What is evacuation?
The planned relocation of persons from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas and eventual return.
Who are often the most vulnerable during evacuations?
Those with limited social support, nowhere else to go, or can’t afford temporary accommodation.
What are the health risks associated with poorly organized evacuations?
Increased mortality, especially among vulnerable populations.
What makes the evacuation of high-risk settings (e.g. RACFs, hospitals) particularly complex?
It is associated with morbidity and mortality and is undertaken as a last resort.
What are the 5 steps in evacuation?
- Decision
- Warning
- Withdrawal
- Shelter
- Return
What is the first step in the evacuation process?
Decision
Who is responsible for making the evacuation decision?
The Response Management Authority (lead agency)
When should evacuation occur?
Only when it is expected to offer a higher level of protection than other options and can be achieved without endangering response personnel.
What is the second step in the evacuation process?
Warning
What should the warning issued include?
Recommendation to evacuate and estimated time beyond which it may be too dangerous to evacuate.
What is the third step in the evacuation process?
Withdrawal
Who leads the withdrawal phase of evacuation?
TASPOL - coordination, security, traffic management
What is the role of the Evacuation Manager?
To oversee the evacuation team and support the evacuation process.
What should be considered during the withdrawal phase?
Prioritising affected areas; designate assembly areas if needed
Staged/phasing - avoid congestion, prioritise high risk
Identifying transport options, and managing traffic; routes, signage
Ascertain list of vulnerable people/facilities
Activate “Register. Find. Reunite” service
Health Commander - consults re: withdrawal of people from health and RACFs, vulnerable people with health-related needs, support for community health needs once evacuated
What is the fourth phase of evacuation?
Shelter
What is provided during the shelter phase of evacuation?
Emergency shelter options until other accommodation arrangements are made.
What are the basic human needs that shelter options must provide?
SAWFISH
- Safety and privacy
- Air quality - adequate ventilation, thermal control, protection from climate
- Water - drinking, cooking, cleaning, toileting
- Food - safety, separate cooking/eating areas, EHO inspection, dietary needs
- Insects/infection/injury - vermin and vector control
- Sanitation/hygiene - hand sanitiser, tissues, hand washing stations, laundry, shower, toilet, pads/tampons, soap, towels, regular clearning and maintenance of facilities, waste management
- Health - sick bay/isolation areas; illness screening, triage; first aid area; health service support for medication access; triage and referral pathways; cleaning wounds and tetanus vax; disability support; mental health
Other - animal welfare, provision of information, cultural/religious support, interpreters, children’s activities, emergency hardship payments
What is the final step in the evacuation process?
Return.
What risks are associated with returning home after evacuation?
SAWFISH
- Safety - structural integrity, asbestos/other hazardous materials
- Air quality and thermal control
- Water - contaminated rainwater; contaminated pools
- Food spoilage
- Insects/infx/vermin
- Sanitation - essential services supply
- Health - road damage - access to services (inc. health), mental health / trauma
