Emergency Management
The Town of Port Hedland Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is a Committee established under the WA Emergency Management Act 2005, to prepare and manage local community emergencies.
The LEMC consists of representatives from essential services including the Town of Port Hedland, Local Police (Port and South Hedland Police Stations), Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES), State Emergency Service (SES) Child Protection Family Services, WA Country Health, Saint John Ambulance, local Industry representatives, utilities and other government agencies. The Committee meets on a regular basis to plan strategies to prevent emergencies occurring and to be prepared when they do occur. Part of the preparation is the holding of emergency exercises to test the efficiency of the operational procedures of agencies responding to an emergency and to make improvements where necessary.
The LEMC has a proactive approach to emergency management that is abbreviated to PPRR – Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.
Prevention
Prevention activities eliminate or reduce the probability of occurrence of a specific hazard. They also reduce the degree of damage likely to be incurred.
The Town of Port Hedland, in conjunction with the LEMC actively promotes measures to prevent or minimise the effects of emergencies within the town. These measures include the enforcement of Legislation and Local Laws relating to Town Planning, Building, Fire Control and Environmental Health. Activities such as fire mitigation works,flood drainage works and public cyclone outlook briefings assist in minimising the effect of the emergency. You can also apply for a permit to burn online for ensuring you reduce the fuels on your property
Preparedness
Preparedness activities focus on essential emergency response capabilities through the development of plans, procedures, organisation/management of resources, training and public education.
The Town and Hazard Management Agencies actively promote preparedness for emergency situations by:-
The Town of Port Hedland regularly facilitates information sessions related to emergency management and preparation. Details of which are promoted in the local press, libraries and Facebook.
Response
Response activities combat the effects of the event, provide emergency assistance for casualties, help reduce further damage and help with recovery operations.
The Town of Port Hedland will make its staff and resources available for response to emergency situations when requested. The Local Emergency Management Arrangements details the general response by the Town in support of The Hazard Management Agency.
The Local Emergency Management Arrangements are scheduled for review during 2019 and as such, some information requires updating. Please note that currently there is only one(1) designated Welfare Centre within the Town of Port Hedland which is located at the JD Hardie Youth Centre, Cottier Drive South Hedland.
The Local Emergency Management Arrangements can be seen by opening the link below.
Recovery
Recovery activities support communities in reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic, environmental and physical well-being. During recovery operations, actions are taken to minimise the recurrence of the hazard and/or lessen the effects on the community.
In a large scale emergency or disaster affecting our community, the full resources of the Town, in conjunction with other government departments, will be directed towards restoration of services and facilities.
The Town of Port Hedland Local Recovery Plan details the arrangements to manage the recovery process following an emergency. This document can be viewed by opening the link below.
Emergency Management Plans
Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMAs) are developed and reviewed by the Town as required under Section 41 of the Emergency Management Act 2005 where the local government is to ensure that emergency management arrangements are in place for their local government district.
LEMAs are developed to provide a community focused, coordinated approach to the management of all potential emergencies within a local government area.
Relevant State Act for Emergency Management
Emergency Management Act 2005