**Title: WA Residents Urged to Prepare for Cyclone Season**

As cyclone season approaches in Western Australia, residents in the northern regions are being urged to prepare. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) warns that it only takes one strong cyclone to cause significant damage and put lives at risk.

The cyclone season officially begins on November 1. DFES Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters emphasized the importance of readiness during a recent press conference. "It only takes one significant storm event to come in and not only be devastating to the community but also put lives at risk," he said.

Waters advised residents to check that their homes meet cyclone standards. He also recommended tidying up properties and securing loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. This includes outdoor furniture, trampolines, and dead branches.

James Ashley, the Bureau of Meteorology's hazard preparedness and response manager for WA, noted that average rainfall is expected in the northwest. However, warmer waters could lead to increased tropical weather activity. "The long-range forecast shows a warmer than normal season ahead in the north, which will increase heat waves in the wet season," Ashley said. He added that this could enhance tropical activity, including monsoon thunderstorms and cyclones.

Residents are reminded that they live in a cyclone zone, and tropical cyclones pose a risk during the wet season. Earlier this year, communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions faced isolation when category four tropical cyclone Zelia struck, forcing evacuations in many remote areas.

Waters highlighted the strain on DFES crews, many of whom are volunteers, when residents are unprepared. "It impacts the recovery side of things, predominantly up in the northwest. Our volunteers from the SES have to do additional work," he said.

To ensure safety, Waters encouraged residents to understand the warning systems and prepare emergency kits with essentials for at least five days. This kit should include a portable battery-operated radio, a flashlight, spare batteries, a mobile phone charger, a first aid kit, prescription medications, and enough food and water.

The tropical cyclone season lasts from November to April. For more information on how to prepare, residents can visit the DFES website and utilize the Emergency WA app for updates and alerts.