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As Western Australia enters cyclone season once again, local governments face a critical period of heightened risk and disruption. The early arrival of severe Tropical Cyclone Fina near Darwin (one of the earliest on record), signals the need for vigilance and proactive preparation across our state.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has indicated that evolving climate patterns have rendered historical models less dependable. Instead, the Bureau now focuses on climatological analyses, such as heat maps indicating peak cyclone formation and intensity, which offer more practical guidance for emergency planning.
With temperatures expected to be warmer than average, there is an increased risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events. The likelihood of bushfires and severe weather is therefore heightened in regions of Western Australia, especially the South West. Our recent edition of Risk Matters featured an article discussing bush fire preparedness and training; a resource we encourage all our members to engage with.
In light of this uncertainly, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has recommended that residents and local authorities act sooner rather than later, familiarising themselves with the national warning systems and practical safety protocols. Simple measures such as tidying yards, securing loose items, and assembling emergency kits with essentials like torches, radios, and food supplies can be instrumental in protecting lives and property.
LGIS recommends that members familiarise themselves with the claims process as this can significantly ease recovery efforts after a natural disaster. Key steps include documenting damage thoroughly with photographs, maintaining detailed records, and promptly contacting your LGIS account manager for guidance.
Simple steps such as housekeeping, fire breaks, roof inspections, gutter cleaning, securing gas tanks or other flammable chemicals and ensuring emergency power systems are operational can reduce damage and support a smoother claims process.
For more information on preparing for extreme weather events, we recommend you engage with our information sheets or alternatively talk to your account manager or regional risk specialist.