Emergency evacuation Planning

Between 2003 and 2017, 47% of fire-related fatalities in Australia involved individuals with disabilities. In the Katrina Hurricane more than half the victims were over 75 years old. In New Zealand between 1997 and 2003, disabilities were a contributing factor in almost 40% of residential fire deaths.

Evacuation planning cannot be generalised where vulnerable persons reside. There needs to be greater consideration of the different needs, how to transport them, and where to go that can help them through the evacuation.

Often referred to as either a 'vulnerable development' or a 'Special Fire Protection Purpose Development', these developments / facilities are generally occupied by people who are more susceptible to heat, smoke and other bush fire effects. Evacuating these people are more challenging because they may be physically or psychologically less able to relocate themselves or are unfamiliar with their surroundings.

These type of developments include; 

• schools
• child care centres
• retirement homes
• nursing homes
• group homes

These facilities are required to have emergency plans in place, however during a bush fire, these generic plans are likely not take into consideration  the factors for a bushfire emergency. The Bush Fire Emergency Plan, once developed, becomes a sub-plan and so the management structure remains the same.

Most Evacuation Plans will only go as far as moving people from within a building out into the open. Considering that during a bushfire, outside will be hot and smokey. Is this really appropriate? We say no, so what are you going to do? Where are they going to go and how? This is where LAND AND FIRE can help.

We work with you & the local emergency services to assess the many different factors that will have an impact of the decision making process for the development, such as;

• how will a bush fire affect the development
• what are your options; stay in place or leave
• how much time do you need to relocate
• any shelter-in-place options
• occupant management strategies
• transport requirements & availability
• health and medical considerations

Don't put staff and occupants lives at risk, have a Bush Fire Emergency Plan so you are prepared. Being prepared will make all the difference during an emergency.