‘Tis the seasons to be … emergency and disaster prepared

Compliance

4 Dec

3 minute read

Summer. The season of long days, balmy nights, and Chrissy pud.

It’s also the season of extreme heat, storms, bushfires, and the ever-present risk of flooding. Not to mention the potential for resulting power outages and road closures. Oh, how jolly!

Then, combine these natural events with the silly season, where aged care organisations are running on reduced staff levels, an increased disruption to standard support services, as well as the annual closure of some regular programs.

So, as you can see, now’s the time to look at the emergency plans you have in place for both older people and your organisation and check they are as tight as can be.

“Anecdotally, older people are considered to be vulnerable to emergency events, from the preparation phase, through the response, and into the recovery phase.” (source).

Thankfully, change is coming.

There are plans to update the standards relating to emergency and disaster preparedness, although these changes aren’t going to be finalised or released until mid-2024.

Unsurprisingly, aged care providers may already be considering what plans they have in place and what changes are required.

And with the potential for reputational risk if things go wrong (especially if found to be negligent) it’s worth planning ahead.

What Support at Home providers can do, now

As we approach summer with an expected increase in extreme heat, storms and bushfires, there are steps Support at Home providers can take, now (source).

Consider the types of events that are most likely to affect your area and the area of each individual client
Check if each client’s emergency contacts are going to be away. If so, can you arrange alternative emergency contacts who will be around?
Consider which of your staff members will be away – who will lead the response to an emergency?
Consider vulnerable client’s needs – how can you continuation services as best as possible in the event of an emergency?
Become aware of local state and territory emergency management arrangements.
Educate older people and their families on how to prepare for an emergency event, including when and how to contact emergency services.

Many councils are also setting up disaster dashboards which link in with state agencies. With summer in full swing, it’ a good time for Support at Home providers to check out what’s new.

There are several resources that Support at Home providers can tap into (and share with clients where appropriate) to assist with their emergency and disaster planning and response. Most of the following information is universal, so be sure to checkout what’s available from your state or territory.

We wish you a safe and disaster-free festive season and summer.

Emergency and Disaster Planning – Free Resources

Free Training:

National Council for Fire and Emergency Services
Basic Home Fire Safety training materials: www.afac.com.au/initiative/bhfs

Fire Rescue Victoria
Online e-learning:
- Prevent, Detect Escape Home Fire Safety for People at High Risk
- Bushfire Safety for Workers
- Bushfire Planning – How to Support Your Clients
- Bushfire Planning – You and the Person You Care For
www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/your-local-area-info-and-advice/e-learning

Bushfire resources:

RFS NSW
Four simple steps to get ready: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan
Traveling in a bush fire prone area: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/travelling-in-a-bush-fire-area
AIDER assistance for infirm, people with disability or elderly residents:www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/243259/AIDER-Factsheet-May-2022.pdf

DFES WA
Bushfire Plan Tool: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire/prepare
Emergency kits – both evacuation and staying in place versions: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire/prepare#emergency-kit

Queensland Government
Preparing your home for a bushfire: www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/prepare-home#:~:text=Before%20bushfire%20season%201%20Ensure%20your%20house%20number,Keep%20gutters%20clear%20of%20leaf%20litter%20More%20items

House fire resources:

Fire Rescue Victoria
Hoarding (including clutter image rating scale): www.frv.vic.gov.au/hoarding

Fire and Safety NSW
Lithium-ion battery safety: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9426
Fire Safety Precautions Brochure – translated and audio versions: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=829
Fire Safety Module for ESOL Students: www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=829

RFS NSW
Home fire safety tips - www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/home-fire-safety

Floods and storms resources:

Bureau of Meteorology
Preparing for floods: www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood/knowledge-centre/preparing.shtml
Be flood ready: www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/flood

SES Vic
Plan and stay safe: www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/storm
Flow chart of when to call SES and when to call 000 in a storm, landslide, or flood: www.ses.vic.gov.au/when-to-call

Featured

Paula Spencer

Paula knows her way around a risk matrix. She’s an expert in writing policies, frameworks, procedures, and training material that’s tailored to the frontline and ticks all the right boxes. She eats compliance complexity for breakfast and brings it back simple so that we can digest it (bet you wondered where this bio was going).