Canberrans will be armed with a survival plan for any natural disaster, with ACT Emergency Services Agency’s new multi-hazard survival plan tool.
The online template has made it easy to put an emergency survival plan in place and share it with those you live with.
ACT Police and Emergency Services Minister Mick Gentleman said the easy-to-use template would enable Canberrans to prepare for bushfire, extreme heat, storm and floods.
“Emergencies can strike at anytime, anywhere and without warning. Evidence shows that being prepared for a range of natural disasters can reduce damage to homes, the risk of injury and save you money,” he said.
“Residents who are well prepared also reduce the pressure on emergency services personnel responding to an emergency.
“I’m urging all Canberrans to complete the ESA’s Survival Plan and keep it in your emergency kit for when you need it. You can complete your plan online and save on any device, making it easy to share with family and friends and update each year.”
The template includes a range of questions, including at what point you would evacuate your home during each type of an emergency, where you would go and how you will get there.
There is also a checklist of home maintenance actions to be completed in case of an emergency, as well as a section to keep your insurance details.
ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said the organisation’s multi-hazard approach was important after the unprecedented year Canberrans had experienced.
“Over the past 12 months the ACT community has seen several unprecedented events. Earlier this year Canberrans were preparing for bushfires when a major hailstorm impacted the ACT,” Commissioner Whelan said.
“This shows us that now, more than ever, we need to be prepared all year round for any emergency that we may experience.
“January proved you can’t just be ready for one type of hazard or wait for a warning to take action – you need to be prepared for all hazards at all times.”
To prepare your home and your family today for any emergency, visit www.esa.act.gov.au and download your Survival Plan.
