Leading scientists and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology are predicting this summer we will enter an El Niño weather pattern, which is significantly drier and, in some cases, hotter than average, with prolonged droughts and health risks from heat stress.
El Niño follows three years of La Niña which has seen record rainfalls in parts of Australia which has encouraged a surge in grass and forest growth and which as El Niño grips will quickly dry out and present a high and serious risk of fire.
Public Safety Training & Response Group are experts in Emergency Response and provide a wide range of expertise and resources. On standby 24-7, we can be embedded into your existing team, provide specialised equipment, provide skilled and specialised operators, or be activated for emergency situations. Engage Public Safety Training & Response Group to provide ongoing consulting and group training solutions, including preparing for fire, storms, and other disastrous scenarios expected with El Niño.
A GUIDE TO HOW COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS CAN PREPARE FOR EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS.
Raise Awareness:
Educate the community about extreme weather events, its potential impacts, and the importance of preparedness. Organise community meetings, workshops, or information sessions to disseminate accurate and helpful information. Establish and utilise various communication channels, such as social media, local newsletters, and community websites.
Establish an Emergency Response Team:
Form a dedicated team comprising community leaders, volunteers, and local authorities to oversee emergency preparedness and response efforts. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to team members, including communication, evacuation planning, first aid, and resource coordination.
Develop a Community Emergency Plan:
Collaboratively develop an emergency plan that addresses potential risks and outlines specific actions to be taken during extreme weather events. Include evacuation routes, emergency shelters, first aid, and procedures for assisting vulnerable community members such as the elderly, disabled, or those without access to transportation.
Identify Vulnerable Areas and Populations:
Identify areas in your community that are particularly susceptible to the effects of extreme weather events, such as fire-prone zones or neighbourhoods. Pay special attention to vulnerable populations, such as low-income households, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, and develop strategies to support them.
Foster Community Cooperation:
Encourage community members to support one another during extreme weather events. Promote the importance of checking on neighbours, sharing resources, and providing assistance to those in need. Foster a sense of community cohesion and mutual support.
Establish Communication Channels:
Develop efficient communication channels to disseminate emergency alerts, updates, and instructions to community members. Utilise tools including community notification systems, social media platforms, text message alerts, and local radio stations. Encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts and stay connected.
Conduct Drills and Exercises:
Organise drills and exercises to familiarise community members with emergency procedures, first aid, evacuation plans and equipment. Simulate scenarios to practice response actions, test communication systems, and identify areas that require improvement. Regular exercises help build confidence and preparedness among community members.
Identify and Map Local Resources:
Identify and map local resources that can support emergency response efforts, including community centres, medical facilities, and shelters. Maintain an updated inventory of available resources, including emergency supplies,equipment, and volunteers.
Promote Bushfire Prevetion Measures:
Provide information and resources to help community members protect their properties from bushfires. Encourage the fire proofing of dwellings, the installation of bushfire shelters, and ensure that there are appropriates fire breaks and removal of leaves from roofs and guttering. Share guidelines for local and regional evacuation routes in the event of wild fires.
Engage Local Businesses:
Collaborate with local businesses to enhance community preparedness. Encourage them to develop their own business continuity plans, share relevant information with employees, and support community resilience efforts through resources or expertise.
Foster Partnerships with Local Authorities:
Establish strong partnerships with local government agencies, emergency management departments, and first responders. Collaborate with them to develop joint preparedness initiatives, share information, and coordinate response efforts during extreme weath events.
