The cyclone season officially runs from 1st November to 30th April each year. It is very important to remember however, that cyclones have been known to occur in every month of the year.

The State Emergency Service has the responsibility of being the Lead Combat Authority for cyclone operations, and has much information available regarding preparation for cyclones, actions to take during cyclone alerts, and general information associated with any of the possible outcomes of cyclone impact. This article deals with the general terms and procedures that every resident of the North West needs to know. Inland communities sometimes become complacent about cyclones, but this places both the individual and the community at risk - cyclones can damage and devastate an inland community as much as one of the coast.

A cyclone is an area of extreme low pressure characterised by rotating winds around a central calm "eye". The most destructive winds are closest to the eye with damaging winds sometimes extending over one hundred kilometres from the centre of the cyclone. A cyclone often produces large amounts of rain, so in addition to damage from wind gusts, flooding may occur within the affected area and associated catchment area and river basins.

In severe cyclones, wind gusts in excess of 280 km/hr can and do occur.

	Clean your residence or work area of unwanted materials and rubbish.
	Trim trees of excess height and growth to enable them to withstand higher winds. Council's annual free clean-up takes away any rubbish.
	Clear drains of rubbish or obstructions
	Have available emergency supplies - first aid kit, torch (and batteries), canned food, portable radio (and batteries), drinking water containers.
	Decide where best to shelter your pets.
	Organize tie down areas and supplies for caravans, boats, trailers, etc.

Alert stages come in two varieties. The meteorological bureau issues watches and warnings, and the State Emergency Service issues Alert stages in terms of colour. The State Emergency Service uses the watches and warnings to determine community alert stages.

	Clear your area of all loose material and rubbish not required.
	Check cyclone screens are available or securely fitted in place.
	Emergency supplies are at hand.
	Tie down equipment is available for boats, trailers, caravans, etc.
	Observe economy in the use of water

	Ensure that all loose material and objects around buildings are securely fastened into position.
	Check that all cyclone screens are securely fastened into position.
	Tie down boats, caravans, trailers, etc.
	Prepare safe shelters for pets and animals.
	Top up vehicle fuel tanks.
	Fill emergency containers with water and make sure all other emergency supplies are at hand.

	All personnel should make arrangements to be in their residences/shelter areas when the cyclone arrives.
	Ensure pets / animals are safety sheltered.
	Park your vehicle in a sheltered area, apply hand brake, and engage park or reverse.
	During the height of the cyclone, keep clear of windows and stay in the most sheltered part of your house.
	Should the eye of the cyclone pass immediately over the area, the wind will temporarily drop and then blow in the opposite direction.
	Except in extreme emergencies, stay indoors until the cyclone all clear is announced

	fallen trees, live power lines.
	broken water and drain lines, loose sheeting or debris.
	Commence clean-up activities as soon as possible.
	Report danger situations to the relevant authorities.

The above alert stages are available on the local radio and television stations in your region. Coloured flags in some towns also indicate alert status.

In Onslow: Coloured flags are located at the police station and shire offices.

In Tom Price: Coloured flags are located on top of Snake Hill - opposite the area W bridge.

In Paraburdoo: Coloured flags are located at the Police Station.

In Pannawonica: Coloured flags are located at the Police Station and Flashing Coloured Lights are used at the same location.

It is your responsibility to be prepared and be informed. If your neighbours are unaware of the above, do your bit and educate them. If a cyclone forms, track it and do your preparations early. If they are not needed, it doesn't matter, but if they are needed you have protected yourself, your family and your friends - you have done the right thing to help your community to ride out a cyclone impact.

For any further information please contact your local State Emergency Service Unit.

Normal household services and facilities such as water supply, water disposal and food preservation may break down in disasters such as cyclone, earthquake, flood and fire, with risks to your health. Mains water supply may be polluted or may be cut off altogether. Sewerage systems, septic systems or sanitary pan collection may not operate. Garbage collection and disposal may be impossible. Electric power failure or fuel shortage may put refrigerators, deep freezers and cooking appliances out of action, spoiling your food supplies, and perhaps making it impossible even to boil water for drinking.

Set out below are some things you can do until normal services are restored listen for further advice on your radio.

	Water of doubtful purity should be boiled.
	If there is no power or fuel, water can be made safe for drinking by:

Adding concentrated household hypochlorite bleach, up to 10 drops per litre and leaving for 30 minutes. More than 10 drops may be needed if the water is very turbid or the bleach very old. If the right amount has been added, the water treated should smell faintly of chlorine; or