Cyclone warning systems are put in place to inform the community and to keep them safe in the event of a significant incident that may threaten lives and property.
Warnings give advice about the level of risk and danger and the actions to take. CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS IN QUEENSLAND There are two types of cyclone warning systems in Queensland, these are a cyclone watch and a cyclone warning.
A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when strong winds linked to a cyclone are expected to hit within 24 to 48 hours.
A Cyclone Warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when strong winds are expected to hit within 24 hours (Emergency Management Queensland, 2012). .
CYCLONE CATEGORIES There are five categories of cyclones that a warning can be issued for. Tropical Cyclone Category System Category 1 - wind gusts less than 125 km/hr Category 2 - wind gusts 125 to 169 km/hr Category 3 - wind gusts 170 to 224 km/hr Category 4 - wind gusts 225 to 279 km/hr Category 5 - wind gusts more than 280 km/hr (Emergency Management Queensland, 2012)
WHY ARE WARNING SYSTEMS IMPORTANT?
Warning systems can save lives. Numerous countries around the world have drastically reduced the number of deaths by acquiring effective early warning systems. Whilst warning systems are effective in protecting the lives and livelihoods of communities, once a warning has been issued there little that can be done in order to protect infrastructure if a sudden cyclone occurs. If a cyclone can be forecasted or foreseen days in advance, early warning systems and cyclone watches can provide enough time for risk reduction measures to be put in place. For example boarding up windows and clearing properties of loose items (Pearson, 2012). ADVANTAGES OF CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS Inform communities of potential dangers. Effective in protecting the lives and livelihoods of communities. Allow for protection of valuables. Allow for risk reduction measures to be put in place for in infrastructure. DISADVANTAGES OF CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS They dont stop the event from occurring. Warnings are communicated over TV, radio, newspapers and/or the Internet, and people may not have access to some/all of these, so they may not get the warning. In cases of evacuation, looting may become a problem. Living in places that frequently receive cyclone warning, may make it difficult to get home, contents and car insurance.