KASSI - Cyclone Preparation, Shutdown & Reopening

This procedure outlines the actions required to prepare Karratha Adventure Sports for a cyclone event, safely shut down the store if required, and inspect the premises before reopening.

The purpose of this procedure is to:

• Protect staff and customers.
• Reduce damage to stock and facilities.
• Minimise flooding and water ingress.
• Ensure the building is safe before reopening.
• Provide a consistent process during cyclone events.

 

When Would I Use This Procedure?

Use this procedure whenever:

• Cyclone Advice is issued.
• Watch and Act warnings are issued.
• Management directs cyclone preparations to commence.
• The store is closed due to a cyclone threat.
• The store is reopening following a cyclone event.

 

Cyclone Preparation

When cyclone advice is first issued, immediately commence the Cyclone Preparation Checklist.

This checklist contains the detailed preparation requirements, including:

• Building inspections.
• Drainage preparation.
• Pallet management.
• Stock protection.
• Sandbag preparation.
• Flood mitigation activities.

For a forecast Category 3 direct hit or greater:

• Obtain and fill SES sandbags.
• Prepare the roller door area for sandbag installation.

 

Store Shutdown

When cyclone advice is active, a Watch and Act warning is issued, or management directs closure, complete the Cyclone Shutdown Checklist.

This checklist contains the detailed shutdown requirements, including:

• Air conditioning shutdown.
• Computer shutdown.
• Electrical isolation.
• Solar shutdown.
• Flood mitigation measures.
• Building security and lock-up procedures.

 

Store Trading & Closure Decisions

Cyclone events can create uncertainty around when the store will close.

As a general guide, Karratha Adventure Sports will often close around the same time as other major retailers in Karratha, such as Coles and Woolworths. However, every cyclone event is different and closure decisions will be based on the specific circumstances at the time.

Factors considered may include:

• Advice from DFES and emergency services.
• Forecast cyclone intensity and track.
• Weather conditions.
• Road conditions and accessibility.
• Staff safety.
• Customer safety.
• Building safety.
• Availability of essential services.

Staff who need time to prepare their homes, purchase supplies, secure property, or attend to family responsibilities should speak with the manager on duty as early as possible.

Concerns regarding worsening weather conditions, staff safety, or the suitability of continuing to trade should be raised with the manager on duty immediately. Management will escalate these concerns through the Managers TANDA Chat for discussion.

The CEO has final authority regarding store closures, however decisions will be made after considering advice from DFES, management feedback, and the safety of staff and customers.

All updates will be posted in TANDA to all employees.

 

Employment During Cyclone Closures

Cyclone-related closures may result in temporary business shutdowns.

Under the Employee Handbook, employees may be stood down without pay where there is no useful work available due to events outside the business's control, including natural disasters.

Examples include:

• Cyclone-related business closures.
• Government-directed closures.
• Building damage preventing trading.

A stand down is unpaid.

Employees may request to use accrued annual leave during a stand down, however approval is subject to management discretion and is not guaranteed.

Personal/carer's leave cannot be used during a stand down unless otherwise permitted under applicable legislation.

Refer to the Employee Handbook for further information.

 

Reopening After an All Clear

The building must not automatically reopen simply because the cyclone has passed.

The Post-Cyclone Reopening Checklist must be completed before staff or customers return to the premises.

This inspection includes:

• Structural damage checks.
• Flooding and water damage inspections.
• Electrical safety checks.
• Building integrity inspections.
• Stock damage assessments.
• Gas leak identification.
• Air conditioning and power checks.

Natasha will usually complete the reopening inspection. If Natasha is unavailable, the Store Manager will complete the inspection. If the Store Manager is unavailable, responsibility will pass to the next most senior available manager. Serious damage will require building inspection by a professional.

 

Reopening Approval

The store must not reopen until:

• Safety inspections have been completed.
• Immediate hazards have been controlled.
• Any required emergency repairs have been arranged.
• Management is satisfied the premises are safe.
• Reopening has been approved by management.

Safety takes priority over reopening speed.

 

Related Documents

• Cyclone Preparation & opening Checklist

 

Related Procedures

• KASSI - Emergency Evacuation
• KASSI - Hazard Reporting
• KASSI - Injury & Incident Response

 

Keywords

cyclone, cyclone preparation, cyclone checklist, cyclone shutdown, cyclone reopening, storm preparation, tarping, sandbags, flooding, water ingress, building inspection, cyclone damage, stand down, severe weather, SES, emergency preparation