EMERGENCY SERVICES
You can learn all about the Department of Emergency Services, read their publications and view the latest news and much more by visiting their website.
Warnings
Emergency Warning Signals:
The emergency warning signal is an audible signal that is broadcast on either television or radio. This signal would usually occur if the cyclone is a category 2 or stronger or if it is expected to hit a community within a 12 hour time frame.
Cyclone Warnings:
A cyclone warning is issued when strong or gale force winds become present and are likely to affect communities within 24 hours. A warning will details where the cyclone is located, what the wind strengths are like and rainfall. A cyclone warning is renewed every three hours with hourly warnings if the cyclone becomes a threat.
Cyclone Watch:
A cyclone watch is a notice that is given every 6 hours when there are indicators of strong or gale force winds that are expected to hit a community within 48 hours. A cyclone watch gives a brief description of the cyclone.
Emergency Kit
Emergency Supplies
- Torches and spare batteries
- Waterproof matches
- Masking tape
- Candles
- Cooking materials (non reliant on electricity)
- Spare can opener
- Tin foods and powdered milk
- Pet food
- First aid kit
- medicines, prescribed medicines and prescriptions
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Communications:
- Portable radio
- Mobile Phone (if it works)
Clothing/Bedding:
- Spare clothes
- Basic bedding (blanket and pillow)
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Things to Remember
Fallen Power Lines
Stay clear of fallen power lines and try to warn other people of the danger. Call Ergon Energy immediately on 131 670 or 000 in life threatening situation.
Electricity
Turn off and unplug all electrical equipment including televisions, faxes, computers. A power surge can cause damage to an item even if turned off, so always unplug.
On Hearing a Cyclone Advice, Think About:
- House and surroundings - Secure all loose items and any outdoor furniture.
- Windows and doors - Board of tape windows and secure all doors.
- Cars/Motorbikes/Caravans - Make sure you vehicle is full of fuel an is secured undercover.
- Evacuation Transport - If you do not own a vehicle make arrangements for transport in case of evacuation.
- Animals - Secure pets safely undercover.
- Water and Supplies - Fill water bottle with water and stock up on food supplies.
- Refrigeration - In case of no power arrange alternative refrigeration.
- Valuable Items - Place all valuable is bags or containers (waterproof) and store them somewhere secure.
- Listen to radio - Stay updated with weather warnings.
Cyclone Categories:
| Category | Wind Strength | Effects/Damage |
1
(Tropical Cyclone) |
Less than 125km/hr |
Negligible house damage. Damage to trees, caravans and crops may occur. |
2
(Tropical Cyclone) |
125-169 km/hr |
Minor house damage. Noticeable damage to street signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to crops. May have power failure. |
3
(Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Roma) |
170-224 km/hr |
Roof and structural damage to houses may be relevant. Power failure likely. |
4
(Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Tracy) |
225-279 km/hr |
Significant structural and roofing damage. Caravans destroyed and blown away. Power failure. |
5
(Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Vance) |
More than 280 km/hr |
Widespread destruction. Extremely dangerous winds. Power failure |
Evacuation Procedures:
Evacuations will be broadcast on television and local radio stations. For information on evacuation procedures and plans please contact Bundaberg Regional Council, Police or the State Emergency Service.
Storm Surge
A storm surge
is a raised dome of sea water typically 60km to 80km across and
2 metres to 5 metres above the normal sea level.
As a cyclone
reaches the coast the huge winds whip up the sea and push the
dome of water over low-lying coastal areas.
The waves
and sea water can move inland quite quickly, damaging buildings
and cutting off escape routes. There is a high risk of drowning.
A storm surge
is not the same as a tidal wave (which is a towering wall of sea
water which comes crashing into shore). A storm surge comes in
like a rapidly rising tide but it can be extremely dangerous and
destructive.
The height
of the storm surge will depend on the following:
- The intensity
of the cyclone - the stronger the winds the higher the surge.
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- The speed
of the cyclone - the faster the cyclone crosses the coast
the higher the surge.
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- The angle
at which the cyclone crosses the coast - a right angle crossing
will increase the surge.
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- The shape
of the sea floor - the more gentle the slope the greater the
surge.
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- Local
features such as bays, head lands or islands can funnel the
surge and amplify its height.
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If the cyclone
crosses the coast at high tide, the flooding will be at its worst.
For further information on storm surges please visit the State Disaster Management website
Stormsurge Maps
