North West locals urged to prepare ahead of the festive season

Friday 15 December 2017

North West locals are being urged to give hard working volunteers the gift of preparedness this festive wet season.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s El Niño Southern Oscillation Outlook was officially raised to La Niña this month, meaning warmer water temperatures north of Australia will increase the chance of a cyclone developing.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Country Operations Graham Swift said emergency services volunteers had spent the past few months battling a demanding Northern bushfire season, with there being little reprieve for them before the full force of the wet season hits.

“Our volunteers have done a magnificent job fighting thousands of fires across the North of our State in recent months, with 382 fires in the Kimberley and 243 bushfires in the Pilbara this season,” Assistant Commissioner Swift said.

“Their efforts at Tom Price, Roebourne, Newman, Leopold Downs, Kununurra and Mueller Ranges to name just a few of the blazes this past bushfire season, are testament to their tenacity and commitment to helping the community.

“I’m now asking the community to do what they can to help themselves, so we can hopefully give our volunteers a well needed Christmas break, while keeping everyone safe.”

Tidying around your property including trimming trees and securing loose items that could become projectiles in strong winds are just some of the steps households can take to prepare.

“Taking time now to prepare and plan can save you both emotional and financial hardship when severe weather events strike and cause serious destruction,” Assistant Commissioner Swift said.

“If you don’t have your emergency kit ready, equipped with a portable radio, torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, mobile phone and power bank, and enough food and water for at least four days, it’s worth adding one to your Christmas wishlist. It may be the best gift you’ll ever receive.”

For more information about preparing your family and home for the wet season visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare

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Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543