STORM SURGE EVACUATION GUIDE

STORM SURGE EVACUATION GUIDE STORM TIDE EVACUATION MAPS

Living in a cyclone prone region triggers a need for a heightened level of awareness in our community... All threats outlined in the Hinchinbrook Shire Local Disaster Management Plan have the potential to, at some time, warrant an evacuation of certain areas within our community. A copy of the Hinchinbrook Shire Local Disaster Management Plan can be found on the Hinchinbrook Shire Council website. It is the nature of our location, that we could become threatened by tropical cyclones and storm tide inundation, which emphasises the fact that we must be prepared for the cyclone season. In the event of a cyclone approaching our coastline, an evacuation will only be ordered if it is identified that a storm tide surge is likely to occur in developed areas. For this reason it is important that you familiarise yourself with this guide so you are aware of your zone, if you are required to evacuate in the event of a storm surge. STORM SURGE...what is it? A storm surge is a rise above the normal ocean level as a result of onshore winds and/or reduced atmospheric pressure. Storm surges accompany a tropical cyclone as it comes ashore. They may also be formed by intense low-pressure systems in non-tropical areas. The combination of storm surge and normal (astronomical) tide is known as a storm tide. The most vulnerable time a storm surge can arrive is on top of a high tide, which can inundate areas which could otherwise be safe. HOW HIGH WILL THE STORM SURGE BE? The height of the storm surge varies depending on several factors being: The intensity of the cyclone stronger winds allow for increase in wave height and the sea water is piled on top of this The movement of the cyclone the faster the cyclone crosses the coast, the quicker the surge will build up and create a more powerful impact when it hits the coastline The angle the cyclone crosses the coast a direct hit will encourage a larger surge, but other angles can lead to local zones of enhanced surge in areas such as narrow inlets and bays The profile of the sea floor - a shallow coastline allows the surge to increase strength, whereas steep slopes or fringing reefs can allow the surge to be less Topography of the area islands, bays, and headlands can amplify the storm surge Disaster Management QLD Disaster Management QLD WHAT IF I AM IN A STORM SURGE AREA? Make arrangements with friends or family who live in a safe place No friends in a safe place...evacuate to your nearest community evacuation centre In the event of an evacuation, emergency service workers may doorknock your street to direct you to a safer place Ensure all electrical/gas appliances are turned off before you leave Remember your emergency kit when you leave 2 I Storm Tide Evacuation Guide

CYCLONES A tropical cyclone is defined as a non-frontal low pressure system of synoptic scale developing over warm waters having organised convection and a maximum mean wind speed of 34 knots or greater extending more than half-way around near the centre and persisting for at least six hours. The severity of a tropical cyclone is described in terms of categories ranging from 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest) related to the maximum mean wind speed as shown in this table: Category Maximum Mean Wind (km/h) Typical Strongest Gust (km/h) Central Pressure (hpa) Typical Effects 1 63-88 < 125 > 985 Negligible house damage Damage to some crops, trees and caravans Craft may drag moorings 2 89-117 125-164 985-970 Minor house damage Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans Heavy damage to some crops Risk of power failure Small craft may break moorings 3 118-159 165-224 970-955 Some roof and structural damage Some caravans destroyed Power failures likely (e.g. Winifred) 4 160-199 225-279 955-930 Significant roofing loss and structural damage Many caravans destroyed and blown away Dangerous airborne debris Widespread power failures (e.g. Tracy, Olivia) 5 > 200 > 279 < 930 Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction (e.g. Vance) Storm Tide Evacuation Guide I 3

BE PREPARED CHECKLIST FOR EVACUATION Do you know the evacuation zone in your area? What is your zone colour? Is your zone currently under threat? Do you know your emergency evacuation route? Have you heard any official advice to evacuate? Have you packed your emergency evacuation kit? Is your vehicle full of fuel? PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT Portable radio with fresh spare batteries Torch, fuel lamp, candles and matches Non-perishable food, (three days supply) plus can opener, self contained cooking gear, plates and utensils Clean water in sealed containers and spare water containers (10L per person is recommended to last three days) Wet weather clothing eg. waterproof jacket, hat and spare clothes Medical supplies to last at least 14 days First aid kit Knife, whistle, duct/masking tape, and plastic (garbage) bags Tarpaulin and blankets Pet food, water bowls and other pet needs DURING A NATURAL DISASTER ALERT Listen to your portable radio constantly Close up the house - secure doors, board or tape windows and secure outdoor furniture Disconnect electrical appliances Secure your pets in a safe place Fill water containers Fuel car and place under cover Remain indoors with your emergency kit Be prepared to leave your house in the event of a storm tide evacuation IMPORTANT CONTACTS Life Threatening Emergencies Police, Ambulance, Fire 000 SES Assistance 132 500 Road Information 131 940 Hinchinbrook Shire Council 4776 4600 Emergency Queensland/SES www.emergency.qld.gov.au Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au Traffic Management Centre www.131940.qld.gov.au Hinchinbrook Shire Council www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au 4 I Storm Tide Evacuation Guide

EVACUATION MAPS The following evacuation maps are used to inform residents of predicted storm time flooding associated with a tropical cyclone, and to identify areas that may require evacuation. Three evacuation zones have been identified in the Hinchinbrook region Red, Orange and Yellow. In the event of a storm tide, authorities will issue an evacuation for the required zones. Evacuation zones were developed using results from Council s Storm Surge Study of the coastal communities located within the Hinchinbrook Shire Council including Lucinda, Dungeness, Taylors Beach, Forrest Beach and Cassady Beach. Any properties on the coastline, but outside of these areas may still be vulnerable to a storm tide. Residents outside of the study area should consider their individual situation and what actions they may need to take in the event of a storm tide. It is important that prior and during the disaster you stay tuned to local ABC or commercial radio and TV stations for updates. EVACUATION ZONE If an evacuation order is announced for a Red, Orange or Yellow zone, affected residents should move out of the area using the most direct evacuation route. RED ZONE: These properties face the highest risk of coastal flooding from a storm tide. They may experience flooding in areas located up to 2 and 3 metres above AHD. ORANGE ZONE: These properties face a high risk of coastal flooding from a storm tide. They may experience flooding in areas located between 3 and 4 metres above AHD. YELLOW ZONE: These properties face a moderate risk of coastal flooding form a storm tide. They may experience flooding in areas located between 4 and 6 metres above AHD. Australian Height Datum (AHD): is the term used to describe the reference level for defining ground levels in Australia. The level of 0.0m AHD is approximately sea level. IF YOU LIVE IN A COASTAL COMMUNITY A STORM TIDE EVACUATION STICKER IDENTIFYING YOUR ZONE SHOULD BE LOCATED INSIDE YOUR ELECTRICAL METER BOX HOW TO USE THE STORM TIDE EVACUATION MAPS Identify your property on the Storm Tide Evacuation Map or locate the evacuation sticker in your electrical meter box Remember and record the colour of your zone, so you are aware during a storm tide event If your property is not coloured it means you are not in a nominated evacuation zone Identify the primary and/or alternative route so you are prepared in the event of an evacuation DISCLAIMER Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained with this Storm Tide Evacuation Guide and Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Storm Tide Evacuation Guide I 5

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL LEGEND Key Plan DCDB Feb 2011 Water Map 1 LUCINDA Map 2 TAYLORS BEACH Map 3 Map 4 FORREST BEACH Map 5 0 750 1,500 3,000 4,500 6,000 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - KEY PLAN O

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL Dungeness Road LEGEND Evacuation Routes Road Names Street Numbering DCDB Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone Red Zone Orange Zone Yellow Zone Keast Street Patterson Parade Patterson Parade Lucinda Point Road 0 100 200 400 600 800 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - LUCINDA MAP 1 O

Taylors Beach Road HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL LEGEND Evacuation Routes DCDB Feb 2011 Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone Red Zone Orange Zone Yellow Zone Barramundi Street Trevally Street Bream Street John Dory Street 0 55 110 220 330 440 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - TAYLORS BEACH MAP 2 O

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL Forrest Drive Bill Johnson Drive LEGEND Coral Tree Court Evacuation Routes DCDB Feb 2011 Street Numbers Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone Red Zone Orange Zone Yellow Zone Bellbird Close Mango Tree Court 0 75 150 300 450 600 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - FORREST BEACH MAP 1 OF 3 MAP 3 O

Morton Bay Street HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL Rosella Street Banksia Street Mistletoe Street Forrest Beach Road Allamanda Avenue Blackbean Street Bottlebrush Street Pandanus Street Willow Street Fern Street LEGEND Evacuation Routes DCDB Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone Red Zone Orange Zone Yellow Zone 0 75 150 300 450 600 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - FORREST BEACH MAP 2 OF 3 MAP 4 O

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL Acacia Street Cassady Beach Road LEGEND Evacuation Routes DCDB Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Evacuation Zone Red Zone Orange Zone Yellow Zone 0 75 150 300 450 600 Meters Data Sources & Acknowledgements Storm Tide Evacuation Zones are based upon geographical data from the National Storm Tide Mapping program. Evacuation Zones are designed to provide an easy to understand method for the public to identify coastal areas that may be affected by storm tides caused by tropical cyclones or severe east coast storms. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these Public Information Maps is accurate. However, Hinchinbrook Shire Council does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of these maps. Cadastral Information sourced from Department of Environment and Resource Management is current to February 2011 and is accurate 1:50,000. Copyright Department of Environment and Resource Management 2011 STORM TIDE EVACUATION ZONES - FORREST BEACH MAP 3 OF 3 MAP 5 O

25 Lannercost Street Ingham, Queensland, Australia 4850 Telephone: 07 4776 4600 Facsimile: 07 4776 3233 Email: council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au Funding for this project was provided by the Community Development Engagement Initiative Program which has been jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and Hinchinbrook Shire Council under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.