Alert levels

It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate cyclone information in an emergency.

Visit Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA (DFES WA ) or Emergency WA websites and listen to ABC local radio (702AM). The City will follow advice from DFES to guide its decisions and communications.

The following information will help you respond to Alerts issued by DFES.

Blue alert

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.
Find out when shops and businesses will close and when to collect your children from school.
Secure or remove loose material and rubbish from around your home or business.
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 the strongest part of your house or the closest welfare centre.
Identify a safe place for your pet.
Ensure you have adequate tie down materials or anchor points for loose items.
Organise a gas barbeque or portable stove to use outside in a dry, ventilated area, in case electricity is cut.

Yellow alert

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 gas bottles to tie down points.
Store or secure other loose items like outdoor furniture that is likely to be disturbed by destructive winds.
Be aware that shops will be closing.
Obtain cash as electronic banking services may not be available.

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.
Make sure your neighbours have received this warning. If you are ready and they need help, give them a hand.
Fasten all cyclone screens. Board up or heavily tape exposed windows. Close curtains and lock doors.
Pack a relocation kit, including warm clothes. Place valuables, important papers and photos in waterproof bags to be taken with your emergency kit.

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.

Red alert

Take shelter immediately when a RED ALERT has been issued.

Keep listening to your portable radio for information on the cyclone’s progress.
Disconnect electrical appliances and turn off gas supply valves.
Ensure pets and animals are safely sheltered.
Go immediately to the strongest, safest part of your house or the building you are in – have two walls between you and the outside of your house, such as an internal hallway – or go to the closest welfare centre.
Keep your emergency kit with you.

All Clear

When an official ALL CLEAR notice is issued, you need to take care to avoid dangers caused by damage.

Listen for information and follow advice from authorities.
If you need to go outside, be careful as there may be fallen trees, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting and other materials.
Check to see if your neighbours are safe.
Check the whereabouts of pets and animals.

If your property has sustained serious damage and you need help, call the SES on 132 500 for assistance.
Call 000 for life threatening emergencies.
Avoid telephone use except in emergencies.
Start cleaning up around your home – stack loose material clear of water meters, valves and telephone lines.
If you relocated from your home, wait for advice to return. If returning, take the roads recommended by authorities and do not hurry.

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