SUPPORT FOR AT RISK COMMUNITIES

This guide can be used to develop policies and procedures to plan, prepare and respond to bushfire emergencies affecting  staff and  clients.

The desktop simulation and emergency response exercises can be used to assess management and staff knowledge and understanding of their roles in emergency situations and to identify areas that require improvement or further training.

Service provider also have a responsibility to respond to an emergency if one occurs whilst travelling to and from or working in a client’s home. This guide will help staff to;

• understand the bushfire risk to themselves and their clients;
• know what to do if a bushfire starts;
• know how to access and understand the bushfire warnings and information;
• understand their role as a service provider in an emergency situation.

Service Providers are encouraged to keep a copy of the guide in their vehicles and familiarise themselves with it before and during the bushfire season.

If clients live near bush, even in a metropolitan area, bushfire is a real threat to them... Completing a Be Safe and Leave Early plan will encourage them to leave early, even before a bushfire starts, giving them more time to evacuate the area and alleviating pressure on service agencies and emergency services.

Asking family, friends or support networks for assistance means they don’t have to do it alone and sharing the plan with their service providers will help keep themselves and staff safe from bushfire.