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WHO MANAGES HAZARDS AND DISASTERS IN AUSTRALIA
Everyone has a role to play
Emergency management in Australia involves a mix of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities and risk management and relies upon an active partnership between all spheres of government, the private sector, non government organisations and the general community, including hundreds or thousands of trained volunteers.
States and Territories
Under the Australian Constitution, the primary responsibility for the protection of life and property rests with State and Territory governments as they exercise control over most of the functions which are necessary for effective disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Each of these State and Territory governments has developed counter-disaster arrangements, operates emergency service agencies and coordinates related activities through emergency/disaster management committees. These emergency service agencies rely heavily on the support of hundreds of thousands of trained volunteers who provide services such as search and rescue, firefighting and medical care.
Federal Government
The role of the Federal Government is to provide guidance and support in developing State and Territory capacity for emergency management and to provide requested assistance in the event of a major emergency when State or Territory resources are inappropriate, exhausted or unavailable. Such assistance is coordinated through Emergency Management Australia (EMA), located in the Attorney-Generals Department. While the Federal Government remains an active participant in emergency management and civil defence, its role has shifted more towards directed financial support, the development of national education and training programs, policy development and national coordination as the States and Territories have become increasingly self-sufficient in responding to disasters. The Federal Government also provides specialised assessment, warning and monitoring services for meteorological and geological hazards.
Local Government, NGOs, Private Sector and Volunteers
Australia's 750 local government authorities also play a key role due to their close links with the communities they serve. Non-government organisations (NGOs), such as Red Cross, St John Ambulance Brigade, and the Salvation Army, are an essential component in Australian disaster response/relief arrangements and in supporting communities in the disaster recovery phase. As the focus of disaster mitigation strengthens, Australia's emergency management family is expanding to further recognise the important roles played by private sector and professional institutes in developing and implementing mitigation plans and strategies.
Communities and individuals
Personal and community self-help is a critical element of Australia's emergency management processes, especially as there may be a delay during or immediately following an emergency before the arrival of outside help. This depends upon de veloping a community t hat has: an alert, informed, aware and prepared population; an a ctive and involved local government; and agreed, coordinated arrangements for disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Community awareness and education programs support self-help by increasing understanding of how, when and where hazards and potential disasters are likely to occur; the main problems tha
t may result; and how to reduce and cope with their effects.
HOW TO DEVELOP AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Take sensible precautions
- Make sure your home and workplace are prepared for hazards and emergencies. Refer to appropriate information and action guides.
- Check that you have adequate household and contents insurance and which hazards are not covered by it.
- Find out how and where to turn off power, gas and water supplies.
- Store important documents (eg wills, passports, photos, birth certificates) in a fire/water-proof container or safe deposit box.
- Prepare an emergency survival kit and keep it handy.
- Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers near the phone eg Police, Fire, Ambulance, State/Territory Emergency Service, Local Council, and Other - gas, electricity, relative.
Involve the family
- Household members will need to agree on, and share essential tasks (eg contacting each other if not home, collecting school children and checking on elderly neighbours).
- Arrange an out-of-town friend or relative to be a single contact point (in case people are separated before or during a widespread emergency).
Find out about existing plans
- Schools and large buildings should have plans in place for emergency evacuations.
- Local authorities may also have plans affecting whole streets or areas.
Be prepared for evacuation
In some emergencies the safest action is to stay inside. But in other emergencies it can be safer to leave a building or evacuate an entire area. The appropriate action depends on the particular hazard causing the emergency. Consult the relevant information and action guides, and follow advice from emergency authorities.
- When evacuating a building, it is important to agree in advance on a gathering place at a safe distance. Practise evacuation procedures, including a head count. Large buildings should have evacuation plans in place.
- If you decide or are advised to evacuate the area, leave as early as possible - even hours before, in the case of bushfires. It may be safer to stay with your home, provided you are well prepared.
- Allow for special needs of infants, the aged and people with disabilities.
- Don't forget your pets' needs.
- Have your car under cover, with a full fuel tank, and plan for alternative safe routes.
Three golden rules if you leave
- Turn off power, gas, water; lock doors and windows.
- Take your emergency survival kit with you.
- Listen for emergency warnings and safety advice on radio or television. Pay special attention if you hear the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS).
A CHECKLIST FOR YOUR EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT
Ideally, prepared your kit with all the following items,
or at least make a list so you will know where to find them quickly in you home.
- Battery-operated radio (with spare batteries)
- Torch (with spare batteries), candles and waterproof matches
- Strong shoes, leather gloves, hat, goggles and overalls
- First aid kit and manual, and combination pocket knife
- Medications, toiletry and sanitary supplies and a change of clothes
- Special needs for infants, the aged and people with disabilities
- Water in sealed containers - ten litres per person (for three days)
- Three days supply of canned food (plus can opener and utensils)
- Pet food, water and other animal needs
- Portable stove with fuel
- Tent or tarpaulin, and blankets (woollen and thermal)
- Money, including change for phone calls
- Strong plastic bags (for clothing, valuables, documents, and photographs)
Fear and anxiety in an emergency are natural but controllable emotions. You need to remain calm so you can control your fear and actions. Remember that someone may need your help. If you are feeling particularly anxious or frightened, follow this advice.
- Stop what you are doing and take a few slow, deep breaths.
- Focus on you feelings and any irrational thoughts. Talk calmly about them with family or friends.
- Focus on what practical tasks you and your family can do.
- Explain to children what is happening and what they may be feeling. Reassure them and let them help.
- When the danger has passed, check if children or neighbours are still distressed. Talk to them about their experience.
- Take some satisfaction in having come through a very stressful and threatening situation.
Following the emergency, a range of physical and emotional reactions may occur. These are a normal response to the experience. However, should they continue for an extended period, consult your local health service.