Cyclone Safety

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Vanuatu General Information.....

Cyclone Safety Procedures

These procedures have been produced by the Vanuatu National Disaster Management Office and are copied from the inside of our local telephone book. Alert information is also broadcast on Radio Vanuatu, FM 98, Radio Australia and Radio New Zealand. When I first read the information below I wondered just what we had got ourselves into.

Pre Season Preparations

The cyclone season commences in November each year and continues until the end of April, the following year. Cyclones have, and may occur outside of this period. Before the start of each season the following action should be taken.

	Clear your residence or work area of unwanted materials and rubbish.
	Trim trees and shrubs, particularly those located near overhead powerlines and gutters.
	Ensure cyclone shutters are in good working order.
	Check that your torch and radio are in good working order.
	Identify frequencies for tuning into short wave stations.
	Obtain a tracking map and place it in a prominent position to plot the cyclones movements.
	If proceeding on leave during cyclone season, ensure that your premises are left in a state of maximum protection, or if a friend or neighbour has responsibility for placing shutters etc.
	Become familiar with the following cyclone alert phases.

Cyclone Alerts

Blue Alert

Meaning: The cyclone threat has increased and may start to affect your area within the next 24 hours. At this stage it is not known if the cyclone will impact in your area, however precautionary measures must commence as heavy rain may occur long before cyclone effects are felt.

Action: On hearing that a blue alert has been installed residents should commence the following action:

	Ensure pre-cyclone procedures have been completed.
	Stow away or tie down outdoor furniture, boats, trailers etc.
	Ensure that a ready supply of batteries are available for torches and radios.
	Have a lamp or candles available.
	Ensure that your neighbours are aware of the threat and provide assistance where necessary.
	Place shutters near windows and ready to be fitted.
	Continue to monitor the radio.

Yellow Alert

Meaning: The cyclone threat has further increased and gales and destructive winds are a significant risk within the next 12 hours.

Action: On hearing that a Yellow Alert has been installed the following action should be taken:

	Collect children from schools and kindergartens. If outside school hours, keep children at home.
	Prepare to collect rainwater. Remember water supplies will be turned off at some stage to protect the water storage tanks. Additionally, power supplies may be off for some time after the cyclone passes which will prevent water pumps from operating.
	Place valuables and important documents inside a water-tight container.
	Prepare to move to a shelter if your house is not considered safe. Don't forget to look after your pets first.
	Ensure that your vehicle has been re-fueled as power cuts will make petrol pumps inoperable.
	If the weather has deteriorated or you feel safer, place shutters on your windows.
	Continue to monitor your radio.

Red Alert

Meaning: Cyclone impact with risk of destructive winds is imminent.

Action: On hearing that a Red Alert has been declared or is about to be installed, the following action should be taken:

	Place cyclone shutters in position if not already done.
	Place tape on all windows to prevent them from shattering.
	Conduct final checks around your house.
	Unplug all electrical items. Simply turning power off is insufficient action to guard against lightening strikes and power surges. Remove power leads completely from sockets.
	Do not open windows or doors unless pressure build-up is such that glass may explode. Even then ensure that any windows or doors that are opened are on the side of the building facing away from the wind direction. Do not open fully.
	Remain indoors at all times.
	Continue to monitor the radio.

During the Cyclone

	Remain calm and entertain the children to take their mind off what is happening outside.
	Beware the eye of the cyclone which may give the impression that the cyclone has passed.
	Monitor your radio and follow instructions given.

After the Cyclone

	Treat any injuries.
	Check your house and make quick repairs.
	Collect any fallen fruit or crops that can be salvaged.
	If possible dry out any sensitive items that may have got wet. It may however still be raining even though the winds have died down.
	See if you neighbours need any help.
	Listen to Radio Vanuatu to check for the latest news and messages.
	If you are short of water get some clean containers and collect rainwater.
	Restore any communications devices that may have been damaged such as radio aerials.
	Do not attempt to cross any streams or rivers by foot or boat until the floodwaters have subsided.
	Sea conditions will still be dangerous for 2 to 3 days. Do not go to sea in any boat until the sea has calmed down.

Cyclone information

On average 2 or 3 cyclones occur each year in some part of Vanuatu.

Cyclone Types:

Cyclones are categorized into three types according to their wind intensities.:

1. Gale Force Winds: wind speeds of 37-47 knots.

2. Storm Force Winds: winds of 48 - 63 knots

3. Hurricane Force Winds: winds of 64 knots or greater.

Tropical Cyclones have the following characteristics:

	Heavy continuous rain.
	Falling pressure.
	Extensive cloudiness and heavy thunderstorms.
	Storm surges- abnormal rises of sea level.
	Exceptionally high waves and dangerous sea conditions.
	Flooded rivers that may overflow their banks.

Warning lights on the Government Building or Meteo Tower at Numbatu indicate the following winds are likely to affect Efate and it's surrounding islands.

Red - Gale Force Winds*

Double Red- Storm Force Winds**

Triple Red - Hurricane Force Winds***

We hope you have enjoyed learning about our Cyclone Safety Procedures. Next time you hear a cyclone is bearing down on Vanuatu you will be able to imagine what we are getting up to.

If you would like to ask us any questions about living in Vanuatu or simply want to say g'day...

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