Member Area Resources - Risk Management
Severe Weather

seveerweathergraphic.jpgStorms, bushfire, river flooding may directly affect your activities and you need to be prepared to handle them.The Bureau of Meteorology (Weather Bureau) provides warnings about severe weather events.

WARNINGS

FIRE WEATHER WARNINGS

Wind, temperature, humidity and rainfall are weather elements that affect the behaviour of bushfires. In Australia there is a system of assessing these in conjunction with the state of the available fuels to determine a measure of “fire danger” or the difficulty of putting out any fires which may occur.

SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

These warnings are provided when severe weather is expected that is not directly related to severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires. Examples include land gales, squalls, flash-flooding, dangerous surf or tides.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

While we experience many thunderstorms, some more intense thunderstorms are referred to as severe thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms can cause significant localised damage by action of damaging wind gusts, large hail, tornadoes or flash flooding.

TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNINGS

Tropical cyclones develop over tropical waters around Australia during the warmer months, mostly November to April. The Bureau provides warning services for these cyclones. Warnings are issued for land-based communities under threat and for mariners.

Guidance Information

A Victorian document, Management of Outdoor Activities for Severe Weather Conditions, includes provides information and commonly agreed procedures for planning and responding to severe weather in the outdoors that involve led activities with dependent participants in Victoria. The nature and intensity of severe weather can vary across Australia and local resources should be consulted in conducting activities in other parts of Australia. It includes considerations for specific events such as:

Bushfire

  • Fire Danger Index
  • Total Fire Ban (Victoria)
  • Fire Danger Rating (FDR)
  • Trigger point actions
  • Radiant heat
  • Heat-related illness
  • Signs of fire are observed
  • Imminent threat
  • In a vehicle

Severe Wind

  1. Severe Thunderstorm Warning
  2. Severe Weather Warning
  3. Gales
  4. Coastal Waters Wind Warning
  5. Action

Lightning Strike/ Severe Thunderstorm Warning

  • The 30/30 rule
    This means if there is 30 seconds or less from the lightning flash to the thunder, you are in danger and should avoid high and exposed areas. Then wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before assuming that it is safe to continue the activity.
  • The 15 second rule
    This means if there is 15 seconds or less from the lightning flash to the thunder, you should get into a ‘lightning position’.
  • Lightning position
    • take off any backpack or similar load • remove, and stay away from, all metal objects
    • spread the group out, approximately 15 metres apart if space allows, reducing risk of multiple injuries. Ensure you maintain communication within the group
    • crouch down, feet and knees together, put your head down, cover ears with hands and try and make yourself the smallest target possible while minimising your contact with the ground. If anyone is struggling to maintain this position, use a rolled up mat, stuffed sleeping bag or bag of clothes to sit on. If the 30/30 rule or the 15-second rule indicate that you are in possible danger, then:
      • Do
        • suspend all outdoor activities and seek safer (less exposed) ground
        • try to get off peaks and ridges as soon as possible; descend to lower ground
        • try to find an enclosed structure, e.g. a hut
        • get inside your vehicle if possible, close the windows and avoid touching metal
        • find an area of forest/bush that is protected by a wide area of uniform trees, the smaller the better.
        • get off water.
      • Don’t
        • Do not move towards or seek shelter from:
        • shallow caves, overhangs, rocky outcrops, towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, power lines and metal objects
        • single large trees in the open
        • rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. If on the water, get off and seek appropriate cover. Avoid using communication devices.
    • In a vehicle
      • If driving and time permits: • find a suitable location to park • avoid hazardous areas as described above • remove any HF antenna • turn off radio equipment • stay in the vehicle, stop the engine and avoid touching anything metal.

Floods

  • Flash flooding
  • Riverine flooding
  • Action

Extreme Temperature – hot and cold

Blizzard