Emergency services to ensure Broome tourists are prepared for wet season reality

Don’t be fooled by Broome’s perfect school holiday weather over the past fortnight — the wet season is just around the corner. And emergency responders are pouring extra resources into making sure the bigger number of tourists expected in the off-peak period are well aware of the unique conditions in the North West. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting more than the average number of cyclones during this wet season, which traditionally runs from November to April, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is rolling out its preparations for the community in case of wild and dangerous weather. The organisation was due to hold a meeting this week with about 20 accommodation providers to ensure correct and appropriate information was passed on to visitors if events such as cyclones, tropical lows and floods were to occur. DFES Kimberley Supt Grant Pipe, pictured, said he was nervous some travellers choosing to holiday up north in the wet were not fully aware of the realities of the season. “We could potentially have a lot more people up here over this period, which means it is likely there are a greater number of people with no knowledge about cyclones,” he said. “These people should have a terrific time while they are here, so we are looking to engage them to ensure they are aware of things like cyclones, the importance of having a plan and how best to prepare.” DFES has also deployed teams to travel into towns and remote Indigenous communities across the Kimberley to ensure wild weather plans are in place. Supt Pipe said the region had often been complacent with wet season preparation in the past. “People need to be preparing their properties and gardens, have their emergency kits ready and start having conversations with their families about what they would do if we were hit by a cyclone,” he said. “In the past there has been continual complacency in these areas.” Supt Pipe said an emergency kit should consist of a battery powered radio, battery pack, suitable amounts of water and non-perishable foods.