Emergency Management
Attending an awareness
program on emergency management for community members has made it clear
to me that in these times it may be useful to be more aware of some of
the things that in the past we have been prone to take for granted.
Unfortunately, this revelation for some may only hit home in crises.
These extreme situations, such as bushfire seasons, threaten our
community each year, so it is important that individuals in the
community appreciate the systems in place that offer us protection
amidst highly turbulent conditions.
Essentially there are 4 key process components to be
understood in the management of risk in life situations, and they are: -
* Prevention - regulatory and physical measures to prevent and mitigate emergencies.
* Preparedness - includes the adequate provisions in place to be able
to handle the entire process, but especially the time critical
responses required.
* Response; and - actions trained for and carried out immediately after the impact.
* Recovery - long-term restoration and rehabilitation initiatives to get communities back to condition normal.
Incorporating
these concepts into daily life is really in the hands of individuals
taking appropriate precaution and responsibility, but is primarily
supported by the provision of our local police, fire, ambulance,
medical, hospital and emergency services - not to mention the
Government (all levels) and statutory agencies that coordinate these
services.
There is no quick fix to be in full control all of the
time, however, by supporting these services that are designed to be
there when you need them in crises, our community can become far more
resilient and protect ourselves against unnecessary risk and
susceptibility. Don’t let hindsight be your first catalyst for action,
as it may be too late and the losses unacceptable.
Brochures for the preparation of a first aid kit will
be placed at the Community Link that outlines the equipment minimal for
surviving an emergency according to the governmental emergency agency
plans. While you are there explore the vast array of services that
support your safety concerns, in many aspects of life, not only in
times of emergency.
METIC Vandalism Forum
Twenty people came together on Thursday 7th September to look at issues and solutions related to vandalism.
Three panel presentations provided food for thought -
Lisa Bell a member of the local police force.
Kate Powne the Shire’s graffiti officer
Phil Stenhouse from the Bridge Builders youth team and co-ordinator of the Lead On Project.
This
was followed by round table discussion, which was at times
controversial and lively. This was reflected in the answer Phil
Stenhouse gave to the query about the involvement of young people in
the evening:
“I did invite some young people to the evening and they groaned and
said it would be about young people being blamed for vandalism”. Phil
also said that the invitation to include young people in events was not
his sole responsibility and that we should see it as all our
responsibilities. The preferred solutions reflect consideration for
these comments.
At the conclusion of the evening the group voted on the three preferred actions from the list presented from the round tables.
These actions are as follows:
1. A session to outline the building of assets in our young people as a whole of community action.
2. An all age construction project possibly in Outlook Park
3. An intergenerational history program -building youth connectedness
through links to local history -linking local information and people.
Discussion also took place with Kate Powne about the possibility of an art program for young people.
Mt
Evelyn is working with the Shire to address local graffiti issues,
should folk be interested the Shire’s graffiti strategy is available by
contacting the Shire on 1300 368 333.
Phone:
9736 9736 1457 or Community Link on 9737 0759
Website: http://metic.comfypage.com