Date published:
Type:
Subscriber announcement
Audience:
Health sector
The high risk season for major Australian weather events and bushfires is approaching. It is important that all aged care providers are well prepared and able to respond to emergency events which may impact your service and ability to deliver care.
The Aged Care Quality Standards require service providers to have effective risk management systems and practices to maintain quality care in these emergency circumstances.
Service providers need to prepare their sites, staff and clients for the threat of bushfire in their local area. You should:
- Contact your local fire authority to discuss bushfire implications and possible requirements.
- Ensure you have updated daily lists of all of your onsite residents.
- Continually monitor your local emergency broadcasting services for information. This might include a State Government emergency or fire services website or a local radio station (e.g. ABC local radio).
- Ensure you have an evacuation plan that includes:
- realistic arrangements for transportation and alternative accommodation relevant to different scenarios, e.g. only your service is affected OR all services in the region are affected
- provision for resident identification and care-plan documents.
Find comprehensive resources that can assist in your emergency planning.