Severe Storms
The Town of Kwinana is subject to severe storms as the result of cyclones passing down the coast, summer and winter tornadoes, and winter gales.

Preparedness and Prevention
Storms cannot be prevented, however steps can be taken to minimise the effects. Residents are urged to prepare their properties before the storm by assessing their property on a regular basis to ensure that damage will be minimised during a storm.

This includes checking that:

• Trees and powerlines are not overhanging your roof
• Gutters and downpipes are clear of debris
• Roofs and gutters are in good condition
• Your emergency kit is prepared and handy
• Have a torch handy
• You have plastic bags and sheeting available to keep possessions dry should your windows be damaged

For further information see Preparing for an Emergency. If you have any questions about preparing your home, or would like a Council Ranger to visit your property to advise you of any risks, please contact us on 9439 0200.

During a Storm

• Stay inside away from windows and close curtains and blinds
• Where possible bring your pets inside or keep them in a place such as a garage
• Turn off and unplug your electrical appliances and avoid using landline telephones
• If you are caught outside, seek shelter in a building or vehicle but do not shelter under a tree

Motorists should take special care as roads can become treacherous. Where possible, drivers should pull over. Do not park under a tree or power lines and avoid pulling up near a storm water drain or stream in case of flash flooding.

After the Storm

• If you and your property are safe you are encouraged to check on your neighbours
• Beware of damaged buildings, fallen powerlines and trees and flooded areas
• Keep children away from drains, culverts and streams

Council requests that residents do not go sightseeing as this not only can endanger yourself, but it can cause delays in emergency services moving quickly around the town.

Storm Warning Information
Community warnings of severe storms are the responsibility of the Bureau of Meteorology.

Bureau of Meteorology Land & Weather Warning: 1300 659 213

Severe Storm Emergency Contact Numbers
SES Public Assistance: 132 500
Town of Kwinana: 9439 0200
Rangers 24 hour emergency: 0411 078 264
Kwinana Police Station: 9411 4311
WA Police (non emergency): 131 444
Bureau of Meteorology Land & Weather Warning: 1300 659 213


Earthquakes & Tsunamis

The threat to Kwinana of both earthquakes and Tsunamis is minimal and there should be plenty of warning time but given the seriousness of these events still require attention and consideration.

Earthquake preparation
Should an earthquake impact the Town of Kwinana, it is very probable that it will affect our neighbouring communities and other metropolitan areas. This being the case, the Town of Kwinana will be unable to rely on the same help from our neighbours that we would usually have in the event of a bushfire or storm. For this reason it may take longer for help to come to individuals and so having an emergency management kit is essential.

To prepare for the possibility of an earthquake residents should:

• Check that your house insurance covers earthquake damage
• Repair cracks in walls or gaps in mortar
• Brace free-standing bookcases and furniture
• Talk to your family members to ensure that you have identified a good area to shelter and that you all know where it is

In the event of an earthquake
Preliminary tremors may be the only warning of an impending earthquake, giving little time to prepare.

If preliminary tremors are experienced residents are advised to:

• Stay indoors where possible
• Keep clear of windows, overhead fittings and chimneys
• Shelter under and hold a table, door frame or similar sturdy piece of furniture
• If outside, find a clear area and move away from the coast

Warning Signs of a Tsunami

• Shake: An on-going shaking of the ground near the coast may be evidence of a large undersea earthquake
• Drop: As a tsunami approaches shorelines the sea level may, but not always, drop and recede dramatically before returning as a fast-moving wave of water
• Roar: A loud roaring sound may precede the tsunami

Tsunami Emergency Response
Other than swimmers and fishermen at Challenger Beach, Riseley Road Beach and Kwinana Beach, tsunamis should have little effect on the general public. Even at these areas the water level should not reach the car parks.

If you are at the beach and a tsunami warning is given, or there is an unusual shaking of the ground or receding of water, please move away from the coast immediately - do not go sightseeing. Council officers, the SES and FESA will close all public access to the beaches as soon as possible.

Earthquake/Tsunami emergency contact numbers
SES Public Assistance: 132 500
Town of Kwinana: 9439 0200
Rangers 24 hour emergency: 0411 078 264
Kwinana Police Station: 9411 4311
WA Police (non emergency): 131 444
Bureau of Meteorology Land & Weather warning: 1300 659 213

Hazardous Material (HAZMAT)
Wherever hazardous materials are manufactured, used, stored or transported there is a risk of a hazardous materials emergency. While there are many systems in place to prevent hazardous materials emergencies, an appropriate State Emergency Response Plan is required to ensure a rapid and effective response.

The Western Australian Hazardous Materials Emergency Management Plan (abbreviated "WESTPLAN-HAZMAT") details the arrangements for hazardous materials emergencies throughout the State of Western Australia.

The Hazard Management Agency for hazardous materials emergencies is the Fire & Rescue Service of Western Australia (FRS).

Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA)
The Kwinana Industrial Area consists of a mature group of major industrial companies that share many common goals. Some of these goals relate to their ability to be able to operate safely and in harmony with its workers and with the community that surrounds it.

To achieve this very important goal the Kwinana Industries Council (KIC) put many initiatives in place several years ago, and these continue on today.

These initiatives include:

• The establishment and work of KIC's Kwinana Industries Public Safety Committee (KIPS)
• The establishment of the Kwinana Industry Mutual Aid (KIMA) group who maintain and test industries emergency management strategies
• Rock solid support for the preservation of the buffer reserve between industry and the community
• Scientific studies to quantify the risks emanating from industries in the unlikely event where things go wrong

The buffer is world class in terms of its size. It provides ample distance so that if an incident within the industrial area occurs, the effects upon the community, if any, will be negligible. Complex, scientific, third party risk analysis modeling tells us that the buffer provides the required level of protection for the community.

There is a community hotline (1300 304 346) that is maintained by KIC and its members. If there is an incident that the community needs to know about, the details will be placed on the system.