Cyclones
The main natural threat to the Broome area is the unpredictable cyclone.
When a cyclone warning is issued from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre (TCWC) in Perth, the Local Emergency Operations Centre is activated and staffed by SES volunteers.
When Yellow Alert is issued the Operations Centre is staffed 24 hours a day and can be contacted on 9193 5999 for information.
Cyclone Warnings
Warnings will be issued on ABC radio and other local radio and television stations.
The standard emergency warning signal (SEWS) is the main public warning for cyclones. Outlying communities and pastoral stations will be advised by the Operations Centre.
Preparation
The cyclone season extends from 1 November to 30 April. Preparing your family and your home for a cyclone is your responsibility.
If you live in a cyclone prone area, you should make it a priority between May and October to get your home ready inside and out.
Before cyclone season think about how you can help keep you and your family safe.
Around your home
- Ensure your home meets local council standards.
- Decide whether it is safe to stay during a cyclone. Consider if your walls, roof and eaves are secure.
- Store or weigh down loose objects around your home like outdoor furniture that could be picked up and thrown by strong winds, causing damage or injury
- Trim branches and treetops around your home.
- Clear drains of rubbish and debris.
- Fix shutters or metal screens to all your glass windows and doors.
- Ensure you have double locks on external doors.
- Learn how to switch off the electricity, gas and water.
- Have enough tie-downs for your trailer, boat, caravan and garden sheds.
- Ensure your insurance covers you for cyclones.
Your family
- Prepare a family cyclone plan. Consider who will collect the children from school and get cash out.
- If your home is in a low lying area decide where you and your family can relocate to on safe, high ground in case of storm surge.
- Learn the community alert stages (blue, yellow, red and all clear) and the steps for each.
- Organise an emergency kit with a portable battery operated radio, torch, new spare batteries, first aid kit and enough food and water for four days.
- Have a list of emergency phone numbers on display.
- Learn where your nearest welfare centre is located.
- Have a waterproof container to store your important documents (wills, passports and certificates etc).
- Consider whether your family would need special help to relocate during a cyclone, especially if they are pregnant, elderly or have a disability.
- Learn about existing local plans including the Local Tropical Cyclone Plan.
Your pets
- Be aware that you cannot take pets with you to a welfare centre.
- Consider whether you will relocate your pets with family or friends or whether you will secure them in the strongest part of your home with food and water.
- Ensure your pet's tags and registrations up to date for proper identification.
At the start of each season, the Shire conducts a special rubbish collection and will take away all your household junk if you put it on the verge at the appointed time.
FOLLOW OFFICIAL WARNINGS AND ADVICE AT ALL TIMES.
FOR SES ASSISTANCE CALL 132 500. FOR LIFE THREATNING EMERGENCIES CALL 000