Emergency Contacts Police Fire Ambulance 000 Police: Bundaberg Police Station 41 539 111 C.I.B. 41 539 066 Hospitals: Bundaberg Base Hospital 41 521 222 Friendlies Hospital 41 530 777 Mater Hospital 41 539 539 SES: SES Volunteers 1300 369 003 SES Headquarters 13 2500 Electricity: Ergon Energy 131 046 Emergency Line 131 670 Faults 132 296 Bundaberg City Council: Administration 41 539 999 Water & Sewerage After hours 0419 723 386 Bureau of Meteorology General Inquiries 07 3239 8700 Cyclone Info 1300 699 212 Weather & Flood Warnings 1300 659 219 Emergency Resources Local Radio Stations ABC Radio National 100.9 FM ABC Wide Bay 100.1 FM Community Broadcasting Assoc 96.3 FM Coral Coast Community Radio 94.7 FM Hitz FM 93.9 FM Sea FM 93.1 FM Information Links Bureau of Meteorology Brisbane Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre Emergency Management - Tropical Cyclones Disaster Management Services - Cyclones Rural Fire Service Surviving Cyclones Tropical Cyclones

What is a Tropical Cyclone

Tropical Cyclones are low pressure systems in the tropics that, in the Southern Hemisphere, have well defined clockwise wind circulations with a region surrounding the centre with gale force winds.

The gale force winds a cyclone can produce can extend hundreds of kilometres from the cyclone's centre. If the winds around the centre reach 119 km/hr then the system is called a severe tropical cyclone. These are referred to as hurricanes or typhoons in other countries.

Tropical cyclones gain energy from the warm ocean waters. A cyclone will not form unless the surface of the sea is above 26.5 degrees celcius, although, once the cyclone has formed it can continue over lower-sea temperatures. Cyclone can persist for many days or even weeks. A cyclone will usually come to an end over land or the cold ocean waters.

The eye (the circular eye) or centre of a tropical cyclone is an area characterised by light winds and often by clear skies. Eye diameters are typically 40km but can range from under 10km to over 100km. The eye is surrounded by a dense ring of cloud about 16km high known as the eye wall which marks the belt of strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.

Warnings

Emergency Warning Signals:
The emergency warning signal is an audible signal that is broadcast on either television or radio. This signal would usually occur if the cyclone is a category 2 or stronger or if it is expected to hit a community within a 12 hour time frame.

Cyclone Warnings:
A cyclone warning is issued when strong or gale force winds become present and are likely to affect communities within 24 hours. A warning will details where the cyclone is located, what the wind strengths are like and rainfall. A cyclone warning is renewed every three hours with hourly warnings if the cyclone becomes a threat.

Cyclone Watch:
A cyclone watch is a notice that is given every 6 hours when there are indicators of strong or gale force winds that are expected to hit a community within 48 hours. A cyclone watch gives a brief description of the cyclone.

Emergency Kit

Emergency Supplies Torches and spare batteries Waterproof matches Masking tape Candles Cooking materials (non reliant on electricity) Spare can opener Tin foods and powdered milk Pet food First aid kit medicines, prescribed medicines and prescriptions

Communications: Portable radio Mobile Phone (if it works) Clothing/Bedding: Spare clothes Basic bedding (blanket and pillow)

Things to Remember

Fallen Power Lines
Stay clear of fallen power lines and try to warn other people of the danger. Call Ergon Energy immediately on 131 670 or 000 in life threatening situation.

Electricity
Turn off and unplug all electrical equipment including televisions, faxes, computers. A power surge can cause damage to an item even if turned off, so always unplug.

On Hearing a Cyclone Advice, Think About:

• House and surroundings - Secure all loose items and any outdoor furniture.
• Windows and doors - Board of tape windows and secure all doors.
• Cars/Motorbikes/Caravans - Make sure you vehicle is full of fuel an is secured undercover.
• Evacuation Transport - If you do not own a vehicle make arrangements for transport in case of evacuation.
• Animals - Secure pets safely undercover.
• Water and Supplies - Fill water bottle with water and stock up on food supplies.
• Refrigeration - In case of no power arrange alternative refrigeration.
• Valuable Items - Place all valuable is bags or containers (waterproof) and store them somewhere secure.
• Listen to radio - Stay updated with weather warnings.

Cyclone Categories:

Category	Wind Strength	Effects/Damage
1 (Tropical Cyclone)	Less than 125km/hr	Negligible house damage. Damage to trees, caravans and crops may occur.
2 (Tropical Cyclone)	125-169 km/hr	Minor house damage. Noticeable damage to street signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to crops. May have power failure.
3 (Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Roma)	170-224 km/hr	Roof and structural damage to houses may be relevant. Power failure likely.
4 (Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Tracy)	225-279 km/hr	Significant structural and roofing damage. Caravans destroyed and blown away. Power failure.
5 (Severe Tropical Cyclone eg. Vance)	More than 280 km/hr	Widespread destruction. Extremely dangerous winds. Power failure

Cyclone Season

Cyclone season is November to April each year.

Evacuation Procedures:

Evacuations will be broadcast on television and local radio stations. For information on evacuation procedures and plans please contact Bundaberg City Council, Police or the State Emergency Service.