Media Release, September 2007

Following meeting on 10 September 2007

Emergency Communication

Background paper by Suz Kelly-Turner

The September meeting of the TGCCC was devoted to a discussion of Emergency Communication. Suz Kelly-Turner presented a background paper she had prepared, in consultation with Sue McLean. It is entitled "Do we need an emergency early warning and communication plan to provide information to residents living close to the Port of Geelong".

Suz summarised the paper for the committee, pointing out that community members who are disadvantaged (such as the aged, those who are isolated, those with physical and hearing disabilities, and those with language difficulties) are particularly vulnerable to chemical emergencies, and may fear them.

The paper then discussed previous use of fridge magnets in the local community, and the work of "The California Local Emergency Planning Committee, Region 1". That group has published details of their advice to residents in an emergency, under the headings:

How will I know if there is a chemical emergency?

Do plants in Region 1 Area have their own alarm systems?

What should I do during a chemical emergency?

Go inside immediately

Turn on your radio to AM---

Stay off the telephone.

Should I try to evacuate?

What if my children are at school?

Suz' background paper then considers the needs of areas close to the Port of Geelong, and a series of questions focussing on existing emergency communication arrangements, information sources and preparedness.

Discussion points by Community members

Community participants emphasised that the views of people in the community are most important. They represent the needs and concerns of residents, and are quite different from the technical approach to actually responding to an emergency situation and dealing with it.

Emergency Services need to know their communities.

Learn from previous trials of a telephone warning system in Footscray.

The need for extensive community education on the issue was widely endorsed.

Contribution by CFA

The TGCCC welcomed the strong presence of CFA at the meeting. Ian Beswicke, who represents Emergency Services at the TGCCC, invited Bob Smith and John Melia from the CFA Community Safety Department to the meeting. John congratulated the TGCCC on its work, initiatives and commitment in addressing the issue. He emphasised the role of the Emergency Services and the Police in assuming control of significant emergencies, and their management of communication to the public. Having said that, John acknowledged that Emergency Services need to listen to the concerns of the community, and work with them in the area of Emergency Communication.

Outcome of the meeting

Community Representative Gordon Alderson proposed that a subcommittee be formed to progress the issue, a suggestion that was supported by all present. The purpose of the sub-committee would be to look at community expectations and needs for Emergency Communication, and ways to address these, possibly through a Pilot Scheme. The subcommittee would only have a handful of meetings, completing its task within a couple of months. It will have its first meeting on 17 September, and CFA have kindly offered to host the meeting. The sub-committee will have representatives from members of the TGCCC, Terminals, CFA, EPA and the City of Greater Geelong. It will report back on its program for the task after its first meeting.

Next meeting of the Committee

The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 8 October 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30.

Robin Saunders
Independent Chair



	Home Page Adopted Minutes Media Releases Technical Reports About the Committee Terms of Reference About Terminals Contact Details Useful Links		Media Release, September 2007 Following meeting on 10 September 2007 Emergency Communication Background paper by Suz Kelly-Turner The September meeting of the TGCCC was devoted to a discussion of Emergency Communication. Suz Kelly-Turner presented a background paper she had prepared, in consultation with Sue McLean. It is entitled "Do we need an emergency early warning and communication plan to provide information to residents living close to the Port of Geelong". Suz summarised the paper for the committee, pointing out that community members who are disadvantaged (such as the aged, those who are isolated, those with physical and hearing disabilities, and those with language difficulties) are particularly vulnerable to chemical emergencies, and may fear them. The paper then discussed previous use of fridge magnets in the local community, and the work of "The California Local Emergency Planning Committee, Region 1". That group has published details of their advice to residents in an emergency, under the headings: How will I know if there is a chemical emergency? Do plants in Region 1 Area have their own alarm systems? What should I do during a chemical emergency? Go inside immediately Turn on your radio to AM--- Stay off the telephone. Should I try to evacuate? What if my children are at school? Suz' background paper then considers the needs of areas close to the Port of Geelong, and a series of questions focussing on existing emergency communication arrangements, information sources and preparedness. Discussion points by Community members Community participants emphasised that the views of people in the community are most important. They represent the needs and concerns of residents, and are quite different from the technical approach to actually responding to an emergency situation and dealing with it. Emergency Services need to know their communities. Learn from previous trials of a telephone warning system in Footscray. The need for extensive community education on the issue was widely endorsed. Contribution by CFA The TGCCC welcomed the strong presence of CFA at the meeting. Ian Beswicke, who represents Emergency Services at the TGCCC, invited Bob Smith and John Melia from the CFA Community Safety Department to the meeting. John congratulated the TGCCC on its work, initiatives and commitment in addressing the issue. He emphasised the role of the Emergency Services and the Police in assuming control of significant emergencies, and their management of communication to the public. Having said that, John acknowledged that Emergency Services need to listen to the concerns of the community, and work with them in the area of Emergency Communication. Outcome of the meeting Community Representative Gordon Alderson proposed that a subcommittee be formed to progress the issue, a suggestion that was supported by all present. The purpose of the sub-committee would be to look at community expectations and needs for Emergency Communication, and ways to address these, possibly through a Pilot Scheme. The subcommittee would only have a handful of meetings, completing its task within a couple of months. It will have its first meeting on 17 September, and CFA have kindly offered to host the meeting. The sub-committee will have representatives from members of the TGCCC, Terminals, CFA, EPA and the City of Greater Geelong. It will report back on its program for the task after its first meeting. Next meeting of the Committee The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 8 October 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. Robin Saunders Independent Chair