Cyclone prep vital: SES

With cyclone season starting, Hedland’s State Emergency Service Unit has urged residents to be prepared.

While the Bureau of Meteorology predicted a 63 per cent chance of an above-average number of cyclones in North West WA, Hedland SES local manager Keith Squibb warned locals not to focus on the number.

“You only need one cyclone to impact on a coastal community for it to be a bad season,” he said.

“We’re trying to get the message across not to fixate on the number. Focus on the fact that one is coming and you need to prepare.”

Port Hedland SES, a subsection of Department of Fire and Emergency Services, is responsible for planning, preparation, prevention, response and recovery during disasters such as cyclones.

Mr Squibb said it was not the wind and rain which would cause damage.

“What does the damage is if you fail to clean up your property and the wind picks up a loose object and turns that into a projectile,” he said.

“That’s the key number one rule. Make sure your property is clean, tidy and things are put away.”

From there, Mr Squibb said residents needed to know what their emergency plan will be, particularly for young families.

“Residents have one of three options during a cyclone warning. Stay in their homes, go to a welfare centre or leave town,” he said.

The Hedland SES encourages locals to be patient and understanding in the event of a cyclone.

“The SES are volunteers, so are the fireys and St John ambulance crews,” said Mr Squibb.

“Be aware that these people have sacrificed a lot to help the community, they’re leaving their families to help yours.

“All volunteer emergency services in town do what they can.”

If you are concerned about what to do in the event of a cyclone alert, call Hedland SES on 9140 1300 or visit dfes.wa.gov.au.