Cyclone season is designated from 1st November - 30th April, so the time to be aware and prepared is now. During cyclone events the Bureau of Meteorology and the DFES State Emergency Service (SES) issue various warnings via the media.

  • ‘Cyclone Watch’ announcements are issued through radio and television by the Bureau of Meteorology when there is a risk that a cyclone will produce gale force winds within 48 hours (but not within 24 hours).
  • ‘Cyclone Warning’ announcements will be issued through radio and television by the Bureau of Meteorology when gale force winds are possible in less than 24 hours. The announcements will rate the severity of a cyclone from Category One (weakest) to Category Five (strongest).
  • DFES SES will issue Community Alerts during the Cyclone Warning period.
  • There are four stages of the alerts BLUE, YELLOW, RED and ALL CLEAR WITH CAUTION.
  • Alerts are issued through radio and television and for City of Karratha via this website.
  • Alerts are displayed at the Karratha SES Volunteer Headquarters on Balmoral Road (Blue, Yellow, Red lights).
  • Alerts are displayed at the City of Karratha Offices on Balmoral Road (Blue, Yellow, Red flags).

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.

 

 

tc blue alertBLUE ALERT!

 

A CYCLONE IS FORECAST - GET READY


When a BLUE ALERT has been issued, you need to start preparing. Keep up to date with the development of the cyclone through radio, television, or Internet.

 

  • Secure or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home or work.
  • Organise your emergency kit including first aid kit, essential medications, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.
  • Consider relocating people with special needs including people who are pregnant, elderly or have disabilities.
  • Identify a safe place for your pet(s) (most welfare centres do not accept pets, but do accept guide dogs).
  • Remind your family of cyclone procedures.

 

 

 

tc yellow alert YELLOW ALERT!

 

A CYCLONE IS COMING - ACT NOW

 

When a YELLOW ALERT has been issued, you need to take action Monitor radio, television or Internet for information on the cyclone’s progress, particularly any storm surge advice.

 

  • Know where your family and pets are located. Consider sheltering pets early.
  • Secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles to tie down points.
  • Store or secure other loose items like outdoor furniture that is likely to be thrown about by destructive winds.
  • Fasten all cyclone screens. Board up or heavily tape exposed windows.
  • Put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered area with the handbrake on and in park or first gear.
  • Ensure your emergency kit is complete and fill emergency containers with water.
  • Close curtains and lock doors.
  • Prepare to move quickly to the strongest part of your house or relocate to the nearest welfare centre if required.
  • If you live in a low-lying coastal area and the cyclone is likely to create a storm surge, you may be advised to relocate now. Refer to your family cyclone plan.

 

 

tc red alertRED ALERT!

A CYCLONE IS ABOUT TO STRIKE - SHELTER NOW

 

 

When a RED ALERT has been issued, you need to take shelter immediately.

 

  • Keep listening to your portable radio for information on the cyclone’s progress.
  • Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves.
  • Go immediately to the strongest, safest part of your house or the building you are in (i.e. internal hallway, bathroom or toilet) or to the closest welfare centre.
  • Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed and locked.
  • Stay inside until the ALL CLEAR is given by authorities.

 

 

tc all clear ALL CLEAR! - With Caution

 

A tropical cyclone has passed the area.

AUTHORITIES GIVE THE ALL CLEAR - BE CAREFUL.

 

 

  • Listen for information and follow advice from authorities
  • If you need to go outside, be careful because power lines could be down and there may be fallen trees, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting and other material.
  • If your property has sustained serious damage and you need help, call the SES on 132 500 for assistance.
  • For life threatening emergencies, call 000.
  • Avoid telephone use except in emergencies.
  • Start cleaning around your home - stack loose material clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines.
  • If you relocated from your home, wait for advice before you go back. If returning, take the roads recommended by authorities and do not hurry.