> DIRECTION 1
Supporting resilient communities through risk reduction The National Strategy for Disaster Resilience highlights the collective responsibility of all sectors of society including governments, business, communities and individuals. Fire and Emergency Services are well aware of the inherent disaster risks and the need to provide advice, education and information to society to mitigate those risks. Once policy, planning decisions, construction options, compliance requirements and individual choice have all been determined, AFAC agencies need to focus on preparedness and risk reduction, while remaining responsible for response to any residual risk, should an emergency still occur. Fire and Emergency Services will contribute to resilient communities through: • Identifying risks: that may include risk mapping for local communities and informing those communities in practical ways.
through eco-friendly operational procedures and including planned burning to reduce bushfire risk and maintain ecosystem health.
• Focussing on strategic risk assessments: across landscapes, communities and assets, both public estate and privately owned.
• Supporting volunteerism: both through structured organisations and spontaneous volunteering.
• Providing education and support: to local community members and schools.
• Striving to be part of the community fabric: through local involvement in community activities, and contributing to social capacity and self-reliance.
• Engaging with elements of the community at risk: seeking to support their special needs. • Promoting and where legislated, inspecting mitigation measures: to maximise the benefits of existing standards and policies, minimising exposures to potential emergency incidents. • Practicing environmental sustainability:
‘COMMUNITIES ARE BEING INCREASINGLY SUPPORTED THROUGH THE PROVISION OF RISKBASED MAPPING THAT READILY IDENTIFIES THE NATURAL HAZARDS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT, MITIGATION MEASURES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SEEK PROTECTION THROUGH TIMELY RE-LOCATION OR, IF NEED BE, SHELTERING. THROUGH DEVELOPING AND SHARING THIS INFORMATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES, FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ACTIVELY ENGAGE AT A LOCAL LEVEL, DEVELOPING A SHARED UNDERSTANDING.’ 4
Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services in Australia and New Zealand 2014 -2016