As Australia embarks on its summer and storm seasons, characterised by the looming threats of cyclones, floods, extreme heat, and severe storms, the need for robust emergency management within the NDIS framework becomes increasingly pronounced.
NDIS service providers play a pivotal role in taking both preventative and responsive actions to safeguard participants, staff, and workers in the face of these potential emergencies. Ensuring the continuity of services is incredibly important, as participants rely on safe and appropriate supports before, during, and after an emergency. Inadequate preparation can disproportionately affect people with disabilities, emphasising the urgency of thorough planning and participant engagement in the development of emergency management strategies.
Emergency Preparedness for Participants:
1. Personal Emergency Management Plans
Personal emergency management plans are tailored to individual participants, addressing their unique needs and risks heightened during Australia’s summer and storm seasons. Considerations include living arrangements, support networks, communication challenges, and mobility issues.
2. Accessibility and Communication
Plans should be accessible, considering various communication preferences such as braille, easy-read, or social stories. Include emergency contacts, health information, preferred communication methods, strategies for mental health support, and details of mobility aids or medical devices.
3. Regular Review and Drills
Plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in circumstances. Routine emergency drills, potentially incorporated into social stories or picture cards, ensure participants and support networks are prepared to evacuate safely during heightened weather events.
Emergency Preparedness for Providers:
1. Know Your Environment
Providers should be intimately familiar with state and territory government plans for emergencies common during Australia’s summer and storm seasons. Understanding the roles of different departments and agencies in preparation, response, and recovery is crucial.
2. Communication Strategies
Recognise that different regions may have varied communication methods, especially during severe weather events. Emergency plans should identify local authorities and channels for contact, ensuring participants know how to access emergency alerts, especially for those using alternative communication methods.
3. Provider Emergency Management Plans
Comply with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations by having a comprehensive emergency plan. This plan should outline response procedures, evacuation processes, notification protocols, and communication within the workplace. Regular testing, training, and instruction of workers are essential components, especially when anticipating heightened risks during the summer and storm seasons.
Continuity of Supports:
1. Business Continuity Planning
Follow the four stages of business continuity planning: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, with a heightened focus on weather-related contingencies. Anticipate the impact of summer and storm emergencies on the organisation, identifying key staff and maintaining vital business functions. Test different scenarios, including staffing issues, facility damage, and resource shortages during severe weather events.
2. Incorporate Participant Insights
Business continuity planning should be informed by participants and their support networks, with an acute awareness of the challenges posed by Australia’s summer and storm seasons. Their insights contribute to a better understanding of people’s needs and experiences, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective plan.
Centro ASSIST:
In support of your commitment to comprehensive emergency management, Centro provides an invaluable resource to NDIS providers. Chat to the Centro team today about the dedicated template available to streamline the creation of personalised emergency management plans, accounting for the specific challenges posed by Australia’s summer and storm seasons. By leveraging this template, providers can enhance their emergency preparedness, making it easier to develop, communicate, and regularly update plans.
