Preamble
BigDog Support Services Pty Ltd (BigDog) has effective planning processes to prepare, prevent, manage and respond to emergency and disaster situations whilst mitigating risks to and ensuring continuity of supports that are critical to the health, safety and wellbeing of clients.
History has shown that on a regular basis, disasters occur in which human lives become very vulnerable. This policy is designed to give some basic guidelines for a disaster where clients, workers and stakeholders become at risk. It should be understood that in any eventuality that enacts this policy that the Directors may be required to enact urgent response plans designated by Government. This may mean a variance or a rejection of elements of this policy but are endorsed by the intent of the policy.
2.9.1 Continuity of Supports
Bigdog has measures in place to enable continuity of supports that are critical to the safety, health and wellbeing of each client before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
2.9.2 Planning
The measures include planning for each of the following:
a) Preparing for, and responding to, the emergency or disaster;
b) Making changes to client supports;
c) Adapting, and rapidly responding, to changes to client supports and to other interruptions;
d) Communicating changes to client supports to workers and to clients and their support networks.
2.9.3 Emergency and Disaster Management Plans
The directors develop emergency and disaster management plans (the plans), consults with clients and their support networks about the plans and puts the plans in place.
Coordinators are to complete the QDN Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Workbook for every client that is living in a BigDog premises and ensure that there is a copy on file as well as a copy in the premises and ensure that all support staff are aware of the contents of that completed workbook.
2.9.4 Guidance Plans
The plans explain and guide how the directors will respond to, and oversee the response to, an emergency or disaster.
2.9.5 Testing the Plans
Mechanisms are in place for the directors to actively test the plans, and adjust them, in the context of a particular kind of emergency or disaster.
2.9.6 Periodic Review Points
The plans have periodic review points to enable the directors to respond to the changing nature of an emergency or disaster.
2.9.7 Regularly Review Plans
The directors regularly review the plans and consults with clients and their support networks about the reviews of the plans.
2.9.8 Communicates the Plans
The directors communicate the plans to workers, clients and their support networks.
2.9.9 Worker Training
Each worker is trained in the implementation of the plans. Emergency and Disaster Management.
In this course, workers will learn what constitutes an emergency or a disaster and what types of situations this might apply to. Workers will learn about their responsibilities when facing an emergency situation and how to best support their client. Workers will learn how to plan for and be ready for an emergency situation and how to keep themselves and their client safe.
After this lesson, workers will be able to:
1. Explain what an Emergency is.
2. Identify and explain the different types of emergency and disaster situations and how to respond to each one.
3. Prepare and implement an emergency plan tailored to your client’s individual needs.
Course duration: 26 minutes
Procedures
Cyclones and Storm Surges
In Queensland, communities within 50 kilometres of the coastline heading north from Bundaberg are most susceptible to cyclones, however accompanying wind and rain from weakening cyclones can affect communities throughout all parts of Queensland.
Cyclones are powerful weather systems that can cause significant damage to the built and natural environments. They develop from low pressure systems that develop over warm oceans in the tropics, and generally intensify over several days, generating severe winds, heavy rain and flooding. Cyclones produce very strong and potentially destructive winds that rotate clockwise around a calm centre (the ‘eye’).
As a cyclone approaches, the wind and rain gradually increase over several hours. Winds caused by cyclones are powerful enough to break large trees, roll over sea containers, and blow away unsecured caravans, garden sheds and poorly constructed roofed patios. Strong winds associated with cyclones can cause extensive property damage and turn loose items into wind-borne debris that cause further building damage. Slow moving cyclones can take many hours to move past a particular location, causing extreme wind and rain that can last up to 12 hours.
1. Monitor weather forecasts and warnings: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service or other local authorities. Be prepared to take action if necessary.
2. Have an evacuation plan: Develop an evacuation plan that includes a designated evacuation route and a safe place to go in the event of a storm.
3. Prepare an emergency supply kit: Have an emergency supply kit ready with essential items.
4. Secure the home: Take steps to secure the home such as boarding up windows, removing outdoor furniture and debris, and tying down any loose items.
5. Stay informed: Stay informed of the latest storm updates. Listen to your local radio or television station for official instructions from emergency management officials.
6. Follow instructions: Follow the instructions of your local emergency management officials and evacuate if necessary.
7. Stay safe: During a storm, remain indoors and away from windows. Make sure to stay in an interior room and away from any falling debris.
Bushfires
Bushfire behaviour depends on several factors, including weather conditions (temperature, wind), fuel sources (vegetation) and even the topography of the environment. Grass fires are one of the most common types of bushfires. Dried out, dead grass must be slashed, mowed and cleared regularly during summer.
Australia’s native scrubland vegetation creates serious fire risks as they burn slowly but intensely, and the additional heat could lead to trees or man-made structures catching on fire.
1. Establish a chain of command for emergency personnel: Establish a chain of command for emergency personnel to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and that everyone is on the same page.
2. Establish evacuation routes and shelters: Establish evacuation routes and shelters for people to evacuate to. Mark evacuation routes and shelters with signs for easy identification.
3. Provide fire safety training: Provide fire safety training to all personnel so that they are aware of the risks associated with bushfires and how to mitigate them.
4. Prepare an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with supplies that is stored in a safe, accessible location.
5. Monitor the situation: Monitor the situation closely and stay informed of any developments. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
6. Have a communication plan: Have a communication plan in place so that all personnel can be contacted in the event of an emergency.
7. Have an emergency response plan: Have an emergency response plan in place to ensure that all personnel are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a bushfire.
8. Establish a backup plan: Establish a backup plan in case the primary plan fails. This should include alternate evacuation routes and shelter locations.
9. Have a post-fire assessment plan: Have a post-fire assessment plan in order to assess the damage caused by the bushfire and to identify areas that need to be addressed.
10. Have a recovery plan: Have a recovery plan in place to address any damage caused by the bushfire and to help people recover from the event.
Floods
Living with flooding is a natural part of life in Queensland. We can’t prevent floods from happening, but we can take steps to be prepared by understanding our flood risk, where and how we get our flood warnings, and what steps we can take to reduce the impact of floods on our lives.
1. Identify areas of risk. In order to identify areas at risk of flooding, review local maps, talk to local residents, and check with local government and emergency planning officials.
2. Develop an evacuation plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a flood. Be sure to include information about what to do if you are trapped by rising water, how to reach safety, and how to communicate with family members.
3. Prepare a personal disaster kit: Prepare a personal disaster kit with supplies that is stored in a safe, accessible location.
4. Stockpile sandbags: Stockpile sandbags at critical locations around your home or business to help prevent flooding.
5. Create a family plan: Create a plan with your family that outlines how you will stay in contact with each other in the event of a flood.
6. Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest flood warnings and advisories by monitoring local media and other sources of information.
7. Secure your property: Secure your property by taking steps to protect your home, such as raising furniture and other items off the floor and moving valuable items to higher ground.
8. Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider to determine what type of coverage you have in the event of a flood.
9. Have a plan of action: Have a plan of action if a flood occurs, such as turning off the main power and gas, and evacuating to a safe location.
10. Monitor the situation: Monitor the situation even after the flood has passed, as flooding can cause long-term damage to structures and property.
Emergency Supply Kit
A backpack in each house should contain all of the following items.
1. Bottled Water
2. Food and Protein Bars
3. First aid kit
4. Battery operated torch
5. Battery-operated radio, and other essential items
Summary
Natural disasters can affect anyone at any time. Depending on where the home is, some natural disasters are more likely to happen than others and our plans should reflect this.
Extreme or High Heat Fire Safety Training Manual Floods Resource
NDIS Legislation Amendment (Quality Indicators) Guidelines 2021 Version 4
Queensland Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery Management Guideline
Types of Emergencies
Workplace Emergency Plan
NGO Training
Emergency and Disaster Management Legislation
Child Protection Reform and other Legislation Act 2022 (QLD)
Disability Services Act 2006 (QLD)
Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 (Cwth)
Disaster Management Act 2003 (QLD)
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cwth)
NDIS (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Amendment Rules 2021
NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
BigDog Support Services Pty Ltd (BigDog) is a registered NDIS provider and is required to apply the scheme’s practice standard and quality indicators.
The standards have been developed to create an important benchmark to assess provider performance and ensure that high quality and safe supports and services are provided to NDIS clients.
The four core modules are:
1.0 Rights and Responsibilities;
2.0 Governance and Operational Management;
3.0 The Provision of Supports; and
4.0 The Support Provision Environment.
The supplementary modules cover:
5.0 Specialist Support
5.1 High intensity daily personal activities.
5.3 Implementing behaviour support plans.
2 9 Emergency and Disaster Management
Each client’s support is overseen by robust governance and operational management systems relevant (proportionate) to the size, and scale of a provider and the scope and complexity of supports delivered.
Emergency and disaster management standard is intended to address the planning required by providers to prepare, prevent, manage and respond to emergency and disaster situations whilst mitigating risks to and ensuring continuity of supports that are critical to the health, safety and wellbeing of NDIS clients.
Human Services Quality Standards
4 Safety Wellbeing and Rights
The safety, wellbeing and human and legal rights of people using services are protected and promoted.
4.2 BigDog proactively prevents, identifies and responds to risks to the safety and wellbeing of people using services.
Delegation of Authority
Steven Paull Director
Courtney Carroll Director
David Burrett Operations Manager
Monique Paull HR Lawyer
Authorise review and implementation
Authorise review and implementation
Ensure information dissemination
Ensure compliance by workers
Version Details
This policy will be reviewed every twelve (12) months unless circumstances deem it necessary to review earlier. The review process will involve an analysis of the usefulness of the policy and to note any changes which are required to improve the policy. If minor changes are made in wording or to clarify the intent, the version number will indicate this by adding a ‘point’ i.e. Version 1.0 indicates the original version and 1.1 with the first round of minor changes made. A significant change or intent of the policy will be indicated by a whole new number i.e. Version 2.0.
The following rules also apply in interpreting this policy:
• Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
• A singular word includes the plural and vice versa.
• A word that suggests one gender includes the other genders.
January 2023
January 2024
Emergency
6.0 Included Human Services Quality Standards and Child Protection Act and the term “Participant” is returned to “Client” to allow for policies to cover NDIS and Child Safety.
6.1 Disability Services Act 1986 replaced with Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 and policy review process included. Included Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness Workbook