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Practicing For EmergenciesBass Coast Shire's Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee did a trial run of their Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC) and relief centre last week. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 11th December 2009 - Back to News Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator, James Bremner, said the exercise tested how Bass Coast’s emergency procedures, resources and plans would work in an emergency situation.
"Council has put a great deal of work into reviewing our MECC and Relief Centre Operating Procedures, and this exercise simulated a real life emergency situation," explained Mr Bremner.
"Our aim was to familiarise members of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee with our MECC procedures.
"The MECC is not the control centre for emergency response. It is the focus for organising any support that might be needed."
The exercise involved several Council Officers as well as representatives from Victoria Police, CFA, Ambulance Victoria, VicRoads, Westernport Water, the Department of Human Services, Red Cross and the Lions Club.
"The Council chamber was set up as a fully operating MECC, but we did not set up an actual relief centre," said Mr Bremner.
"If an emergency did occur, a number of municipal buildings, public halls and centres in the Shire would be established as Relief Centres. Services in these centres would provide support and other essentials to those affected by an emergency.
"We went through what would be involved with a relief centre set up with Council’s Emergency Relief Centre Managers and the key holders and support staff at the relevant buildings.
"We were very pleased with the way the exercise ran and have identified room for future improvements," said Mr Bremner.
Mr Bremner urged the community to look at their own emergency plans and make sure they were fully prepared for the fire season.
"There are a few simple things people can do to prepare themselves for emergency situations," advised Mr Bremner.
· Be informed – find out what the risks are in your area. Do you live in an area prone to flooding or fires?
· Make a plan – decide early what action you will be taking if an emergency situation or extreme conditions are predicted in your area
· Get an emergency kit together, in case you need to leave in a hurry. Include a torch, radio, spare batteries, important numbers, documents and some spare clothes
· Have some non-perishable food and water in your pantry
"Another piece of good advice is to get to know your neighbours," said Mr Bremner.
"In an emergency situation you may need their help or they might need yours."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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