Disaster management

Question 1

List some ways disasters and major incidents are different.

Answer 1

• Higher levels of stress placed on the systems - natural and man-made
• Agencies and responders face competing challenges - same but different
• Priority operations escalate, non-critical are suspended
• Service and performance standards may vary
• Routine communications and resources are often disrupted or exhausted
• Non-BAU communication and reporting strategies are activated
• Coordination and relationship across agencies and sectors increases
• Organisations undertake operations within broader arrangements

Question 2

What can be essential to cross-agency cooperation during a major event?

Answer 2

Relationships established before the major event.

Question 3

What is the Disaster Management Act definition of ‘disaster’?

Answer 3

A serious disruption in a community, caused by the impact of an event, that requires a significant coordinated response by the State and other entities to help the community recover from the disruption.

Question 4

What is the definition of ‘disaster management’ from the Disaster Management Act?

Answer 4

Arrangements about the potential adverse effects of an event, example arrangements for mitigating, preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience?

Answer 5

Outlines collective responsibility with governments having a significant role in building resilience and emergency management capability.

Question 6

What two elements comprise the ‘risk danger zone’?

Answer 6

High risk and low frequency