Cyclone Preparedness
Should you require assistance at any stage, please contact your FESA State Emergency Service District Office or your local SES unit.
For all life threatening emergencies, call 000
State Emergency Service (For Emergency Only) 1300 1300 39 |
 How Cyclones ThreatenCyclones threaten life and property in three ways
- FLUCTUATING WIND PRESSURE can weaken and possibly collapse buildings and other structures.
- LOOSE OBJECTS ie patio furniture, rubbish bins, dog kennels or building material, become lethal wind-borne projectiles that can cause severe damage to homes, and kill or injure people in their path.
- FLOODING, due to an abnormal rising of the ocean or as a result of heavy rainfall in river catchments.
Broadcast SchedulesDuring a cyclone, the WATCH and WARNING messages are broadcast on the ABC Regional Radio network at quarter past the hour - 6DB 873AM. The Bureau of Meteorology issues messages at 1am, 7am, 1pm & 7pm during the WATCH PHASE, and at 1am. 4am, 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm during the WARNING PHASE. Both messages inform of the cyclone’s position, movement, severity and current coastal areas under threat.
Australian Tropical Cyclone Severity CategoriesThe severity of a cyclone ranges from 1 - 5; 5 being the most severe.
| Category | Average Wind Speed | Central Pressure | | 1 | 63-90 km/h | 985 + hPa | | 2 | 90-120 km/h | 985 - 970 hPa | | 3 | 120-160 km/h | 970 - 945 hPa | | 4 | 160-200 km/h | 945 - 920 hPa | | 5 | 200+ km/h | Less than 920 hPa |
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Be Prepared For Cyclones
The Cyclone season extends from November 1 to April 30, but before the season begins a number of precautions should be undertaken.
- Clean up loose materials and rubbish from yard.
- Trim trees of excess height to withstand high winds.
- Clear drains of rubbish or obstructions.
- Have on hand emergency supplies; eg first aid kit, candles, tinned food, water containers, etc.
- Decide where best to shelter your pets.
- Determine location and establish cyclone tie-down areas for caravans, boats, trailers, etc.
- Be familiar with the 3 stages of the cyclone alert.
| Stage Blue | A cyclone has formed and may affect the area within 48 hours. Check that all preparation activities have been undertaken. | | Stage Yellow | The cyclone is moving close to the area and appears inevitable in 12 hours. | | Stage Red | The cyclone is imminent. |
The following information is available for download to help you prepare for cyclones:
Documents
| File Type | File Size | File Name | File Description |  | 419kb | Cyclone Ready for Residents | A pamphlet produced by FESA to inform you about the nature, effects and possible damage that a cyclone can cause. | | | 1484kb | Cyclone Tracking Map | A cyclone tracking map produced by ABC Local Radio, FESA, Bureau of Meteorology and the Government of Western Australia. |
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(Information supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology and the Fire & Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia)
Links
The following websites provide current information on cyclones and cyclone tracking:
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