News outlets are already reporting one person has died as a result of a monster cyclone heading toward Queensland.
People in the path of the cyclone have been asked to evacuate.
During an emergency, such as Cyclone Debbie there is no more powerful medium than radio to keep listeners informed.
According to the BOM Debbie is expected to hit between Ayr and Bowen with residents between Lucinda and Mackay also warned.
radioinfo.com.au has touched base with Angela Julian, the Content Director of HitFM and TripleM Mackay and the Whitsundays for an insight into the preparations the radio station is making to make sure the extreme weather event is covered.
Cyclone warnings aren’t unusual for the service area you cover what is the process you undertake on-air including news from the moment you get a warning?
“Before we even get a warning there is a lot of information provided by BOM of the impending situation, they know a few days out what may happen and prepare the media accordingly. We start broadcasting about the situation from the get go, on air, online and on social media. Interviews with the BOM reps is expected. Generally we get a “Cyclone Watch” notification to broadcast, which gives you the areas that may be affected, around 48 hours before the crossing. This is broadcast a minimum of once an hour in full and we urge residents to start preparing themselves.
24 hours out the “Cyclone Warning” is sent, broadcast at least twice an hour, also online and on social media. When the BOM releases it’s watch our own emergency plan is activated. That includes a roster of on air local coverage for 24 hours or however long is needed. As approach is imminent we join both of our stations together to provide one efficient broadcast on both frequencies. The siren isn’t activated until the BOM clears it for use.
“We are on air covering the event until it’s clear for the community to resume to normal.”
Who is given the job of keeping an eye on how the cyclone is developing?
“Every single one of us. Between my team of 6 we are all actively watching the developing cyclone and all related issues.”
Once it reaches the point it has today with evacuations etc. how do you program a radio station?
“All normal programming is out.
We focus solely on the information that our community absolutely needs, sandbags and where to fill them, business closures, school closures, we talk to the Mayors, the Local disaster management teams, we cover it all.
I doubt very much anyone notices we didn’t play the Thousand dollar Minute!
We have our list of contacts in place well in advance, given this has been part of what it means to be on air in our region we’re all very well connected to everyone that matters and vice versa.
Do you go 24/7?
“Yes we do. Our stations went local for breakfast at 5am this morning and will remain local until the threat has passed. That threat isn’t just the cyclone it’s everything related to it, power outages, debris across roads, floods etc.”
How do you cope with calls from listeners wanting information?
“We are very organised with our information, there is rarely a question we can’t answer or provide the website/phone number etc for. To be honest, this is my 4th cyclone (I think!) and I’ve noticed that the calls aren’t as many as they used to be as most people are connecting on FB with us over calling.”
Equally, how do you cope with listeners offering information?
“We love it! If the info is absolutely related to the event and we can confirm it we will put it to air. Usually it’s just people offering info on school closures or roads flooded etc, we encourage that interaction with us.”
What are your plans for tomorrow morning when the cyclone is expected to hit?
“We will be live on air providing listeners with the most up to date information we can.”
