POLCIY CONTENT

Tropical cyclones and severe storms can produce hail, flooding rains, lightning and winds up to 280km/h. Experiencing a cyclone can be frightening and traumatic causing injury and loss of life and cause major structural damage to buildings and whole communities. 
 
The storm season in Australia is usually from November - April and requires all schools providing education and care to children to be aware of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of children, educators, staff and families by being prepared for cyclones, minimizing risks and implementing explicit management strategies. 
 

NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS) 

QUALITY AREA 2: Children's Health and Safety

2.2	Safety	Each child is protected.
2.2.1	Supervision	At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.
2.2.2	Incident and emergency management	Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practiced and implemented.

QUALITY AREA 7: Governance and Leadership

7.1.2	Management Systems	Systems are in place to manage risk and enable the effective management and operation of a quality school
7.1.3	Roles and Responsibilities	Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and understood, and support effective decision-making and operation of the school.

 

DEFINITION 

A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm tropical waters. They are formed by a system of winds rotating inwards to an area of low barometric pressure, in a clockwise circulation in the southern hemisphere. They are characterised by wind gusts up to 280 km/h and can cause flooding and storm surges. 
 

PURPOSE 

We recognise that our School is positioned in a geographical location where cyclones may occur. We have a responsibility to take precautions in order to decrease the risk of damage to the School and to ensure the safety of the children, educators and families at all times. 

SCOPE 

This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of the School. 

IMPLEMENTATION

Cyclones are part of life for people in various parts of Australia during the months of November to April. They have the potential to threaten lives and cause large-scale destruction, with the possibility of communication being disrupted.  

This policy reminds educators, staff, volunteers, and students of the procedure to follow in preparing for a cyclone, what to do when a cyclone watch has been announced and/or when a cyclone strikes. 

Management has a legal responsibility to provide all their employees with a safe workplace and ensure all staff understand their roles and responsibilities in case of an emergency.  

Management will ensure or supervisor will ensure: 

• compliance with National Regulation and develop, and review annually, a risk assessment to identify risks associated with the impact of cyclones to the School  
• relevant stakeholders/authorities are consulted to improve our risk mitigation strategies for cyclone management as part of our Emergency Management Plan (SES, parents/families)  
• emergency evacuation plans are displayed in prominent positions near each exit and in the indoor and outdoor learning environments  
• all educators, including casual/relief educators and staff members, are familiar with our Cyclone Management Policy, procedures and regulatory requirements 
• clear procedures are in place for when a cyclone warning occurs to ensure the safety of educators, children and families 
• new staff, volunteers and students are provided with information and training regarding cyclone management procedures upon induction 
• emergency evacuation rehearsals (drills) will be practiced every three months, including identifying a designated assembly point and place of refuge in case of cyclones 
• each emergency evacuation drill is documented, reviewed and reflected upon each time they occur  
• families are informed when a rehearsal or drill has occurred 
• emergency telephone numbers will be clearly displayed in prominent positions within the School 
• emergency contact details of all children are updated regularly 
• strategies to implement emergency plans during cyclone season are discussed and documented 
• at each staff meeting and included in the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) 
• the regulatory authority is notified if the school is required to close for a period of time as a result of a local emergency (evacuation due to cyclone, or to repair damage caused by a cyclone) 
• the DESE is notified if the school is temporarily closed via the Provider Entry Point (PEP) 
• notify families about absences and Child Care Subsidy (CCS) due to a local emergency 
• counselling schools are provided to employees and their family members affected by a cyclone 

Educators will ensure:

• become familiar with the evacuation plan, including knowing the nearest safe high ground and access route 
• prepare the Emergency Evacuation Bag containing:
  • first aid kit and manual 
  • emergency contact register for children  
  • mobile phone 
  • any special equipment for babies and young children (wipes, nappies) 
  • whistle
• ensure all portable outdoor furniture and related items are stored within the building  
• not ignore warning signs 
• provide resources and strategies to families for children affected by natural disasters

 

PRIOR TO CYCLONE SEASON  

• ensure the building structure meets cyclone required standards  
• check current insurance, making sure the School is covered for storm surge, flooding and cyclone damage, including clean-up and debris removal 
• ensure maintenance is upheld, including trimming branches over the School premises, clearing gutters, and having windows fitted with shutters or metal screens

WHEN A CYCLONE WATCH IS ISSUED  

A cyclone watch is normally issued when there are indicators that winds above gale force are anticipated in the area within 24-48 hours.  

The following actions may be warranted:  

• remain calm  
• listen to the radio/TV for further information and warnings given by Emergency Services (SES)/ Department of Fires or Emergency Service (DFES)/or other state/territory service 
• check to ensure any loose materials at the School is tied down (or filled with water) 
• ensure the first aid kit is well stocked and current  
• remain indoors  
• notify families about the cyclone watch issued and if possible, request families to collect children from the School 
• keep the children busy with games and activities  
• ensure attendance information is accurate 
• identify children with medical management action plans- ensure all details and emergency contact details are current  
• follow the advice of emergency services

 

CYCLONE WARNING OF EVACUATION  

A cyclone warning is normally issued when there are indicators that winds above gale force are anticipated in the area within 24 hours.  
Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights, evacuation of the School may be required. Emergency Services will provide advice on local radio/TV regarding safe routes and when to proceed with the evacuation.  

• Listen for all Emergency Services announcements regarding School closure and evacuation 
• Check radio, television and online for emergency information 
• Notify families to come immediately and collect their children  
• Contact emergency contact person if required 
• Lock all doors, turn off power, gas and water 
• Gather the Emergency Evacuation Bag 
• Remain indoors  
• Move any furniture and equipment away from the windows  
• Follow advice of emergency services

 

WHEN A CYCLONE STRIKES  

• Stay calm  
• Act immediately by following directions issued by Emergency Services  
• Disconnect all electrical appliances and gas supply valves 
• Listen for updates  
• Go immediately to the designated shelter area identified within the School, away from windows This should be the strongest part of the building. 
• Ensure doors are locked  
• Educators are to protect themselves and children with mattresses, rugs, blankets under strong tables or benches or hold onto solid fixtures  
• Be careful of the calm ‘eye’. The wind can decline, yet the cyclone may not be over, fierce winds will rapidly recommence from another direction 
• Comfort children  

AFTER THE CYCLONE  

• Do not go outside until you have been advised it is safe  
• Do not use electrical appliances if they are wet  
• Listen for official warnings and advice  
• Where possible and when it is safe, take photos of any damage for insurance purposes  
• Contact the required professionals to fix any broken structures, including windows etc.  
• Keep families informed of School closure/operation 
• Remind families about the dangers of floodwaters caused by cyclones 
  • don’t ignore road closures due to floodwaters 
  • don’t let children play in or around floodwaters
• Complete a serious incident notification to the regulatory authority within 24 hours when there has been an emergency that has posed a risk to the safety and wellbeing of the children

 

PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY

Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Resources 
dese.gov.au/child-care-package/ccp-resour... 
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au/ 
 

Resources to assist schools after an emergency/natural disaster

BeYou Educator Wellbeing after a natural disaster 
Community Child Care- What happened to my world? Helping Children cope with n... 
 

SOURCE

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014).  
Australian Government – Bureau of Meteorology - bom.gov.au/cyclone/ 
Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (2020). Help in an emergency 
Beyou  beyou.edu.au 
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011).      
Government of Western Australia. Department of Fire & Emergency Services. Cyclones 
dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/cyclone/Pag... 
Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2017). 
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2017). (Amended in 2020). 
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).