme emergencies, stay indoors until the cyclone all clear is announced.
- If you are unavoidably caught in an unprotected area, make your way stooping or crawling, to shelter. Otherwise lie down and hang on.
- Continue to listen to your radio each hour for up-to-date instructions affecting your area.
- Stay indoors at all times until All clear has been given.
Emergency services will not place their staff and volunteers in danger to go out in a RED ALERT!
Staying inside your homes will protect you, your family and others, as there will be dangerous debris flying around during the period the cyclone is passing.
All Clear
The cyclone has passed the area but there may still be high wind and heavy rain. When venturing outdoors, do so with caution.
Check for the following danger items:
- fallen trees, live power lines.
- broken water and drain lines, loose sheeting or debris.
- Commence clean-up activities as soon as possible.
- Report dangerous situations to the relevant authorities.
Stay informed