Travellers to Western Australia’s north are being urged to prepare for cyclones and floods this holiday period in a new digital advertising campaign.
The ‘Be the calm before the storm’ safety campaign from DFES targets tourists who may be unfamiliar with the destructive winds, heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, storm tides and dangerous swells that cyclones can bring during the wet season.
With a weather trough currently gathering intensity off Australia’s north coast, travellers and local residents should be aware of the impending potential for severe weather in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Midwest-Gascoyne regions over the coming week.
The campaign features a series of short light-hearted digital videos featuring local Exmouth and Carnarvon State Emergency Service and Marine Rescue volunteers, and DFES staff asking visitors to safe during the wet season.
New fact sheets about getting prepared and staying aware of cyclone and flood risks while travelling will also be available in tourist information centres, and can be downloaded online.
Tourists are reminded that when the Bureau of Meteorology issues a Cyclone Watch, this should be their trigger to leave the forecast impact area so they do not put additional pressure on local emergency services volunteers and staff.
To find out more about preparing for cyclone risks, visit https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/cyclone
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
“We know many Western Australians are visiting new and unfamiliar areas during the holiday period, so it’s important travellers understand and plan for the potential risks they may face.
“If you’re travelling north, speak to your family or your fellow travellers about what you will do if a cyclone or tropical low approaches the coast.
“Before you leave make a cyclone plan and pack an emergency kit, and while you’re away stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and local radio bulletins and check the Emergency WA website.
“A little extra preparation and information will make sure your holiday remains the best it can be.”
