Leading scientists and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology are predicting this summer we will enter an El Nino weather pattern, which is significantly dryer and, in some cases, hotter than average, with regular storm activity.

El Nino follows three years of El Nina which has seen record rainfalls in parts of Australia which has encouraged a surge in grass and forest growth and which as El Nino grips will quickly dry out and present a high and serious risk of fire.

Public Safety Training & Response Group are experts in Emergency Response and provide a range of expertise. On standby 24-7, we can be embedded into your existing team, activated for emergency situations, or engaged to provide ongoing consulting and group training solutions, including preparing for the risks associated with El Nino including, fire, storms, and other disasters scenarios.

A guide to how community organisations can prepare for El Nino

Raise awareness:

Educate the community about El Niño, its potential impacts, and the importance of preparedness. Organise community meetings, workshops, or information sessions to disseminate accurate and helpful information. Establish and utilise various communication channels, such as social media, local newsletters, and community websites.

Establish an emergency response team:

Form a dedicated team comprising community leaders, volunteers, and local authorities to oversee emergency preparedness and response efforts. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to team members, including communication, evacuation planning, and resource coordination.

Develop a community emergency plan:

Collaboratively develop an emergency plan that addresses potential risks and outlines specific actions to be taken during El Niño. Include evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and procedures for assisting vulnerable community members such as the elderly, disabled, or those without access to transportation.

Identify vulnerable areas and populations:

Identify areas in your community that are particularly susceptible to the effects of El Niño, such as fire-prone zones or neighbourhoods. Pay special attention to vulnerable populations, such as low-income households, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, and develop strategies to support them.

Foster community cooperation:

Encourage community members to support one another during El Niño events. Promote the importance of checking on neighbours, sharing resources, and providing assistance to those in need. Foster a sense of community cohesion and
mutual support.

Establish communication channels:

Develop efficient communication channels to disseminate emergency alerts, updates, and instructions to community members. Utilise tools such as community notification systems, social media platforms, text message alerts, and local radio stations. Encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts and stay connected.

Conduct drills and exercises:

Organise drills and exercises to familiarise community members with emergency procedures, evacuation plans and equipment. Simulate scenarios to practice response actions, test communication systems, and identify areas that require improvement. Regular exercises help build confidence and preparedness among community members.

Identify and map local resources:

Identify and map local resources that can support emergency response efforts, such as community centres, medical facilities, and shelters. Maintain an updated inventory of available resources, including emergency supplies, equipment, and volunteers.

Promote flash flood and flood prevention measures:

Provide information and resources to help community members protect their properties from flooding. Encourage the installation of flood barriers, proper drainage systems, and regular maintenance of gutters and drains. Share guidelines for securing loose objects and managing water flow during heavy rainfall.

Engage local businesses:

Collaborate with local businesses to enhance community preparedness. Encourage them to develop their own business continuity plans, share relevant information with employees, and support community resilience efforts through resources or expertise.

Foster partnerships with local authorities:

Establish strong partnerships with local government agencies, emergency management departments, and first responders. Collaborate with them to develop joint
preparedness initiatives, share information, and coordinate response efforts during El Niño events.

To speak with someone from our preparedness team call +61 1300 396 570.