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Cyclone
Quick Link... Fire
and Emergency Services Authority | Ph: 132 500
CYCLONE
INFORMATION
Cyclone season extends from 1 November to 30 April. When a cyclone approaches you should listen to your local radio station or monitor your television for cyclone information.
Disaster can strike
anywhere and at anytime, with or without warning and may be either
of natural or man-made causes. Such disasters include cyclones,
earthquakes, flooding, fire, lost or missing persons, trapped
persons (building collapse), major motor car, truck or bus accident
and aircraft crash.
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
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KARRATHA/DAMPIER
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Balmoral
Rd
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(
9144 1848
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Local Manager -
Trevor Patton |
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ROEBOURNE
DISTRICT UNIT
[Wickham, Roebourne / Point Samson]
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2a
& 2b Wickham Drive
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(
9187 1800
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Call-out
0438 884 223
Co-ordinator, Gary Tower
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POLICE
CONTROLLERS
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KARRATHA
ROEBOURNE
WICKHAM
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Police
Sgt (
9144 2233
Police Sgt (
9182 1133
Police Sgt (
9187 1444 |
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:-
1. Fluctuating
wind pressure can weaken and possibly cause the collapse of buildings
and other structures.
2. Loose objects, such as patio furniture, rubbish bins, dog
kennels or building material, become lethal wind borne projectiles
that can cause severe structural damage to homes and kill or injure
people in their path.
3. Flooding, due to an abnormal rise in the level of the ocean
(storm surge) caused by the cyclone or as a result of heavy rainfall
in river catchments.
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.
Precaution
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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- Action
The cyclone is moving closer to the area and appears inevitable within 12 hours. High winds are likely to occur and residents should take action.
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
Shelter - A cyclone
is imminent - destructive winds are likely to occur soon.
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.
- with caution
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
SCHOOL
TEACHERS: Explain this information
to children and ask them to explain it to their parents,
particularly where the parents may not read or understand
English.
PARENTS:
Schools will be closed on a Yellow Alert. Parents are
to make appropriate arrangements. For further information
contact your School Principal.
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Tips For Pet Owners
Your animals are your responsibility. Plan ahead to be
prepared. Better planning ensures better safety and improved welfare
for your animals, avoiding unnecessary danger and anxiety.
Preparation
Prepare
a disaster plan and kit for each pet.
For
each pet, get a carrier that is large enough for your pet to stand
and turn around
Be
sure your pet has current vaccinations.
In
your home disaster plan, record contact phone numbers and addresses
of your Vet, local animal welfare agencies and Council Animal
Control office.
Be
sure your pet has a current registration tag/a second method of
identification, such as a tattoo or implanted microchip.
Keep
with you a current photograph of your pet, in case your pet is
lost.
If
you stay at home, prepare an easily cleaned room or bathroom or
laundry for your pet, preferably with small or no windows.
Keep
a good supply of newspapers for your pet's sanitary needs.
For
each pet, have two weeks supply of medication, food and water.
Keep
a leash handy at all times.
If
you will be evacuating your pet, consider safe relocation options.
For example investigate temporary animal shelters or safe refuge
with family or friends.
Evacuating Your Home Without Your Pet
Evacuate
early to avoid unnecessary risk to you and your animals.
Remember,
public evacuation centres will not take your pets. (Guide dogs
excepted.)
Bring
your pet indoors to the prepared safe area.
Leave
approximately 3 days worth of pet food in sturdy containers accessible
to your pet.
Birds
must eat daily - put special food dispensers in their cage.
For
pet drinking water, fill the bathtub or fill non-spillable containers.
Disinfect the toilet bowl, flush well, and leave lid open.
Be
sure to leave ample water in hot conditions.
Allow
your pet access to elevated areas/furniture in the event of flooding
Consider
leaving comfort items with your pet to reduce anxiety, for example
their bed and toys.
Never
leave a cat with a dog in the same room, even if they get along.
Leave
a note on the door warning of an animal in the room in the event
Emergency Services enter your home.
Evacuating With Your Pet
Don't leave animals in vehicles.
Consider
taking with you your pet's comfort items reduce their anxiety,
for example their bed and toys.
Also
carry your pet's grooming items, paper towels, rubbish bags and
disinfectant.
Use
pet carriers for dogs and cats. Be sure that they are large enough
for your pet to stand up in, turn around and lie down.
Carry
leashes.
After The Threat Has Passed
Keep
pets inside after a cyclone. If you take your pets outside, keep
your dog on a lead and your cat in a carrier
Check
with relevant authorities regarding missing animals.
Take
care when releasing animals, their environment may have been severely
damaged and the animals may be very disoriented, frightened or
aggressive.
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