Cyclone Quick Link... Fire and Emergency Services Authority | Ph: 132 500

The threats which may affect the Shire of Roebourne have been identified by the Local Counter Disaster Committee and are documented in the Shire’s Local Counter Disaster Plan.

The Police Department is the overall controlling authority for the co-ordination of Emergency Services which include the State Emergency Service (SES), St John’s Ambulance and Fire Brigade.

Membership of the State Emergency Service within the Shire of Roebourne is made up exclusively of volunteer personnel. Members are community minded men and women who are on call 24 hours a day. All members are highly trained and prepared for the various emergencies with which it may become involved.

Units are always seeking new members and any enquiries will be most welcome. No background training is needed, though military and police training is an advantage. Contact the Local Co-ordinator for further information.

Members of the SES train in the following general areas:-

1. Operational Procedures
2. Rescue - general, search and vehicle
3. Communications and life support.

LOCAL SES UNITS

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE - KARRATHA
(Manned only during training or emergencies)
Balmoral Road, Karratha ( 9144 1848
Local Manager (OIC):Trevor Patton
Deputy Manager:Colin Elliott
Comms Officer: George Baird
Ops Officer: Donna Walker
Rescue Officer: Kathy Swetman

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CYCLONES
Tropical cyclones are a seasonally occurring natural hazard that cause considerable loss of life and material damage. In Australia, Cyclone Tracy caused the loss of 55 lives in Darwin on Christmas Day 1974. Five lives were lost when Cyclone Alby passed close to the south-west of WA in April 1978 and the most recent loss of life 97) occurred at Onslow during Cyclone Bobby in 1995.

The strongest cyclone ever to cross into Australia (Severe Tropical Cyclone Vance) narrowly missed Karratha and Dampier in March 1999 but caused millions of dollars worth of damage to Onslow and Exmouth. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.

DEFINITION AND OCCURRENCE
A tropical cyclone is a circular rotating storm of tropical origin in which the mean wind speed exceeds 63 km/h (gale force). Gale force is the threshold speed at which a cyclone is named. Wind speeds in excess of 100km/h are common by the time a cyclone crosses the coast and higher wind speeds frequently occur. Tropical cyclones can occur at any time of the year, but they are very rare outside the cyclone "season" from the beginning of November to the end of April. They are usually most frequent in February and March.

Once they cross the coast, cyclones tend to decay within 24 to 48 hours and the strong central winds die away. Dangerous flooding can occur as heavy rain falls from the decaying system.

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THE THREAT
Cyclones threaten life and property in 3 ways:-

PRECAUTIONS
As cyclones often adopt an erratic course, or suddenly change speed, it is important that you be aware of any changes at the earliest possible time. In order to do this, keep your radio tuned to the ABC or your local commercial station, WA/FAM, and listen for the most up-to-date cyclone information which is broadcast at regular intervals.

CYCLONE WATCH MESSAGE
Cyclone Watch Messages are released every 6 hours whenever there is a possibility that a cyclone may produce gale force winds on the coast within the next 48 hours, but not before 24 hours.

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CYCLONE SEASON PREPARATION
The cyclone season extends from 1st November to 30 April. Before this period the following should be undertaken:

Clean your residence or work area of unwanted materials and rubbish.
Trees of excess height and growth should be trimmed to withstand high winds.
Clear drains of rubbish or obstructions.
Have on hand a stock of emergency supplies, eg: first-aid kit, candle or torches, batteries for your portable radio, canned food, drinking water containers, etc.
Decide where best to shelter your pets. [click here for more info on your pets]
Determine location and establish cyclone tie-down areas for caravans, boats, trailers, etc.
Become familiar with the following stages of the cyclone procedures.

A cyclone has formed and may affect the area within 48 hours. Strong winds are not yet a direct threat, however precautions should be taken. Check that all preparation activities have been undertaken.
Ensure torch and radio are working
Collect first aid it, spare batteries, canned food and water containers
Clear your property of loose materials and rubbish
Get tie down equipment for caravans, trailers and small sheds
Ensure adequate shelter for family and pets

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Close shutters. Board or tape exposed windows
Store loose articles inside and fill water containers
Tie down caravans, trailers, small sheds and water tanks
Prepare safe shelter for pets or animals.
Fuel vehicles
Make sure all emergency supplies are at hand
Be prepared to move to adequate shelter quickly

Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply.
Go immediately to adequate shelter or the strongest part of the house
Make sure doors are closed and stay away from windows
Listen to the radio or monitor television for official cyclone information
If moving to an evacuation shelter, ensure you take food for 24 hours, toiletries, medication, radio, torch, clothing, bedding, reading material or games for children.Do not take pets.

The Red alert will continue for a period after the impact of the cyclone
The cyclone has passed the area but there may still be strong winds and heavy rain
Remain inside until you hear official broadcasts from the SES that it is safe to go outside
Check for dangerous items such as fallen trees, live power lines, debris or structural damage
Avoid using the telephone, except in emergencies
Check on your neighbours and commence clean-up activities as soon as practical

FOLLOW THE ABOVE PROCEDURES AND YOU CAN SAFELY RIDE OUT A CYCLONE