The Shire has established Emergency Management Arrangements that build the Shires capacity to manage specific events during and after an emergency.
The Shire of Dardanup Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) oversees the Shires Emergency Management Functions. This Committee aims to meet a minimum of 3 times a year to update information and discuss relevant issues.
In addition to the Dardanup LEMC, the Shire has a dedicated Bush Fire Advisory Committee which assists the various volunteer bush fire brigades within the District.
In relation to emergencies, the Shire is the lead agency for fires on rural and privately owned land. All other emergencies are managed by the relevant agencies:
Forrest Fire – DEC
Storm Damage - FESA
Flood – FESA
Traffic Accident – WA Police
For further information on how to prepare for the bush fire season details on how to protect yourself and your property before and during an emergency go to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) website www.dfes.wa.gov.au .
During an Emergency
Listen to the local ABC South West Radio station on 684 AM for the news updates every 15 minutes or visit the ABC South West website www.abc.net.au/southwestwa for important emergency information. ABC South West 'Facebook' page is also providing the latest information from FESA and Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
During an Emergency, such as a Bush Fire or Flood, advice on the incident will be available on the FESA website.If you do not have access to the internet, please call Alerts and Warnings on 1300 657 209.(LIST THIS NUMBER ON YOUR PHONE)
The Shires web site may not have the most up-to-date information. This is due to the fact that the Shires role is more focused on the Recovery Phase – or after the emergency situation has passed.
In most cases the DEC or FESA web sites and ABC Radio 684 AM will provide live and up-to-date information.
Emergency Evacuation Centre
Evacuation centres provide people affected by disaster with immediate basic needs such as food, clothing, blankets, accommodation and personal support, as well as financial and other immediate assistance.
Evacuation centres not only provide a place of temporary refuge for people evacuated from homes in the vicinity of the disaster, but it is also a refuge for people who may be travelling through the affected area and are unable to progress due to local road closures.
The evacuation centre offer short-term accommodation while longer-term alternatives are determined.
Emergency Evacuation Centre Locations
Emergency Evacuation Centers will be determined in consultation with the Department of Child Protection, Shire of Dardanup and combat agencies. The Evacuation centre will be broadcast on the ABC radio (frequency 684 AM).
The Shire of Dardanup designated Evacuation Centres are :
Eaton Recreation Centre – Recreation Drive, Eaton
Dardanup Hall – Ferguson Road, Dardanup
Burekup Hall – Russell Road, Burekup
Please be aware that depending on the nature, size and location of the emergency the Evacuation Centre may be outside the Shires boundaries.
Contact details for the Evacuation Centre will be published at the time of the emergency.
Welfare and Accommodation
During an Emergency welfare assistance or accommodation is provided through the Department of Child Protection. Additional assistance is available though Crisis Care, 1800 199 008.
Disaster Recovery Centre
Following some disasters, the Shire in conjunction with a range of agencies, will establish a Disaster Recovery Centre to help affected communities rebuild.
The recovery centre will be staffed by government and non-government agencies and provide a range of services from one location as a ‘one stop shop’.
Department of Child Protection’s role is to coordinate welfare services in the Recovery Centre. This may include financial assistance, personal support, organizing temporary accommodation and information and referral. For example, someone affected by bushfire could visit the Disaster Recovery Centre and get information and advice on insurance, removal of debris and advice on rebuilding their home.
Services offered from a Disaster Recovery Centre are designed to help people resume a normal life as quickly as possible.
What to take to the Evacuation Centre
If you choose to go to the Evacuation Centre during an emergency, please bring the following items is possible :
Medication
Pillows, Sheets
Spare Clothing
Important Documents
Cash
Kids toys
Nappies
Please note: Pets and animals will not be accepted at the Evacuation Centre. The Shire will try to accommodate the needs of pets where possible; however, pets are not permitted inside the centre. Guide and assistance dogs are exempt.
