Westplan Heatwave

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STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

HEATWAVE

OCTOBER 2012

(WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE)

Prepared by the Disaster Preparedness Management Unit of the WesternAustralian Department of Health

APPROVED AT SEMC MEETING

RESOLUTION NO: 134/2012

DATE OF APPROVAL: 4 December 2012

REVIEW DATE: 4 December 2017


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WESTPLAN - HEATWAVE Page 2 of 30

Contact Officer

For copies of this plan, or to provide comment, contact:

DPMU manager.

Disaster Management, Regulation and Planning. Public Health andClinical Services Division. Department of Health Western Australia.

[email protected]

Amendment List

AMENDMENT DETAILS AMENDED BY

NO. DATE INITIALSInitial issue.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

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Copies of this State emergency management plan are available on the WAHealth internet site athttp://www.public.health.wa.gov.au

Copies of this State emergency management plan are available on theDepartment of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) internet site:

https://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspx

Main DFES website

State Emergency Management

Policy and Planning

State Emergency Management Plans(WESTPLAN)
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/https://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspxhttps://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspxhttps://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspxhttps://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspxhttps://extranet.dfes.wa.gov.au/sites/emwa/Pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspxhttp://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/


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Table of Contents

Amendment List ......................................................................................... 2PART 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................ 5

1.1 Aim and Objectives ........................................................................ 51.2 Scope ............................................................................................ 51.3 Hazard Definition ........................................................................... 61.4 Related Documents ....................................................................... 71.5 Authority to Plan ............................................................................ 71.6 Plan Responsibilities ...................................................................... 71.7 Exercise and Review Periods ........................................................ 71.8

Organisational Roles and Responsibilities ..................................... 8

PART 2 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION ............................................. 9

2.1 Responsibility for prevention and/or mitigation .............................. 92.2 Legislation and Codes ................................................................... 92.3 Mitigation strategies ....................................................................... 9

PART 3 PREPAREDNESS .................................................................... 103.1 Responsibility for preparedness................................................... 103.2 Planning and arrangements ......................................................... 103.3 Community Information ................................................................ 113.4 Local and district hazard emergency management plans ............ 113.5 Western Australia border agreements ......................................... 113.6 Arrangement for assistance from and to other jurisdictions ......... 12

PART 4 RESPONSE ............................................................................. 134.1 Responsibility for response .......................................................... 134.2 Notification ................................................................................... 134.3

Levels of response (as detailed in SEMP 4.1) ............................. 15

4.4 Activation of Response Arrangements of this Plan ...................... 164.5 Incident Management System ..................................................... 164.6 Hazard Management Structure/Arrangements ............................ 174.7 Function support plans ................................................................ 174.8 Public information and media management ................................. 184.9 Activation of other WESTPLANS in support of this plan .............. 184.10 Financial arrangements for response .......................................... 19

PART 5 RECOVERY ............................................................................. 205.1 Responsibility for recovery ........................................................... 20


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5.2 Transition to recovery .................................................................. 205.3 Stand down and debriefs ............................................................. 205.4 Impact Assessment and Needs Assessment ............................... 205.5 Incident analysis / Review ........................................................... 21

APPENDIXES .......................................................................................... 226.1 Appendix A - Distribution List ....................................................... 226.2 Appendix B - Glossary of terms/acronyms ................................... 236.3 Appendix C Vulnerable Population List ..................................... 246.4 Appendix D Responsibilities of Emergency Management andOther Agencies ..................................................................................... 256.5 Appendix E Excess Heat Factor Calculation ............................ 296.5.1 Average Daily temperature .......................................................... 296.5.2 Excess Heat Factor ...................................................................... 29


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PART 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Aim and Objectives

General:

Extreme heat events are likely to become increasingly common in WesternAustralia (WA) as a result of climate change1. Associated with these events isthe projected increase in the number of heat related deaths and consequentialimpacts on community, infrastructure and services.

Aim:

The aim of this plan is to detail the State of Western Australias strategic

arrangements for the control of the emergency response, in the managementof a heatwave emergency, for which the State Health Coordinator (SHC) withinthe WA Department of Health (WA Health) is the prescribed hazardmanagement agency (HMA). Prevention, preparedness and recovery are theresponsibility of individual agencies.

Objectives:

The objectives of WESTPLAN Heatwave are to:

define the triggers activating the response effort for a heatwave event;

describe the roles and responsibilities of the Western AustralianDepartment of Health as the controlling agency of the response toheatwave events, and the roles and responsibilities of the supportingemergency management agencies;

identify the response strategies to be undertaken during the heatwaveevent; and

establish clear notification and communication protocols betweenemergency management stakeholders.

1.2 Scope

In Scope

WESTPLAN Heatwave covers the emergency management of theRESPONSE for a heatwave occurring within Western Australia, based onspecific location triggers (Refer clause 4.2.1) as determined in consultationwith the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

1CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and research Organisation) and BoM (Australian Bureauof Meteorology), 2007. Climate change in Australia.

Available from: www.climatechangeinAustralia.gov.au


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Out of Scope

Consequences that may occur as a result of, or in conjunction with, theheatwave (e.g. bushfires, storms and power interruptions), are out of the scope

of this WESTPLAN. Please refer to the relevant WESTPLAN or individualagency Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).

Prevention, preparedness and recovery from heatwave events are a sharedresponsibility of individual agencies. Local Government will manage recoveryfollowing an emergency affecting the community in its district (as per section36(b) of the Emergency management Act). WA Health can provide advice onhealth related heat matters if required.

1.3 Hazard Definition

A heatwave is a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather, whichcould impact on human health, infrastructure and services.

Contributing factors include:

maximum daily temperature and the minimum night time temperature;

duration of the high temperatures;

humidity and air quality;

urban and rural design; and

local acclimatisation.

Heatwaves have killed more people than any other natural hazard experiencedin Australia2

1.3.1 Special considerations

Vulnerable Populations:

Appendix C contains a detailed list of vulnerable populations in WesternAustralia (as agreed at the April 2012 WA Health heatwave stakeholderforums). These groups are at a significantly greater risk of suffering

adverse effects from extreme and prolonged heat exposure. Identifying,accessing and supporting these populations are of critical importance.

Industry:

Extreme heat effects can impact industries, both economically andfunctionally, through damage to infrastructure (roads, railways, bridges),along with loss of livestock, crops and power supply.

2Coates, L (1996). 'An Overview of fatalities from some natural hazards in Australia, in R.L.

Heathcoote, C. Cuttler, and J. Koetz (eds), Natural Disaster Reduction (NDR96): conferenceproceedings, Institute of Engineers Australia, Canberra, pp 49-54.

Available from: http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/sevwx/perth/heatwaves.shtml
http://www.bom.gov.au/wa/sevwx/perth/heatwaves.shtmlhttp://www.bom.gov.au/wa/sevwx/perth/heatwaves.shtml


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Finance:

Disruption to normal business, absenteeism, health impacts and loss oftourism, as consequences of the extreme heat conditions, may result in

significant economic loss.

1.4 Related Documents

This plan is to be read in conjunction with:

Emergency Management Act 2005;

Emergency Management Regulations 2006;

WESTPLAN Health;

SEMP 4.1 Operational Management;

Local Emergency Management Arrangements; and

Relevant agency business continuity plans for extreme heat events andprocedures for working in heat.

1.5 Authority to Plan

The State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) is responsible forensuring the preparation of WESTPLANs under Section 20(1) of theEmergency Management Act 2005(EM Act).

SEMC has directed WA Health to be responsible for the coordination of the

development and review of the State Emergency Management Plan for thehazard of heatwave (WESTPLAN Heatwave).

1.6 Plan Responsibilities

The development, implementation and revision of this WESTPLAN are theresponsibility of WA Health.

1.7 Exercise and Review Periods

1.7.1 Exercising

This WESTPLAN will be exercised annually in accordance with StateEmergency Management Policy (SEMP) 2.2 and conducted inaccordance with SEMP 3.1.

Activation of the plan response arrangements during a heatwaveemergency is considered a test of the plan.

1.7.2 Review

This plan will be reviewed by WA Health every five years and followingan activation of the plan response arrangements, as per SEMP 2.2.


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1.8 Organisational Roles and Responsibilities

The SHC within WA Health, as the prescribed HMA for heatwave emergenciesin Western Australia, has the overall responsibility for emergency management

of this hazard, across the state.

Nominated agencies are required to undertake a variety of agreedresponsibilities for the response to heatwave emergencies. Theseresponsibilities are outlined in Appendix D.


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PART 2 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

2.1 Responsibility for prevention and/or mitigation

Heatwaves cannot be prevented; however, their adverse effects oncommunities can be mitigated through the implementation of communityresilience, education strategies.

2.2 Legislation and Codes

Occupational Safety & Health Act 1984;

Building Code of Australia (current);

Emergency Management Act 2005;

Emergency Management Regulations 2006;

Local Government Act 1995; The Meteorology Act 1955; and

Health Act 1911 / Public Health Bill 2012 (once enacted).

2.3 Mitigation strategies

The following strategies, in conjunction with the preparedness strategies (part3), should be employed to mitigate the risks associated with heatwave events:

promotion and participation in community education campaigns in

partnership with Local Government for vulnerable populations; participation in the research and development of Commonwealth

mitigation programs, improved community warnings and informationdissemination; and

establishment of liaison networks with industry groups to promotemitigation strategies.


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PART 3 PREPAREDNESS

3.1 Responsibility for preparedness

Organisations, both government and private, should have strategies andoperational plans in place to prepare for a heatwave event in support ofWESTPLAN - Heatwave.

Preparedness activities include:

developing plans and procedures;

designing organisational structures;

providing ongoing training;

developing resource management systems; and

community education.

Organisations should ensure preparedness activities are undertaken withintheir organisation. WA Health can provide advice where required.

3.2 Planning and arrangements

The planning and preparedness information detailed below is intended toprovide general advice to assist organisations to ensure they are prepared fora heatwave event.

Communication strategies, internally and for the public, must be developedand tested by organisations to ensure efficient, effective and appropriatedistribution of relevant information. WESTPLAN Emergency PublicInformation should be considered as required.

Internal emergency management plans are to be developed and based on:

best practice principles; technical and scientific knowledge; historical data and information; and

local knowledge and experience.

3.2.1 Special Needs Groups

Identification of vulnerable populations (as detailed in Appendix C),along with methods to access these populations in a timely fashion, toprovide advice and support, are a critical part of the preparednessprocess.

Agencies caring for vulnerable populations (e.g. aged care facilities)need to ensure they have rigorous redundancy plans (e.g. power, water

and evacuation plans) to ensure resilience.


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The cultural diversity within WA must also be considered so thatheatwave information is tailored to effectively communicate across theState (reaching all Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD)communities).

3.2.2 Resources

Workforce:o Each organisation is responsible for their workforce.o Management of the workforce is critical. Strategies need to be

established to mitigate staff fatigue (heat effects), absenteeism(e.g. resulting from potential school closures) and, whererelevant, loss of volunteer support (e.g. state emergency servicespersonnel, life guards, ambulance officers and fire fighters).

Redundancy:o Electricity, gas, liquid fuels, water, roads and other modes of

transportation are critical to enable our emergency services tocontinue to function.

o Western Power and other power providers (such as HorizonPower), Public Utilities Office, Water Corporation (for themaintenance of its water supplies), Main Roads and the PublicTransport Authority have overall responsibility to maintainbusiness continuity of the above resources.

Emergency services, and other support agencies, are a criticalresource and continuation of normal business is essential. Early,clear and concise interagency communication is essential.

3.3 Community Information

WA Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will develop communicationstrategies to educate and advise the public on heatwave forecasting andpersonal health management, prior to and during a heatwave event.

Identified organisations (refer appendix D) will assist in the distribution ofeducational material and will work with the communities they service,especially vulnerable populations / individuals, to help them develop resiliencein advance of a heatwave event.

3.4 Local and district hazard emergency management plans

WA Health can provide support and guidance to Local Government in thedevelopment of any local plans for the management of a heatwave event,including identification of resources that may be required.

3.5 Western Australia border agreements

No border arrangements are in place that are specific to heatwave.


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3.6 Arrangement for assistance from and to otherjurisdictions

When a heatwave emergency management operation is beyond the resourcesof the State, request may be made for the provision of physical resources by

the Australian Government.

3.6.1 Commonwealth Government assistance

The provision of Commonwealth Government physical assistance isdependent upon established criteria and requesting arrangements. Allrequests for Commonwealth physical assistance are to be made inaccordance with State Emergency Management Policy 4.9 AustralianGovernment Physical Assistance.

3.6.2 Interstate assistance

Interstate assistance (if required) will be progressed as per SEMP 4.9.Individual agencies requiring interstate assistance may do so viabilateral agreements (if established) or by SEMP 4.9.

3.6.3 Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC)

Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC)can be provided ina number of ways, which are defined within SEMC Procedure OP 9.The most immediate support is DACC Category 1, which is:

emergency assistance for specific tasks provided by a localcommander or administrator, from within his or her own resources, inlocalised emergency situations when immediate action is necessaryto save human life, alleviate suffering, prevent extensive loss ofanimal life or prevent widespread loss of damage to property.

These resources should be identified in Local Emergency ManagementArrangements. Other categories of DACC Assistance may be providedat the discretion of Emergency Management Australia where the Staterequests Australian government physical assistance. In these cases, the

initial resource request should be made through the Executive Officer tothe State Emergency Coordination Group.

Where an operation is beyond the resources of the State, a request forassistance from other jurisdictions may be made in accordance withclause 3.7.2.

3.6.4 Assistance from overseas

International assistance (if required) will be progressed based on needvia the State Emergency Coordinator and the Attorney GeneralDepartments Emergency Management Australia.


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PART 4 RESPONSE

4.1 Responsibility for response

The SHC within WA Health is prescribed as the Hazard Management Agencyresponsible for the response of a heatwave emergency.

A coordinated response to a heatwave event will require organisations toundertake a variety of agreed roles and responsibilities. These roles andresponsibilities are detailed in Appendix D.

4.2 Notification

The BoM will notify WA Health, via their DFES Emergency Services Briefingproduct, as soon as possible following the prediction of a heatwave event. The

information provided will include:

geographic area likely to be affected;

estimated duration and corresponding temperature predictions; and

associated weather conditions that may pose an additional hazard (e.g.storms, fire danger ratings, UV index).

4.2.1 Triggers

Given the geographical diversity of WA, regionalised heatwave triggerdefinitions have not been predetermined. The response agencies inWESTPLAN Heatwave will be activated for regions outside the PerthMetropolitan area by WA Health in collaboration with advice from theBoM and other affected stakeholders. Factors to be considered willinclude:

humidity;

evidence of increased morbidity and mortality related to the heat;

effects on infrastructure and business; and

population acclimatisation (based on climatic norms) and ability tocompensate.

For the Perth metropolitan area, the heatwave trigger is defined as anexcess heat factor of 32 degrees Celsius. This excess heat factorcalculation is based on both daily maximum and minimum temperaturesover a forward looking three day prediction (see Appendix E forcalculation method).

Agreed regionalised trigger definitions may be incorporated into thisWESTPLAN once a National Heatwave Policy is completed, endorsedand implemented.


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4.2.2 Alert

A forecast maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or above, onthree or more consecutive days, for the Perth metropolitan area willtrigger an alert for a potential heatwave event.

4.2.3 Standby

Following notification of a predicted heatwave (i.e. an anticipatedexcess heat factor of 32 degrees Celsius), the heatwave responseplan will be placed on standby.

The State Health Coordinator will:

liaise with emergency management, support agencies, and otherrelevant stakeholders to communicate awareness of the predictedheatwave;

through the State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC),inform the Hospital Health Coordinators of the expected event;

through the avenues of support organisations, and WA HealthCommunications Directorate, promulgate public messages oncoping with a heatwave from a health and community perspective;and

in conjunction with the support and combat agencies, establishcontact with vulnerable groups for whom they have responsibilities.

4.2.4 Response

On commencement of the predicted heatwave (as determined by thetriggers outlined in 4.2.1), the response phase will be activated.

The State Health Coordinator will:

activate the SHICC to coordinate the response to the heatwave;

advise all emergency management, support agencies, and otherrelevant stakeholders that WESTPLAN Heatwave responsearrangements have been activated, including the level of response;

and liaise with WA Health media to ensure re-enforcement and

promulgation of health messages to the community.

The principal response strategies include:

building on community resilience / preparedness and promoteProtect-in-Place as first line response for communities;

identifying, support and advise vulnerable populations;

emergency management and supporting agencies meeting their

agreed roles and responsibilities as detailed in this plan (seeappendix D);


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identifying liaison officers (within predetermined organisations, seeappendix D); and

establishing a ISG, OASG as required.

4.3 Levels of response (as detailed in SEMP 4.1)

WA Health will determine the level of response to a heatwave event based ongeographical location, population and duration.

Incident Level Examples of Descriptors and Actions

LEVEL 1 Conditions typical of a level 1 can be resolved with the useof local resources. No significant issues and minimal impacton the community.

LEVEL 2 Conditions typical of a level 2 are more complex in terms ofresources, risks, impact on the community and with aprotracted duration.

LEVEL 3 Condition typical of a level 3 are protracted, large andresource intensive events with significant impact on thecommunity, including loss of life.

State Emergency Management Operational Procedure 23 Incident LevelDeclaration (OP-23) describes the procedures for making an appropriateincident level declaration. The Incident Controller (State Health Coordinator,Department of Health) is responsible for making and communicating a

declaration in accordance with OP-23.

4.3.1 Declaration of Emergency Situation

At the declaration of a level 3 incident, the Incident Controller shouldconsider the need to make an emergency situation declaration, asdescribed by Operational Procedure 13 Emergency SituationDeclaration (OP-13).

Factors affecting this decision include the need for access to theextraordinary emergency powers available within Part 6 of the

Emergency Management Act 2005.

4.3.2 Declaration of a State of Emergency

A State of Emergency declaration may be made at any stage of theemergency, in accordance with Operational Procedure 14 State ofEmergency (OP-14). Note the declaration remains in force for a period ofthree (3) days unless extended or revoked.

Where the Minister wishes to declare a State of Emergency, undersection 56 of the Emergency Management Act 2005, the following

procedures must be adhered to:


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ensure that the Minister has appropriately considered therequirements of the Act. That is, the Minister:

o has considered the advice of the State EmergencyCoordinator;

o is satisfied that an emergency has occurred, is occurring or is

imminent; ando is satisfied that extraordinary measures are required to

prevent or minimise: loss of life, prejudice to the safety, or harm to the

health, of persons or animals; destruction of, or damage to, property; or destruction of, or damage to, any part of the

environment.

4.3.3 Hazard Management Officer/s

In the case of an Emergency Situation the SHC will appoint approvedHazard Management Officers for heatwave emergencies in accordancewith State Emergency Management Administration Procedure ADP-8.

4.3.4 Authorised Officers

In the case of a State of Emergency the State Emergency Coordinatorwill appoint Authorised Officers for heatwave emergencies inaccordance with SEMP OP-10.

4.4 Activation of Response Arrangements of this Plan

On identification of a potential heatwave event, WA Health will adopt an alertphase. For an actual heatwave, the SHC, on behalf of WA Health, will activatethe WESTPLAN Heatwave.

The implementation of plans and operational structures will vary dependingupon the designated level of the heatwave event.

4.4.1 Triggers for activation

The BoM notification is the trigger for prediction of a heatwave event.Section 4.2 outlines in depth the current triggers for Western Australia.

4.5 Incident Management System

WA Health utilises the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System(AIIMS) principles. All agencies with agreed responsibilities under this plan(see appendix D) are encouraged to ensure their personnel are familiar with,and able to work within, the AIIMS structure.

On activation of the response arrangements for WESTPLAN Heatwave, theSHC will activate the SHICC to become the main centre for controlling theresponse phase.


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4.6 Hazard Management Structure/Arrangements

4.6.1 HMA / Controlling Agency / Combat Agency and SupportOrganisation / IMT Structure

During level 1 and 2 heatwaves, an Incident Support Group (ISG) will beformed in accordance with SEMP 4.1.

4.6.2 EM Coordinator Structure

The SHC, who will be based at the SHICC, is responsible for control ofthe response to a heatwave event.

WA Health, in consultation with the relevant Emergency Coordinator,will assist in creating an ISG to coordinate the response at a local level.

4.6.3 Multi Agency Support Structure

On activation of WESTPLAN - Heatwave a multi agency supportstructure may be established according to SEMP 4.1.

An Operational Area Support Group (OASG) may be established forlevel 2 or 3 heatwave events to assist with management of the event.The OASG members will include agencies that have an agreedresponsibility under this plan. A representative from WA Health willchair this group.

If a heatwave escalates to a level 3 incident, an Emergency Situationmay be declared and a State Emergency Coordination Group (SECG) isto be established in accordance with SEMP Procedure OP-11 SECGActivation.

4.7 Function support plans

State Support Plans, as detailed in section 4.9, will be activated as required.

4.7.1 Medical Services

If mass casualties are involved, the SHC will activate the responsearrangements for WESTPLAN Health as a matter of urgency. Medicalresources will be coordinated as per WESTPLAN - Health.

4.7.2 Telecommunications

The provisions of communications for emergency response measuresare based on the use of the communication facilities required for theday-to-day activities of participating organisations. Should theseresources be inadequate, additional resources may be sought inaccordance with WESTPLAN Telecommunications Support.


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4.8 Public information and media management

WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information details the emergencymanagement arrangements for provision of emergency public information(EPI). SEMP 4.6 Emergency Public Information details the responsibilities and

requirements for HMAs Combat Agencies and Support Organisations inproviding timely, accurate and consistent EPI to communities at risk.

WA Health will conduct the following actions to inform the community ofexpected heatwave events and to promote resilience in advance of theoccurrence:

Media strategies Internal and external communication:o develop an information package containing fact sheets and a

heatwave guide for distribution to the community;o prepare communication material and identify key health messages;o consider paid advertising;o introduce information early, especially to vulnerable groups, to

strengthen community resilience prior to a heatwave event;o release media statements (WA Health to designate a spokesperson

for press releases);o utilise social media;o provide information on intranet and internet websites;o publish articles in the local and regional newspapers / newsletters;o share information with existing networks and stakeholders; ando WA Health Communication Directorate to work in collaboration with

Local, State and non-government organisations to coordinate themedia response and release of advice to the public.

The SHC is responsible for the provision of emergency public informationduring a heatwave emergency. Preparation of WA Health media statementsand coordination of media inquiries during an emergency event lies with theManager Communications Directorate, WA Health. The SHC may requestsupport from the State Emergency Public Information Coordinator as requiredas detailed in WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information.

4.9 Activation of other WESTPLANS in support of this plan

The following support plans may be activated, if deemed necessary by theSHC, in collaboration with local emergency coordinators:

WESTPLAN Emergency Public Information;

WESTPLAN Telecommunications;

WESTPLAN Welfare;

WESTPLAN Health; and

WESTPLAN Recovery Coordination.


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4.10 Financial arrangements for response

Detailed information in relation to the financial responsibilities of participatingorganisations is outlined in SEMP 4.2 Funding for Emergencies. Notesituation E (National Disaster Relief Recovery Arrangements) of SEMP 4.2

does not apply to Heatwave events.

Note: There is no specific funding available for the hazard of heatwave.Agencies are advised to track their individual costs incurred during theresponse phase of a heatwave event, as other unspecified funding maybecome available depending on the circumstances.


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PART 5 RECOVERY

Recovery management is the coordinated process of supporting emergency affected communities in the reconstruction and restoration of physicalinfrastructure, the environment and community, psychosocial, and economic

wellbeing. (Emergency Management Act 2005)

5.1 Responsibility for recovery

Local government are responsible for managing recovery following anemergency affecting the community in its district (Sect 36(b) EmergencyManagement Act). Where recovery activities are beyond the capacity of thelocal community, State support may be provided through the State RecoveryCoordinator, as detailed in the State Recovery Plan [WESTPLAN RecoveryCoordination].

5.2 Transition to recovery

Recovery plans should address issues such as re-establishment of normalhealth services, school and work attendance that may have been interruptedduring the event, and the psychosocial wellbeing of those who have beenaffected by the impact of a heatwave event.

The transition from response to recovery will be at the discretion of the SHC, inconsultation with the Local Government Authority, once the followingconditions have been met:

the BoM forecasts suggest that heatwave conditions have passed; and

essential public services (e.g. power, transport and water), have beenrestored to adequate levels.

5.3 Stand down and debriefs

The SHC will determine when stand-down will occur. Agencies involved in theresponse to a heatwave event conduct debriefs with their staff as required andappropriate.

Operational debriefing will be conducted for all WA Health staff, interagencypartners and other personnel involved in the response to a heatwave event.

5.4 Impact Assessment and Needs Assessment

The development of a recovery plan for heatwave events, by localgovernment, is dependant upon an assessment of the impact of theemergency.

The controlling agency is to arrange for an initial impact assessment to be

provided to the recovery coordinator, appointed by the local government. Therange of impacts assessed includes, but is not limited to, information about:


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deaths and injuries;

the availability of health services;

damage to infrastructure and services e.g. electricity, gas and watersupplies, waste treatment and sewerage, roads and transport;

food supply; and

environmental impacts.

The local government is to prepare the initial needs assessment, based on theimpact assessment, to help establish basic recovery services. Otherinformation and data from the impacted community and those working withthem should also be incorporated. The context in which recovery isundertaken is a rapidly and ever changing environment, which requires thefrequent and continuing assessment of community need.

5.5 Incident analysis / Review

The Post Operation Report shall be provided to SEMC in accordance withSEMP 4.3. Level 3 incidents will require a Post Incident Analysis (PIA) to beconducted.

All agencies involved in the response to a heatwave event will complete a PIA,and enable staff to have the opportunity to contribute information to the post-operations report.


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APPENDIXES

6.1 Appendix A - Distribution List

WESTPLAN - Heatwave is distributed in electronic form. The latest version isavailable in the EMWA Section of the DFES website. The only hardcopyversions distributed are the library copies shown below. Addressees on this listwill be advised by email when a new or amended version of the WESTPLAN isposted on the EMWA website.

ORGANISATION ADDRESSEES

EmergencyManagement

Australia

National Emergency Management CoordinationCentre

EMA Institute Library (2 copies)

State GovernmentMinisters

Minister responsible for administration of theEmergency Management Act 2005

Minister for Health

State EmergencyManagementCommittee

All members

Secretary SEMC

All subcommittee members

Combat / SupportOrganisations

All agencies and organisations withresponsibilities under this plan.

Library Deposits(bound copies withcontact detailsremoved)

National Library of Australia, Legal Deposits Unit(2 copies)

State Library of Western Australia, BattyeLibrary (4 copies)


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6.2 Appendix B - Glossary of terms/acronyms

Terminology used throughout this document shall have the meaning asprescribed in section 3 of the Emergency Management Act 2005or as definedin the Western Australian Emergency Management Glossary 2011.

The following additional definitions and abbreviations may apply:

State Health Coordinator (SHC)

The State Health Coordinator has the authority to command thecoordinated use of all health resources within WA, for response andrecovery from, the impacts and effects of a major emergency or disastersituation.

State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC)The State Health Incident Coordination Centre (SHICC) is a designatedWA Health facility under the control of the State Health Coordinator,which provides strategic coordination of the state health responsefollowing a major incident including operational control of healthresources as required, as per the Western Australian EmergencyManagement Glossary 2011 definition of an incident control centre(ICC).


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6.3 Appendix C Vulnerable Population List

Health Vulnerable Population WA3

Those over 65 years old, especially:o In care homes

o Living alone or socially isolated

Those taking multiple medications, particularly:o Anticholinergics

o Vasoconstrictorso Antihistamineso Diuretics

o Psychoactive drugso Antihypertensives

The chronically unwell, including those with:o Heart conditionso Diabeteso Respiratory diseaseo Renal insufficiency

o Parkinsons diseaseo Severe mental illnesso Impaired sweating, due to burns, skin or genetic disorders

o Conditions requiring community / ambulatory care (e.g. Hospital In The Home,home Continuous Positive Airways Pressure, dialysis)

Those unable to adapt their behaviour to keep cool, due to:o Dementia

o Disabilityo Being bedriddeno Being babies and the very youngo Substance abuseo Being very overweight or obeseo Being a pregnant or breastfeeding mother

Those impacted by environmental factors, including:o Aboriginal people, especially in remote areaso Cultural and linguistically diverse people, who may have limited understanding of

the impacts

o Other acutely unwell patients living in urban heat islands, such as the Perth

Central Business District, where the temperature gradient across urban areas maybe higher by several degrees Celsius due to reduction in green space, highbuilding density and the nature of street surface coating material

o Homelesso Suboptimal housing conditions

o Workers in hot workplaces, such as kilns in a brickwork factoryo Outdoor workerso Sportsmen / women and childrens athletic groups

3Western Australian Department of Health. Operational Directive. Heatwave Policy, Jan

2010.


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6.4 Appendix D Responsibilities of EmergencyManagement and Other Agencies

Agency Roles and Responsibilities

State HealthCoordinator (HMA)

As the Hazard Management Agency, coordinate theresponse to a heatwave emergency in accordancewith the Emergency Management Act 2005 andWESTPLAN Heatwave.

Liaise with key agencies to develop andmaintenance of response plans specific to heatwave.

Test and validate response plans in accordancewith SEMP 2.2 and SEMP 3.1.

Coordinate the activation of WESTPLAN Healthand other support plans as required.

WA Health Via SHC, and as required with support from SEPIC,provide and manage communication of healthmessages to the public before and during aheatwave emergency.

Maintain provision of health care services throughthe hospital (acute medical), mental health, publichealth and environmental health streams.

Western AustraliaPolice

Discharge all statutory responsibilities pertaining tothe WA Police.

Support key agencies as resources allow (e.g.maintenance of public order).

Provide assistance to WA Health as requested andmutually agreeable.

Undertake duties as the chair of SEMC PublicInformation Group.

Provide a liaison officer to the State Health IncidentCoordination Centre if required.

Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings asrequested.

State EmergencyCoordinator

Chair the SECG meetings as required.

Assist with emergency coordination as appropriateat a local, district and state level.

Department of Fireand Emergency

Services

Undertake operations to control subsequenthazards and coordinate the activation of relevant

WESTPLANs and support plans if required. Discharge all statutory responsibilities pertaining to


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the DFES.

Assist in communicating messages to the public

o before a heat wave, to assist the developmentof community resilience; and

o during a heatwave emergency to protect thecommunity.



Bureau ofMeteorology

Alert Health to predicted heatwaves, through theirEmergency Services Briefings.

Assist in communication of WA Healths messagesto the community.

Research and develop a National Heatwave Policy.



Department forChild Protection

Manage services under WESTPLAN Welfare,including the activation of welfare centres in

consultation with WA Health in accordance withLocal Government Arrangements.

Identify and provide advice and support to existingDCP vulnerable population client base.



Western Power Respond to potential electrical hazards and

maintain the integrity of the power system.

Liaise with WA Health around the sensitivecustomer priorities during a heatwave when poweris affected.

Consult WA Health Media in relation to mediastatements pertaining to demand managementcommunications during a heatwave.




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Public TransportAuthority

Provide frequent updates on affected publictransport to relevant agencies (SJA, DFES, WAPolice) and the public.

Participate in ISG, OASG and SECG meetings as

requested.HealthDirect Provide support to WA Health, including addition

telephone lines, as required.

Provide extreme heat health advice to the public.

Water Corporation Maintain water and wastewater services to WaterCorporation customers:

o ensure continuity of safe drinking watersupply.

o maintain power interruption contingency plans

for pump stations, treatment facilities andother critical infrastructure required to providewater and wastewater services.


Local Government Assist in communicating messages to the public:

o before a heatwave, to assist the developmentof community resilience; and

o during a heatwave emergency to protect thecommunity.

In consultation with DCP, identify venues that canbe utilised as welfare facilities for vulnerablepopulations in the community (e.g. local libraries,community recreation facilities, respite area).

Provide resources to assist WA Health whenrequested

Manage recovery following an emergency affectingthe community in its district (Sect 36(b) Emergency

Management Act).



Main Roads WA Provide details on road conditions to WA Healthand undertake road infrastructure repairs andrestoration as required for assets on the MainRoads Network.

Assist in communication of road closures to thepublic.


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St John Ambulance Fulfil roles and responsibilities under WESTPLANHealth.

Discharge Business responsibilities.



Royal FlyingDoctors Service

Fulfil roles and responsibilities under WESTPLANHealth.

Discharge Business responsibilities


Provide a liaison officer to the State Health IncidentCoordination Centre if required..

The following listed agencies and organisations have responsibilities to adviseand / or provide support to vulnerable populations by way of communicatingmessages to the public before a heat wave; assisting in the development ofcommunity resilience, and during a heatwave emergency; to protect thecommunity:

Silver Chain;

HealthDirect;

Department of Housing;

Department of Education;

Child Care Centres;

Tourism Western Australia;

Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia;

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Groups; Age Care facilities Department of Health and Aging;

Department of Sport and Recreation; and

All Health Care Providers Hospitals, General Practices, Mental Healthservices.


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6.5 Appendix E Excess Heat Factor Calculation

To calculate the Excess Heat Factor the Average Daily Temperature (ADT)needs to be determined.

6.5.1 Average Daily temperature

The ADT is calculated from the forecast daily maximum (in this case,Wednesday) and the forecast daily minimum, which is the overnighttemperature for the following day (in this case, Thursday).

For example:

Perth Wednesday

Min: 20 C

Max: 40 C

Perth Thursday

Min: 26 C

Max: 35 C

Mean Calculation for Wednesday:

ADT = (40 + 26) /2 = 33 C

6.5.2 Excess Heat Factor

To calculate the Excess Heat Factor. a forward looking 3 day average isused.

Excess Heat Factor = (ADT1 + ADT2 + ADT3) / 3

The trigger for Perth is 32oC; the example below demonstrates that this triggerwill only be breached on days five and six.

Day Min (oC) Max (oC) ADT (oC) Excess Heatfactor (oC)

1 15 35

2 17 39 26.0 28.33 20 39 29.5 30.34 20 40 29.5 31.35 24 41 32.0 32.86 24 43 32.5 32.27 25 37 34.0 29.88 23 30 30.0 27.09 21 30 25.510 21 35 25.5

Day 5 Excess Heat Factor calculation:

(ADT5 + ADT6 + ADT7) / 3 = (32.0 + 32.5 + 34.0) / 3 = 32.8


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Day 6 Excess Heat Factor calculation:

(ADT6 + ADT7 ADT8) / 3 = (32.5 + 34.0 + 30.0) / 3 = 32.2

In the above example WESTPLAN Heatwave would be on alert day three,moving to standby day fourand finally activated on days five and six.

Westplan Heatwave

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