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STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR HEATWAVE OCTOBER 2012 (WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE)

Prepared by the Disaster Preparedness Management Unit of the Western Australian Department of Health

APPROVED AT SEMC MEETING RESOLUTION NO: DATE OF APPROVAL: REVIEW DATE: 134/2012 4 December 2012 4 December 2017

Contact Officer
For copies of this plan, or to provide comment, contact: DPMU manager. Disaster Management, Regulation and Planning. Public Health and Clinical Services Division. Department of Health Western Australia. dpmu@health.wa.gov.au

Amendment List
AMENDMENT NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Copies of this State emergency management plan are available on the WA Health internet site at http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au Copies of this State emergency management plan are available on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) internet site: https://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanageme ntplans.aspx Main DFES website State Emergency Management Policy and Planning State Emergency Management Plans (WESTPLAN) DATE Initial issue. DETAILS AMENDED BY INITIALS

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Table of Contents
Amendment List ......................................................................................... 2 PART 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 PART 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 PART 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 PART 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 PART 5 5.1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................ 5 Aim and Objectives ........................................................................ 5 Scope ............................................................................................ 5 Hazard Definition ........................................................................... 6 Related Documents ....................................................................... 7 Authority to Plan ............................................................................ 7 Plan Responsibilities...................................................................... 7 Exercise and Review Periods ........................................................ 7 Organisational Roles and Responsibilities..................................... 8 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION ............................................. 9 Responsibility for prevention and/or mitigation .............................. 9 Legislation and Codes ................................................................... 9 Mitigation strategies ....................................................................... 9 PREPAREDNESS.................................................................... 10 Responsibility for preparedness................................................... 10 Planning and arrangements ......................................................... 10 Community Information ................................................................ 11 Local and district hazard emergency management plans ............ 11 Western Australia border agreements ......................................... 11 Arrangement for assistance from and to other jurisdictions ......... 12 RESPONSE ............................................................................. 13 Responsibility for response .......................................................... 13 Notification ................................................................................... 13 Levels of response (as detailed in SEMP 4.1) ............................. 15 Activation of Response Arrangements of this Plan ...................... 16 Incident Management System ..................................................... 16 Hazard Management Structure/Arrangements ............................ 17 Function support plans ................................................................ 17 Public information and media management ................................. 18 Activation of other WESTPLANS in support of this plan .............. 18 RECOVERY ............................................................................. 20 Responsibility for recovery ........................................................... 20
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4.10 Financial arrangements for response .......................................... 19

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5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 6.1 6.2 6.3

Transition to recovery .................................................................. 20 Stand down and debriefs ............................................................. 20 Impact Assessment and Needs Assessment ............................... 20 Incident analysis / Review ........................................................... 21 Appendix A - Distribution List ....................................................... 22 Appendix B - Glossary of terms/acronyms ................................... 23 Appendix C Vulnerable Population List..................................... 24

APPENDIXES .......................................................................................... 22

6.4 Appendix D Responsibilities of Emergency Management and Other Agencies ..................................................................................... 25 6.5 Appendix E Excess Heat Factor Calculation ............................ 29 6.5.1 Average Daily temperature .......................................................... 29 6.5.2 Excess Heat Factor ...................................................................... 29

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PART 1
1.1

INTRODUCTION

Aim and Objectives

General: Extreme heat events are likely to become increasingly common in Western Australia (WA) as a result of climate change1. Associated with these events is the projected increase in the number of heat related deaths and consequential impacts on community, infrastructure and services. Aim: The aim of this plan is to detail the State of Western Australias strategic arrangements for the control of the emergency response, in the management of a heatwave emergency, for which the State Health Coordinator (SHC) within the WA Department of Health (WA Health) is the prescribed hazard management agency (HMA). Prevention, preparedness and recovery are the responsibility of individual agencies. Objectives: The objectives of WESTPLAN Heatwave are to: define the triggers activating the response effort for a heatwave event; describe the roles and responsibilities of the Western Australian Department of Health as the controlling agency of the response to heatwave events, and the roles and responsibilities of the supporting emergency management agencies; identify the response strategies to be undertaken during the heatwave event; and establish clear notification and communication protocols between emergency management stakeholders.

1.2

Scope

In Scope WESTPLAN Heatwave covers the emergency management of the RESPONSE for a heatwave occurring within Western Australia, based on specific location triggers (Refer clause 4.2.1) as determined in consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and research Organisation) and BoM (Australian Bureau of Meteorology), 2007. Climate change in Australia. Available from: www.climatechangeinAustralia.gov.au WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE Page 5 of 30

Out of Scope Consequences that may occur as a result of, or in conjunction with, the heatwave (e.g. bushfires, storms and power interruptions), are out of the scope of this WESTPLAN. Please refer to the relevant WESTPLAN or individual agency Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). Prevention, preparedness and recovery from heatwave events are a shared responsibility of individual agencies. Local Government will manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district (as per section 36(b) of the Emergency management Act). WA Health can provide advice on health related heat matters if required.

1.3

Hazard Definition

A heatwave is a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather, which could impact on human health, infrastructure and services. Contributing factors include: maximum daily temperature and the minimum night time temperature; duration of the high temperatures; humidity and air quality; urban and rural design; and local acclimatisation.

Heatwaves have killed more people than any other natural hazard experienced in Australia2 1.3.1 Special considerations Vulnerable Populations: Appendix C contains a detailed list of vulnerable populations in Western Australia (as agreed at the April 2012 WA Health heatwave stakeholder forums). These groups are at a significantly greater risk of suffering adverse effects from extreme and prolonged heat exposure. Identifying, accessing and supporting these populations are of critical importance. Industry: Extreme heat effects can impact industries, both economically and functionally, through damage to infrastructure (roads, railways, bridges), along with loss of livestock, crops and power supply.

Coates, L (1996). 'An Overview of fatalities from some natural hazards in Australia, in R.L. Heathcoote, C. Cuttler, and J. Koetz (eds), Natural Disaster Reduction (NDR96): conference proceedings, Institute of Engineers Australia, Canberra, pp 49-54. Available from: http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/sevwx/perth/heatwaves.shtml
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Finance: Disruption to normal business, absenteeism, health impacts and loss of tourism, as consequences of the extreme heat conditions, may result in significant economic loss.

1.4

Related Documents

This plan is to be read in conjunction with: Emergency Management Act 2005; Emergency Management Regulations 2006; WESTPLAN Health; SEMP 4.1 Operational Management; Local Emergency Management Arrangements; and Relevant agency business continuity plans for extreme heat events and procedures for working in heat.

1.5

Authority to Plan

The State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) is responsible for ensuring the preparation of WESTPLANs under Section 20(1) of the Emergency Management Act 2005 (EM Act). SEMC has directed WA Health to be responsible for the coordination of the development and review of the State Emergency Management Plan for the hazard of heatwave (WESTPLAN Heatwave).

1.6

Plan Responsibilities

The development, implementation and revision of this WESTPLAN are the responsibility of WA Health.

1.7

Exercise and Review Periods


1.7.1 Exercising This WESTPLAN will be exercised annually in accordance with State Emergency Management Policy (SEMP) 2.2 and conducted in accordance with SEMP 3.1. Activation of the plan response arrangements during a heatwave emergency is considered a test of the plan. 1.7.2 Review This plan will be reviewed by WA Health every five years and following an activation of the plan response arrangements, as per SEMP 2.2.
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1.8

Organisational Roles and Responsibilities

The SHC within WA Health, as the prescribed HMA for heatwave emergencies in Western Australia, has the overall responsibility for emergency management of this hazard, across the state. Nominated agencies are required to undertake a variety of agreed responsibilities for the response to heatwave emergencies. These responsibilities are outlined in Appendix D.

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PART 2
2.1

PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

Responsibility for prevention and/or mitigation

Heatwaves cannot be prevented; however, their adverse effects on communities can be mitigated through the implementation of community resilience, education strategies.

2.2

Legislation and Codes


Occupational Safety & Health Act 1984; Building Code of Australia (current); Emergency Management Act 2005; Emergency Management Regulations 2006; Local Government Act 1995; The Meteorology Act 1955; and Health Act 1911 / Public Health Bill 2012 (once enacted).

2.3

Mitigation strategies

The following strategies, in conjunction with the preparedness strategies (part 3), should be employed to mitigate the risks associated with heatwave events: promotion and participation in community education campaigns in partnership with Local Government for vulnerable populations; participation in the research and development of Commonwealth mitigation programs, improved community warnings and information dissemination; and establishment of liaison networks with industry groups to promote mitigation strategies.

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PART 3
3.1

PREPAREDNESS

Responsibility for preparedness

Organisations, both government and private, should have strategies and operational plans in place to prepare for a heatwave event in support of WESTPLAN - Heatwave. Preparedness activities include: developing plans and procedures; designing organisational structures; providing ongoing training; developing resource management systems; and community education.

Organisations should ensure preparedness activities are undertaken within their organisation. WA Health can provide advice where required.

3.2

Planning and arrangements

The planning and preparedness information detailed below is intended to provide general advice to assist organisations to ensure they are prepared for a heatwave event. Communication strategies, internally and for the public, must be developed and tested by organisations to ensure efficient, effective and appropriate distribution of relevant information. WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information should be considered as required. Internal emergency management plans are to be developed and based on:

best practice principles; technical and scientific knowledge; historical data and information; and local knowledge and experience. 3.2.1 Special Needs Groups Identification of vulnerable populations (as detailed in Appendix C), along with methods to access these populations in a timely fashion, to provide advice and support, are a critical part of the preparedness process. Agencies caring for vulnerable populations (e.g. aged care facilities) need to ensure they have rigorous redundancy plans (e.g. power, water and evacuation plans) to ensure resilience.

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The cultural diversity within WA must also be considered so that heatwave information is tailored to effectively communicate across the State (reaching all Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities). 3.2.2 Resources

Workforce: o Each organisation is responsible for their workforce. o Management of the workforce is critical. Strategies need to be established to mitigate staff fatigue (heat effects), absenteeism (e.g. resulting from potential school closures) and, where relevant, loss of volunteer support (e.g. state emergency services personnel, life guards, ambulance officers and fire fighters). Redundancy: o Electricity, gas, liquid fuels, water, roads and other modes of transportation are critical to enable our emergency services to continue to function. o Western Power and other power providers (such as Horizon Power), Public Utilities Office, Water Corporation (for the maintenance of its water supplies), Main Roads and the Public Transport Authority have overall responsibility to maintain business continuity of the above resources. Emergency services, and other support agencies, are a critical resource and continuation of normal business is essential. Early, clear and concise interagency communication is essential.

3.3

Community Information

WA Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will develop communication strategies to educate and advise the public on heatwave forecasting and personal health management, prior to and during a heatwave event. Identified organisations (refer appendix D) will assist in the distribution of educational material and will work with the communities they service, especially vulnerable populations / individuals, to help them develop resilience in advance of a heatwave event.

3.4

Local and district hazard emergency management plans

WA Health can provide support and guidance to Local Government in the development of any local plans for the management of a heatwave event, including identification of resources that may be required.

3.5

Western Australia border agreements

No border arrangements are in place that are specific to heatwave.

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3.6

Arrangement jurisdictions

for

assistance

from

and

to

other

When a heatwave emergency management operation is beyond the resources of the State, request may be made for the provision of physical resources by the Australian Government. 3.6.1 Commonwealth Government assistance The provision of Commonwealth Government physical assistance is dependent upon established criteria and requesting arrangements. All requests for Commonwealth physical assistance are to be made in accordance with State Emergency Management Policy 4.9 Australian Government Physical Assistance. 3.6.2 Interstate assistance Interstate assistance (if required) will be progressed as per SEMP 4.9. Individual agencies requiring interstate assistance may do so via bilateral agreements (if established) or by SEMP 4.9. 3.6.3 Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) can be provided in a number of ways, which are defined within SEMC Procedure OP 9. The most immediate support is DACC Category 1, which is: emergency assistance for specific tasks provided by a local commander or administrator, from within his or her own resources, in localised emergency situations when immediate action is necessary to save human life, alleviate suffering, prevent extensive loss of animal life or prevent widespread loss of damage to property. These resources should be identified in Local Emergency Management Arrangements. Other categories of DACC Assistance may be provided at the discretion of Emergency Management Australia where the State requests Australian government physical assistance. In these cases, the initial resource request should be made through the Executive Officer to the State Emergency Coordination Group. Where an operation is beyond the resources of the State, a request for assistance from other jurisdictions may be made in accordance with clause 3.7.2. 3.6.4 Assistance from overseas International assistance (if required) will be progressed based on need via the State Emergency Coordinator and the Attorney General Departments Emergency Management Australia.

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PART 4
4.1

RESPONSE

Responsibility for response

The SHC within WA Health is prescribed as the Hazard Management Agency responsible for the response of a heatwave emergency. A coordinated response to a heatwave event will require organisations to undertake a variety of agreed roles and responsibilities. These roles and responsibilities are detailed in Appendix D.

4.2

Notification

The BoM will notify WA Health, via their DFES Emergency Services Briefing product, as soon as possible following the prediction of a heatwave event. The information provided will include: geographic area likely to be affected; estimated duration and corresponding temperature predictions; and associated weather conditions that may pose an additional hazard (e.g. storms, fire danger ratings, UV index). 4.2.1 Triggers Given the geographical diversity of WA, regionalised heatwave trigger definitions have not been predetermined. The response agencies in WESTPLAN Heatwave will be activated for regions outside the Perth Metropolitan area by WA Health in collaboration with advice from the BoM and other affected stakeholders. Factors to be considered will include: humidity; evidence of increased morbidity and mortality related to the heat; effects on infrastructure and business; and population acclimatisation (based on climatic norms) and ability to compensate.

For the Perth metropolitan area, the heatwave trigger is defined as an excess heat factor of 32 degrees Celsius. This excess heat factor calculation is based on both daily maximum and minimum temperatures over a forward looking three day prediction (see Appendix E for calculation method). Agreed regionalised trigger definitions may be incorporated into this WESTPLAN once a National Heatwave Policy is completed, endorsed and implemented.

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4.2.2 Alert A forecast maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or above, on three or more consecutive days, for the Perth metropolitan area will trigger an alert for a potential heatwave event. 4.2.3 Standby Following notification of a predicted heatwave (i.e. an anticipated excess heat factor of 32 degrees Celsius), the heatwave response plan will be placed on standby. The State Health Coordinator will: liaise with emergency management, support agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to communicate awareness of the predicted heatwave; through the State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC), inform the Hospital Health Coordinators of the expected event; through the avenues of support organisations, and WA Health Communications Directorate, promulgate public messages on coping with a heatwave from a health and community perspective; and in conjunction with the support and combat agencies, establish contact with vulnerable groups for whom they have responsibilities.

4.2.4 Response On commencement of the predicted heatwave (as determined by the triggers outlined in 4.2.1), the response phase will be activated. The State Health Coordinator will: activate the SHICC to coordinate the response to the heatwave; advise all emergency management, support agencies, and other relevant stakeholders that WESTPLAN Heatwave response arrangements have been activated, including the level of response; and liaise with WA Health media to ensure re-enforcement and promulgation of health messages to the community.

The principal response strategies include: building on community resilience / preparedness and promote Protect-in-Place as first line response for communities; identifying, support and advise vulnerable populations; emergency management and supporting agencies meeting their agreed roles and responsibilities as detailed in this plan (see appendix D);

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identifying liaison officers (within predetermined organisations, see appendix D); and establishing a ISG, OASG as required.

4.3

Levels of response (as detailed in SEMP 4.1)

WA Health will determine the level of response to a heatwave event based on geographical location, population and duration. Incident Level LEVEL 1 Examples of Descriptors and Actions Conditions typical of a level 1 can be resolved with the use of local resources. No significant issues and minimal impact on the community. Conditions typical of a level 2 are more complex in terms of resources, risks, impact on the community and with a protracted duration. Condition typical of a level 3 are protracted, large and resource intensive events with significant impact on the community, including loss of life.

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

State Emergency Management Operational Procedure 23 Incident Level Declaration (OP-23) describes the procedures for making an appropriate incident level declaration. The Incident Controller (State Health Coordinator, Department of Health) is responsible for making and communicating a declaration in accordance with OP-23. 4.3.1 Declaration of Emergency Situation At the declaration of a level 3 incident, the Incident Controller should consider the need to make an emergency situation declaration, as described by Operational Procedure 13 Emergency Situation Declaration (OP-13). Factors affecting this decision include the need for access to the extraordinary emergency powers available within Part 6 of the Emergency Management Act 2005. 4.3.2 Declaration of a State of Emergency A State of Emergency declaration may be made at any stage of the emergency, in accordance with Operational Procedure 14 State of Emergency (OP-14). Note the declaration remains in force for a period of three (3) days unless extended or revoked. Where the Minister wishes to declare a State of Emergency, under section 56 of the Emergency Management Act 2005, the following procedures must be adhered to:

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ensure that the Minister has appropriately considered the requirements of the Act. That is, the Minister: o has considered the advice of the State Emergency Coordinator; o is satisfied that an emergency has occurred, is occurring or is imminent; and o is satisfied that extraordinary measures are required to prevent or minimise: loss of life, prejudice to the safety, or harm to the health, of persons or animals; destruction of, or damage to, property; or destruction of, or damage to, any part of the environment.

4.3.3 Hazard Management Officer/s In the case of an Emergency Situation the SHC will appoint approved Hazard Management Officers for heatwave emergencies in accordance with State Emergency Management Administration Procedure ADP-8. 4.3.4 Authorised Officers In the case of a State of Emergency the State Emergency Coordinator will appoint Authorised Officers for heatwave emergencies in accordance with SEMP OP-10.

4.4

Activation of Response Arrangements of this Plan

On identification of a potential heatwave event, WA Health will adopt an alert phase. For an actual heatwave, the SHC, on behalf of WA Health, will activate the WESTPLAN Heatwave. The implementation of plans and operational structures will vary depending upon the designated level of the heatwave event.

4.4.1 Triggers for activation


The BoM notification is the trigger for prediction of a heatwave event. Section 4.2 outlines in depth the current triggers for Western Australia.

4.5

Incident Management System

WA Health utilises the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) principles. All agencies with agreed responsibilities under this plan (see appendix D) are encouraged to ensure their personnel are familiar with, and able to work within, the AIIMS structure. On activation of the response arrangements for WESTPLAN Heatwave, the SHC will activate the SHICC to become the main centre for controlling the response phase.
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4.6

Hazard Management Structure/Arrangements


4.6.1 HMA / Controlling Agency / Combat Agency and Support Organisation / IMT Structure During level 1 and 2 heatwaves, an Incident Support Group (ISG) will be formed in accordance with SEMP 4.1. 4.6.2 EM Coordinator Structure The SHC, who will be based at the SHICC, is responsible for control of the response to a heatwave event. WA Health, in consultation with the relevant Emergency Coordinator, will assist in creating an ISG to coordinate the response at a local level. 4.6.3 Multi Agency Support Structure On activation of WESTPLAN - Heatwave a multi agency support structure may be established according to SEMP 4.1. An Operational Area Support Group (OASG) may be established for level 2 or 3 heatwave events to assist with management of the event. The OASG members will include agencies that have an agreed responsibility under this plan. A representative from WA Health will chair this group. If a heatwave escalates to a level 3 incident, an Emergency Situation may be declared and a State Emergency Coordination Group (SECG) is to be established in accordance with SEMP Procedure OP-11 SECG Activation.

4.7

Function support plans

State Support Plans, as detailed in section 4.9, will be activated as required. 4.7.1 Medical Services If mass casualties are involved, the SHC will activate the response arrangements for WESTPLAN Health as a matter of urgency. Medical resources will be coordinated as per WESTPLAN - Health. 4.7.2 Telecommunications The provisions of communications for emergency response measures are based on the use of the communication facilities required for the day-to-day activities of participating organisations. Should these resources be inadequate, additional resources may be sought in accordance with WESTPLAN Telecommunications Support.

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4.8

Public information and media management

WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information details the emergency management arrangements for provision of emergency public information (EPI). SEMP 4.6 Emergency Public Information details the responsibilities and requirements for HMAs Combat Agencies and Support Organisations in providing timely, accurate and consistent EPI to communities at risk. WA Health will conduct the following actions to inform the community of expected heatwave events and to promote resilience in advance of the occurrence:

Media strategies Internal and external communication: o develop an information package containing fact sheets and a heatwave guide for distribution to the community; o prepare communication material and identify key health messages; o consider paid advertising; o introduce information early, especially to vulnerable groups, to strengthen community resilience prior to a heatwave event; o release media statements (WA Health to designate a spokesperson for press releases); o utilise social media; o provide information on intranet and internet websites; o publish articles in the local and regional newspapers / newsletters; o share information with existing networks and stakeholders; and o WA Health Communication Directorate to work in collaboration with Local, State and non-government organisations to coordinate the media response and release of advice to the public.

The SHC is responsible for the provision of emergency public information during a heatwave emergency. Preparation of WA Health media statements and coordination of media inquiries during an emergency event lies with the Manager Communications Directorate, WA Health. The SHC may request support from the State Emergency Public Information Coordinator as required as detailed in WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information.

4.9

Activation of other WESTPLANS in support of this plan

The following support plans may be activated, if deemed necessary by the SHC, in collaboration with local emergency coordinators: WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information; WESTPLAN Telecommunications; WESTPLAN Welfare; WESTPLAN Health; and WESTPLAN Recovery Coordination.

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4.10 Financial arrangements for response


Detailed information in relation to the financial responsibilities of participating organisations is outlined in SEMP 4.2 Funding for Emergencies. Note situation E (National Disaster Relief Recovery Arrangements) of SEMP 4.2 does not apply to Heatwave events. Note: There is no specific funding available for the hazard of heatwave. Agencies are advised to track their individual costs incurred during the response phase of a heatwave event, as other unspecified funding may become available depending on the circumstances.

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PART 5

RECOVERY

Recovery management is the coordinated process of supporting emergency affected communities in the reconstruction and restoration of physical infrastructure, the environment and community, psychosocial, and economic wellbeing. (Emergency Management Act 2005)

5.1

Responsibility for recovery

Local government are responsible for managing recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district (Sect 36(b) Emergency Management Act). Where recovery activities are beyond the capacity of the local community, State support may be provided through the State Recovery Coordinator, as detailed in the State Recovery Plan [WESTPLAN Recovery Coordination].

5.2

Transition to recovery

Recovery plans should address issues such as re-establishment of normal health services, school and work attendance that may have been interrupted during the event, and the psychosocial wellbeing of those who have been affected by the impact of a heatwave event. The transition from response to recovery will be at the discretion of the SHC, in consultation with the Local Government Authority, once the following conditions have been met: the BoM forecasts suggest that heatwave conditions have passed; and essential public services (e.g. power, transport and water), have been restored to adequate levels.

5.3

Stand down and debriefs

The SHC will determine when stand-down will occur. Agencies involved in the response to a heatwave event conduct debriefs with their staff as required and appropriate. Operational debriefing will be conducted for all WA Health staff, interagency partners and other personnel involved in the response to a heatwave event.

5.4

Impact Assessment and Needs Assessment

The development of a recovery plan for heatwave events, by local government, is dependant upon an assessment of the impact of the emergency. The controlling agency is to arrange for an initial impact assessment to be provided to the recovery coordinator, appointed by the local government. The range of impacts assessed includes, but is not limited to, information about:
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deaths and injuries; the availability of health services; damage to infrastructure and services e.g. electricity, gas and water supplies, waste treatment and sewerage, roads and transport; food supply; and environmental impacts.

The local government is to prepare the initial needs assessment, based on the impact assessment, to help establish basic recovery services. Other information and data from the impacted community and those working with them should also be incorporated. The context in which recovery is undertaken is a rapidly and ever changing environment, which requires the frequent and continuing assessment of community need.

5.5

Incident analysis / Review

The Post Operation Report shall be provided to SEMC in accordance with SEMP 4.3. Level 3 incidents will require a Post Incident Analysis (PIA) to be conducted. All agencies involved in the response to a heatwave event will complete a PIA, and enable staff to have the opportunity to contribute information to the postoperations report.

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APPENDIXES
6.1 Appendix A - Distribution List

WESTPLAN - Heatwave is distributed in electronic form. The latest version is available in the EMWA Section of the DFES website. The only hardcopy versions distributed are the library copies shown below. Addressees on this list will be advised by email when a new or amended version of the WESTPLAN is posted on the EMWA website.

ORGANISATION Emergency Management Australia State Government Ministers

ADDRESSEES National Emergency Management Coordination Centre EMA Institute Library (2 copies) Minister responsible for administration of the Emergency Management Act 2005 Minister for Health All members Secretary SEMC All subcommittee members All agencies and organisations with responsibilities under this plan. National Library of Australia, Legal Deposits Unit (2 copies) State Library of Western Australia, Battye Library (4 copies)

State Emergency Management Committee

Combat / Support Organisations Library Deposits (bound copies with contact details removed)

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6.2

Appendix B - Glossary of terms/acronyms

Terminology used throughout this document shall have the meaning as prescribed in section 3 of the Emergency Management Act 2005 or as defined in the Western Australian Emergency Management Glossary 2011. The following additional definitions and abbreviations may apply: State Health Coordinator (SHC) The State Health Coordinator has the authority to command the coordinated use of all health resources within WA, for response and recovery from, the impacts and effects of a major emergency or disaster situation. State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC) The State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC) is a designated WA Health facility under the control of the State Health Coordinator, which provides strategic coordination of the state health response following a major incident including operational control of health resources as required, as per the Western Australian Emergency Management Glossary 2011 definition of an incident control centre (ICC).

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6.3

Appendix C Vulnerable Population List

Health Vulnerable Population WA3


Those over 65 years old, especially: o In care homes o Living alone or socially isolated Those taking multiple medications, particularly: o Anticholinergics o Vasoconstrictors o Antihistamines o Diuretics o Psychoactive drugs o Antihypertensives The chronically unwell, including those with: o Heart conditions o Diabetes o Respiratory disease o Renal insufficiency o Parkinsons disease o Severe mental illness o Impaired sweating, due to burns, skin or genetic disorders o Conditions requiring community / ambulatory care (e.g. Hospital In The Home, home Continuous Positive Airways Pressure, dialysis) Those unable to adapt their behaviour to keep cool, due to: o Dementia o Disability o Being bedridden o Being babies and the very young o Substance abuse o Being very overweight or obese o Being a pregnant or breastfeeding mother Those impacted by environmental factors, including: o Aboriginal people, especially in remote areas o Cultural and linguistically diverse people, who may have limited understanding of the impacts o Other acutely unwell patients living in urban heat islands, such as the Perth Central Business District, where the temperature gradient across urban areas may be higher by several degrees Celsius due to reduction in green space, high building density and the nature of street surface coating material o Homeless o Suboptimal housing conditions o Workers in hot workplaces, such as kilns in a brickwork factory o Outdoor workers o Sportsmen / women and childrens athletic groups

Western Australian Department of Health. Operational Directive. Heatwave Policy, Jan 2010.
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6.4 Appendix D Responsibilities of Emergency Management and Other Agencies


Agency State Health Coordinator (HMA) Roles and Responsibilities As the Hazard Management Agency, coordinate the response to a heatwave emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2005 and WESTPLAN Heatwave. Liaise with key agencies to develop and maintenance of response plans specific to heat wave. Test and validate response plans in accordance with SEMP 2.2 and SEMP 3.1. Coordinate the activation of WESTPLAN Health and other support plans as required. Via SHC, and as required with support from SEPIC, provide and manage communication of health messages to the public before and during a heatwave emergency. Maintain provision of health care services through the hospital (acute medical), mental health, public health and environmental health streams. Discharge all statutory responsibilities pertaining to the WA Police. Support key agencies as resources allow (e.g. maintenance of public order). Provide assistance to WA Health as requested and mutually agreeable. Undertake duties as the chair of SEMC Public Information Group. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Chair the SECG meetings as required. Assist with emergency coordination as appropriate at a local, district and state level. Undertake operations to control subsequent hazards and coordinate the activation of relevant WESTPLANs and support plans if required. Discharge all statutory responsibilities pertaining to
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WA Health

Western Australia Police

State Emergency Coordinator

Department of Fire and Emergency Services

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the DFES. Assist in communicating messages to the public o before a heat wave, to assist the development of community resilience; and o during a heatwave emergency to protect the community. Bureau of Meteorology Department for Child Protection Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Alert Health to predicted heatwaves, through their Emergency Services Briefings. Assist in communication of WA Healths messages to the community. Research and develop a National Heatwave Policy. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Manage services under WESTPLAN Welfare, including the activation of welfare centres in consultation with WA Health in accordance with Local Government Arrangements. Identify and provide advice and support to existing DCP vulnerable population client base. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Respond to potential electrical hazards maintain the integrity of the power system. and

Western Power

Liaise with WA Health around the sensitive customer priorities during a heatwave when power is affected. Consult WA Health Media in relation to media statements pertaining to demand management communications during a heatwave. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required.
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WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE

Public Transport Authority

Provide frequent updates on affected public transport to relevant agencies (SJA, DFES, WA Police) and the public. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide support to WA Health, including addition telephone lines, as required. Provide extreme heat health advice to the public. Maintain water and wastewater services to Water Corporation customers: o ensure continuity of safe drinking water supply. o maintain power interruption contingency plans for pump stations, treatment facilities and other critical infrastructure required to provide water and wastewater services.

HealthDirect Water Corporation

Local Government

Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Assist in communicating messages to the public: o before a heatwave, to assist the development of community resilience; and o during a heatwave emergency to protect the community.

In consultation with DCP, identify venues that can be utilised as welfare facilities for vulnerable populations in the community (e.g. local libraries, community recreation facilities, respite area). Provide resources to assist WA Health when requested Manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district (Sect 36(b) Emergency Management Act). Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Provide details on road conditions to WA Health and undertake road infrastructure repairs and restoration as required for assets on the Main Roads Network. Assist in communication of road closures to the public.
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Main Roads WA

WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE

St John Ambulance Royal Flying Doctors Service

Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Fulfil roles and responsibilities under WESTPLAN Health. Discharge Business responsibilities. Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required. Fulfil roles and responsibilities under WESTPLAN Health. Discharge Business responsibilities Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as requested. Provide a liaison officer to the State Health Incident Coordination Centre if required..

The following listed agencies and organisations have responsibilities to advise and / or provide support to vulnerable populations by way of communicating messages to the public before a heat wave; assisting in the development of community resilience, and during a heatwave emergency; to protect the community: Silver Chain; HealthDirect; Department of Housing; Department of Education; Child Care Centres; Tourism Western Australia; Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia; Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups; Age Care facilities Department of Health and Aging; Department of Sport and Recreation; and All Health Care Providers Hospitals, General Practices, Mental Health services.

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6.5

Appendix E Excess Heat Factor Calculation

To calculate the Excess Heat Factor the Average Daily Temperature (ADT) needs to be determined. 6.5.1 Average Daily temperature The ADT is calculated from the forecast daily maximum (in this case, Wednesday) and the forecast daily minimum, which is the overnight temperature for the following day (in this case, Thursday). For example: Perth Wednesday Min: 20 C Max: 40 C Mean Calculation for Wednesday: ADT = (40 + 26) /2 = 33 C 6.5.2 Excess Heat Factor To calculate the Excess Heat Factor. a forward looking 3 day average is used. Excess Heat Factor = (ADT1 + ADT2 + ADT3) / 3 The trigger for Perth is 32oC; the example below demonstrates that this trigger will only be breached on days five and six. Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Min (oC) 15 17 20 20 24 24 25 23 21 21 Max (oC) 35 39 39 40 41 43 37 30 30 35 ADT (oC) Excess Heat factor (oC) 28.3 30.3 31.3 32.8 32.2 29.8 27.0 Perth Thursday Min: 26 C Max: 35 C

26.0 29.5 29.5 32.0 32.5 34.0 30.0 25.5 25.5

Day 5 Excess Heat Factor calculation: (ADT5 + ADT6 + ADT7) / 3 = (32.0 + 32.5 + 34.0) / 3 = 32.8
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Day 6 Excess Heat Factor calculation: (ADT6 + ADT7 ADT8) / 3 = (32.5 + 34.0 + 30.0) / 3 = 32.2 In the above example WESTPLAN Heatwave would be on alert day three, moving to standby day four and finally activated on days five and six.

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