Community members prompted to prepare as cyclone season settles in

With cyclone season underway, Shire of Ashburton residents are advised to prepare in the case of a weather emergency.

Our region is cyclone prone, particularly between November and April. This season we are experiencing La Nina, a climate driver that typically brings an increased frequency of cyclones.

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White is asking residents and property owners to undertake precautionary measures now to ensure safety and wellbeing of all community members in the occurrence of a severe weather event.

“Planning before a cyclone and severe weather can help save lives, minimise property damage and help your family to manage during such an event” said Councillor White.

“Cyclones can have a serious impact on our towns across the Shire, including wind damage to buildings, trees and structures and flooding that impacts our roads and accessibility well after the weather event has passed.

“At the lesser end of the scale, cyclones still have the capacity to disrupt essential services like electricity, water and gas, which can catch people off-guard if they do not have a backup plan in place.

“Prepare your property by trimming long branches and securing loose items around your home to prevent damage.

“The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) recommends ensuring you know how to switch off your gas, electricity and water at the mains.

“DFES also encourages every household to have an emergency plan and that everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a cyclone.

“Every household should also have an emergency kit that contains a first aid kit, torch and spare batteries. A battery-operated radio will allow you to keep informed with weather updates.

“Importantly, stay informed during a cyclone by keeping up to date with official channels such as the Shire website and Facebook, Emergency WA website, DFES Facebook and Twitter, by calling 13 DFES, or tune into your local radio station for recent cyclone information”.

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