Whilst event organisers all hope for a perfect day when planning outdoor activities, unfortunately special events can be adversely affected by inclement weather. As far as the rides are concerned, we always do our best to stay open for as long as possible, however adverse weather presents safety issues that need to be considered.
SHOWERS
If passing showers are very light and short in duration, all our amusement devices can continue operate. If showers are constant forming drizzle, we close all rides until the drizzle stops.
RAIN
If passing rain is medium to heavy, we close the operation of all Rides & Games until the rain stops. The equipment is then dried, with operations re-starting soon after. If the rain is continuous all rides and games close and reopen when the rain clears. Our rides and games are towel dried.
STRONG WIND
Correctly secured inflatables can operate with wind gusts up to 38km per hour. We at AW Amusements, however, increase precaution when wind speeds reach 30 kph, closing all inflatable operations at 35 kph.
Excessive windy conditions are unpleasant for the public and safety issues arise as debris becomes airborne.
In Queensland and Northern NSW, westerly winds around August can reach 40 to 50km per hour occur, which are too strong for the safe operation of many amusement rides, especially inflatables.
STORM / LIGHTNING
Storms normally include strong wind gusts, heavy rain and lightning. When a storm is approaching, we close all rides and advise the public to seek shelter. Storms usually pass relatively quickly. Once the weather has cleared, our attractions are dried and reopen. Please Note: All rides remain closed during any instance of lightning.
HOT WEATHER
In very hot weather, when temperatures reach in excess of 35 degrees, amusement rides in direct sun may become too hot to sit on. In these conditions we close the rides. Twilight fairs are the best time for AW Amsuements to operate, twilight provides a fantastic atmosphere which is enjoyable even if the weather is hot during the day.
ADVERSE WEATHER CHECKLIST
To be Completed every hour by the On Duty Senior ASA Event Staff Member. All Senior Staff must Download and install the BOM Weather App: BOM APP and on the hour reference forecasts for: temperature, wind speed, wind gusts, rain, storm and fire danger rating by annotating it on the AWA Online Checklist below.
Please Note: You MUST monitor wind speed with the Bom App & also the Anemometer onsite and enter the highest value into the wind speed field below.
PLUS: The below annotated wind speed limits are a min of 5km/h below the Australian Standard & Manufacturers recommendations for CLOSURE because AW Amusements intentionally exercises additional precautions in HIGH WIND.