Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A s u b - p l a n o f t h e S o u t h G i p p s l a n d M u n i c i p a l E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t P l a n
2014
South Gippsland
Heatwave Plan South Gippsland Municipality
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 1
South Gippsland
Heatwave Plan
A sub-plan of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan
[MEMPlan]
The following people should be acknowledged for assisting in the development
of this plan:
Andrea Spiteri DHS – Manager Emergency Management South Division South Gippsland
Elise Erwin DHS – Emergency Management
Elliot Roberts DoH – Regional Environmental Health Officer
Dale McCahon VicPol – Deputy MERC
Eddie Wright Ambulance Victoria – Group Manager
Peter Rushen South Gippsland Hospital – CEO
Vicki Farthing Gippsland Southern Health – Director of Nursing
Linda Jamieson Emergency Management Coordinator
Virginia Stacey Emergency Management Administration Officer
Version Control Major changes to the Heatwave Plan must be approved and authorised by the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC). This document will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Heatwave Planning Working Group in line with the MEMP. Any changes to the document will be forwarded to the MEMPC for adoption. The record below is to be completed by the person making the amendment(s). Each new page will have a revision number and date of issue printed on it.
Version Page Number Date Description Amended by
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 2
Acronyms
Abbreviation Full Title
BOM Bureau of Meteorology
CEO Chief Executive Officer
CFA Country Fire Authority
DEPI Department of Environment and Primary Industries
DHS Department of Human Services
DoH Department of Health
GP’s General Practitioners
HACC Home and Community Care
HR Human Resources
HWP Heatwave Plan
LGA Local Government Authority
MECC Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre
MERC Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator
MEMP / MEMPlan Municipal Emergency Management Plan
MERO Municipal Emergency Resources Officer
MRM Municipal Recovery Manager
SES State Emergency Service
SGSC South Gippsland Shire Council
VICs Visitor Information Centres
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 3
Table of Contents
Version Control ................................................................................................................ 1
Acronyms ......................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Figures ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
MEMPC foreword ............................................................................................................. 6
Section 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 7
What is a heatwave plan? ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Why have a heatwave plan? .................................................................................................................................. 7
Aim ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Objectives .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Section 2: Background and Context ................................................................................... 8
Victorian context ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Local context .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Policy context ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Section 3: Understanding Heatwaves and their Impact ..................................................... 9
What is a heatwave? ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Heat health thresholds .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Heat health alerts .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Heatwaves and health ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Heat-related illness .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Vulnerable population groups ............................................................................................................................. 11
Vulnerability in South Gippsland ......................................................................................................................... 11
Vulnerable Persons Register ................................................................................................................................ 13
Service delivery and business continuity ............................................................................................................. 14
Section 4: Community Profile.......................................................................................... 15
Age Structure ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Emerging groups .................................................................................................................................................. 17
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 4
People living with a disability .............................................................................................................................. 18
Dominant groups ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Diversity ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Housing diversity ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Household size and dwelling structures .......................................................................................................... 20
Population density ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Summary .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Section 5: Heatwave Plan Preparedness .......................................................................... 22
Preparedness and Prevention ............................................................................................................................. 22
Section 6: Activation / Heatwave Response .................................................................... 23
When is the plan activated? ................................................................................................................................ 23
What we will do ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Heat health alert communication flowchart ....................................................................................................... 23
Heat health alert flowchart – MERO and MRM actions ...................................................................................... 24
Heat health alert flowchart – staff actions .......................................................................................................... 25
What other local agencies will do .................................................................................................................... 25
Appendices .................................................................................................................... 26
Appendix 1: Heat health alert systems 2013 -2014 Information and Guidance ................................................. 26
Appendix 2: Staying Healthy in the Heat Brochure ............................................................................................. 26
Appendix 3: Staying healthy in the heat factsheet for clinicians ......................................................................... 26
Appendix 4: Fire Danger Rating and Council Actions .......................................................................................... 26
Appendix 5: Staying Healthy in the Heat: Supporting People by telephone ..................................................... 26
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 5
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Calculating the Average Temperature ........................................................................................................ 9
Figure 2: South Gippsland Shire Map ...................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3: Changes in Age Structure 2006 to 2011 .................................................................................................. 16
Figure 4: Changes in Age Structure Comparison to Regional Victoria 2006 to 2011 ............................................... 16
Figure 5: Change in age structure – service age groups comparison to Regional Victoria 2006 to 2011 ................ 17
Figure 6: Need for assistance with core activities ................................................................................................... 18
Figure 7: Need for assistance with core activities comparison Regional Victoria 2011 .......................................... 18
Figure 8: Birthplace summary of South Gippsland Shire residents ......................................................................... 19
Figure 9: Dwelling Structure Comparison Regional Victoria 2011 ........................................................................... 20
Figure 10: Diagram 1: Overview of heat health alert communication .................................................................... 24
Figure 11: Diagram 2: Heat health alert flowchart – MERO and MRM actions ....................................................... 24
Figure 12: Diagram 3: Heat health alert flowchart – Staff actions .......................................................................... 25
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 6
MEMPC foreword
The Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee [MEMPC], as part of its emergency management planning, has developed this Heatwave Plan. While the likelihood of extreme heatwave is lower than in other areas, the impact from heatwave on our community could be severe.
The aim of this Heatwave Plan is to prepare the South Gippsland Shire for effects of a declared heatwave – on our community, infrastructure, operational capacity, plans and policies. The plan outlines how heatwave may impact the health and well-being of different members of our community with emphasis on the elderly and very young. It identifies the potential health, social and economic impacts on individuals and local organisations.
It is emphasised that this Heatwave Plan is to work in conjunction with the Municipality’s Emergency Management Plan and sub-plans. It is acknowledged that heatwaves are often a prelude to a very hot summer season that signals an increased risk of bushfires and single incident fires in residential and commercial facilities.
The Heatwave Plan will be reviewed annually after each summer season.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 7
Section 1: Introduction
What is a heatwave plan? The Heatwave Plan and accompanying appendices are intended to outline preparations for heatwave and measures to reduce the effects of heatwaves and extreme hot weather. The plan includes actions that will be undertaken by South Gippsland Council and our partner organisations to mitigate the impact of a heatwave on the community.
Why have a heatwave plan? Australia commonly experiences higher than average temperatures during the summer season. CSIRO has predicted that there is likely to be an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Victoria as well as other extreme events like drought, bushfire and flooding1 .
Evidence shows that prolong periods of high temperatures, heatwaves, can contribute to illness and death, particularly in vulnerable population groups2. This poses a significant challenge to all communities to ensure that its most vulnerable groups are supported and mitigations in place to deal with the impact that extreme heat events.
Governments and health agencies will be required to respond to the increasingly severe impacts that these extreme heat events are expected to produce.
Aim The aim of our Heatwave Plan is to ensure that South Gippsland’s Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee [MEMPC] is able to respond appropriately to heatwaves and extreme heat events.
Objectives The objectives of this plan are to: -
a) Inform the South Gippsland Shire community of the risks associated with heatwaves. b) Outline the actions that Council will take to mitigate the impact of heatwaves. c) Complement and support other local, regional and state heatwave plans.
1 Department of Premier and Cabinet (2009) Victorian Climate Change Green Paper
http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/125422/Victorian-Climate-Change-Green-Paper-July-2009.pdf
2 Department of Human Services (2007) Climate Change and Health: An Exploration of Challenges of Public Health in Victoria
www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/73235/Climatechangeandhealth-AnexplorationofthechallengesforpublichealthinVictoria.pdf
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 8
Section 2: Background and Context
Victorian context The Victorian Government’s ‘Our Environment Our Future Sustainability Action Statement 2006’3 sets out state policy in relation to heatwave planning and identifies the need for state and local governments to work together on heatwave response.
The January 2009 heatwave in Victoria not only set many new temperature records across the state, but in addition, 374 deaths were recorded4. This substantially exceeded the death toll from the Black Saturday fires on 7 February of that year.
Following this, the program to develop heatwave plans across Victorian councils was expedited to ensure that communities were able to prepare for and respond to this threat in the future. South Gippsland Shire Council developed its first Heatwave Plan in 2009.
Although South Gippsland is fortunate to have no recorded heat-related fatalities, planning for heatwaves is essential to ensure the health and well-being of our community.
Local context In 2009, South Gippsland Shire Council received funding from the Victorian State Government to develop a heatwave plan. The focus was not only on integrating heatwave planning into existing council plans and strategies; but also on providing a framework to support a shire-wide heatwave response.
A large influx of holiday makers means that summer has the highest pressure on South Gippsland’s water supplies. This, combined with lower rainfall and the potential for severe water restrictions, creates a potential for homes and businesses on tank water to run out of water. Other infrastructure under pressure includes: transport, air conditioning, roads and bridges, and electricity supply.
Policy context The Heatwave Plan is a sub-plan of South Gippsland’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan.
3 Source: Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment (Now Department of Environment and Primary Industries)
http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/125425/Our-Environment-Our-Future-Sustainability-Action-Statement-2006-.pdf 4 Source: Department of Human Services (2009) January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/F7EEA4050981101ACA257AD80074AE8B/$FILE/heat_health_impact_rpt_Vic2009.pdf
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 9
Section 3: Understanding Heatwaves and their Impact
What is a heatwave? Although there is no standard definition of a heatwave, it is usually defined as a “period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather that can impact on human health, community infrastructure and services”5.
The Victorian Department of Health has a technical definition of a heatwave based on the minimum temperature threshold that is likely to impact on the health of a community, known as the heat health temperature threshold.
Heat health thresholds The Department of Health has developed heat health thresholds for all local government areas in Victoria. The heat health threshold is the average temperature in any 24 hour period from 9am to 9am (refer to Figure 1 for calculation method). The heat health threshold for South Gippsland Shire, as part of the Bureau of Meteorology West & South Gippsland forecast district, has been set at an average of 30˚C.
Heat health alerts A health alert is issued by the Department of Health to advise the Victorian community of an issue that is urgent, poses an immediate threat to public health and requires an immediate response.
A heat health alert is issued by the Department of Health to advise when the forecast temperatures meet or exceed the heat health threshold for any given area.
The Department of Health will monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and send heat health alerts to councils, hospitals, and health and community services providers when the threshold has been triggered.
For further information on the heat health temperature thresholds for Victorian districts see Appendix 1: Heat health alert systems 2013 -2014 Information and Guidance.
5 Department of Health (2011) Heatwave plan for Victoria, p2,
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/45C7A59BDE5B1E95CA257A360015AAB5/$FILE/Heatwave%20plan%20for%20Victoria.pdf
A heatwave… “is usually
defined as a “period of
abnormally and
uncomfortably hot weather
that can impact on human
health, community
infrastructure and services”
Figure 1: Calculating the Average Temperature
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 10
Heatwaves and health Similar temperatures can have different impacts on a population, depending on the duration of the heat event, the timing within the season, and level of acclimatisation of the population.
Human beings survive within a range of optimum temperature, outside of which death and disease increases. Globally heatwaves have become more common, and heat-related morbidity and mortality are predicted to accompany an increasing frequency and severity of extreme heat events.
Heatwaves and extreme heat events have a significant impact on our health, with effects ranging from illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, to heat stroke which may be fatal.
Even small changes in our environment can have dramatic effects on the human body.
This is because humans can only survive when core body temperature remains in a narrow range, around 37°C. If the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can remove through sweating, core body temperature will rise. At core body temperatures above 39°C serious heat stroke and unconsciousness can occur.
Above 42°C serious heat stroke and even death occurs after a relatively short time.
It is important for individuals to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat and to take precautions for their health.
Heat-related illness Heatwaves can affect anybody. Heat-related illnesses are caused when the body is incapable of regulating its core temperature, hence unable to sufficiently cool itself. In some cases heat-related illnesses can be fatal.
The most important actions the community can take to respond to heatwaves are to:
keep cool drink plenty of water stay out of the sun look after yourself and others.
For more information see Appendix 2: Staying Healthy in the Heat Brochure
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 11
Vulnerable population groups People's vulnerability to heat depends on individual risk factors, including medical, behavioural and environmental factors. Although everyone is vulnerable to the effects of a heatwave, those most at risk are:
Babies and children under four years;
Seniors and older people living alone;
Pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and infants;
People with chronic illness;
People taking medications that may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature;
People who are socially isolated;
People with a disability.
Those caring for vulnerable people and small children should be aware of higher risks of dehydration and heat stroke.
Other factors that influence the degree of vulnerability to heatwaves include:
Housing (building type and/or condition);
Presence and use of air-conditioning;
Characteristics of the local area (heat-load);
Characteristics of the local climate.
For more information on preventing heat related illness for babies, young children and seniors see Appendix 2: Staying Healthy in the Heat Brochure
Vulnerability in South Gippsland South Gippsland Shire has identified that its most vulnerable population groups are older people; people who are socially isolated; people living with a disability and people with young children. These residents are heavily reliant on local service providers to assist in the provision of the various services. The demand for services will increase as the population grows. Long term plans need to be considered so that our vulnerable residents are well placed to cope with the predicted increase in average temperatures and are able to respond appropriately.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 12
A person most at risk during a heatwave:
are socially isolated and without any other
supports, family or friends;
lives alone and has additional needs and/or lives
with an individual with similar or greater level of
additional needs; and/or, physical dependence;
and/or,
is unable to make an independent decision due to
cognitive or other impairment (including acquired
brain injury) in relation to activating/implementing a personal survival plan
People who are taking a prescribed medication could also be at an increased risk of heat-related illness. This is because heat can be responsible for reducing the effectiveness of some medications and can also cause adverse reactions in others. Most medications need to be stored under 25°C in order to remain effective and safe for use.
It is important for people who are taking a medication to ensure that they have discussed what implications may be caused by heat with either their GP or Pharmacist.
For further information on the effects of heat on prescribed medications, refer to Appendix 3: Staying healthy in the heat factsheet for clinicians.
It has been identified that these
groups are the most at risk during
an emergency and as such have
been included when assessing our
risks. Further details of this are
included in the MEMPlan Section
6.12. Vulnerable People.
The details of aged and disability
support services and
accommodation have also been
identified in the MEMPlan. This will
allow for early warning and
arrangements to limit the impact of
an emergency on these people. For
a list of aged and disability support
services and community service
organisations working with
vulnerable individuals at the local
level refer to Appendix F in the MEMPlan. The contacts list also contains details of facilities
where vulnerable individuals are likely to be situated and also include:
Hospitals
Aged Care Facilities
Schools
“It has been identified that
these groups are the most
at risk during an emergency
and as such have been
included when assessing
our risks”.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 13
Vulnerable Persons Register6 The Vulnerable Persons Register is a local list of vulnerable people who may need
consideration (tailored advice of a recommendation to evacuate) in an emergency. While the
Vulnerable Persons Register is locally administered and it is managed through a State
Government database. A vulnerable person is defined as someone living in the community
who is frail and/or physically or cognitively impaired; and unable to comprehend warnings and
directions and/or respond in an emergency situation. The register is not an opt-in service –
people need to be identified by local agencies (e.g. Council, Benetas, Quantum Support
Services, South Gippsland Hospital, Gippsland Southern Health and Baptcare).
6 Source: Departments of Health and Human Services (2012) Vulnerable People in Emergencies Policy
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/facs/bdb/fmu/service-agreement/4.departmental-policies-procedures-and-initiatives/4.18-vulnerable-people-in-emergencies
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 14
Service delivery and business continuity By their nature, heatwaves are likely to occur in conjunction with days that are subject to Council’s Staff Code Red, Severe and Extreme Fire Danger Policy.
This policy sets clear guidelines for staff, usage of Council facilities and the provision of Council services on ‘Fire Danger Rating’ days. On ‘Code Red’ days Council services and facilities in the shire may be limited and/or closed, particularly in the designated High Bushfire Risk townships such as Walkerville, Waratah Bay, Sandy Point, Koonwarra, Venus Bay and Cherry Tree Road and McDonalds Track in Nyora.
At this stage Council will require staff to inform clients and field staff of the information of the heatwave warning and to ensure they have strategies in place to prevent heat stress.
In the event of a heatwave occurring on these days, these people are advised that there may be a reduction in service delivery across the shire, which would have the greatest impact on people who are identified as being vulnerable.
For further information on Council actions refer to Appendix 4: Fire Danger Rating and
Council Actions
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 15
Section 4: Community Profile7
South Gippsland’s population is estimated to swell to between 45,000 to 50,000 during the peak summer season. 27.7% of the permanent 2011 population of 27,213 were aged 60+ compared to Victorian’s average of 19.8% for this age group. In heatwave conditions, mortality rates in people aged 65 years or older may increase by 19 to 21%.
Because South Gippsland Shire has lower temperature averages than other parts of Victoria, like the Wimmera, the South Gippsland community is not acclimatised to the higher temperatures that occur during a heatwave and are potentially more vulnerable.
Figure 2: South Gippsland Shire Map
Age Structure Analysis of the service age groups of South Gippsland Shire in 2011 compared to Regional
VIC shows that there was a lower proportion of people in the younger age groups (0 to 17
years) and a higher proportion of people in the older age groups (60+ years).
Overall, 23.0% of the population was aged between 0 and 17, and 27.7% were aged 60 years
and over, compared with 23.5% and 24.2% respectively for Regional VIC.
7 Data source for this section: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimated Resident Population 2012 and Census of Population
and Housing 2006 and 2011, Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id the population experts.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 16
“In 2011, South Gippsland Shire has a similar proportion of pre-schoolers and a higher proportion of persons at post retirement age than Regional VIC8”.
Figure 3: Changes in Age Structure 2006 to 2011
Figure 4: Changes in Age Structure Comparison to Regional Victoria 2006 to 2011
The major differences between the age structure of South Gippsland Shire and Regional VIC
were:
A larger percentage of 'Empty nesters and retirees' (14.4% compared to 11.9%)
A larger percentage of 'Older workers & pre-retirees' (15.0% compared to 14.0%)
A smaller percentage of 'Young workforce' (8.8% compared to 10.5%)
A smaller percentage of 'Tertiary education & independence' (6.4% compared to 8.1%)
8 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing 2006 and 2011 and presented in
profile.id
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 17
Figure 5: Change in age structure – service age groups comparison to Regional Victoria 2006 to 2011
Emerging groups
From 2006 to 2011, South Gippsland Shire's population increased by 1,483 people (5.8%).
This represents an average annual population change of 1.13% per year over the period.
The largest changes in the age structure in this area between 2006 and 2011 were in the age
groups:
Empty nesters and retirees (60 to 69) (+857 people)
Seniors (70 to 84) (+270 people)
Young workforce (25 to 34) (+172 people)
Babies and pre-schoolers (0 to 4) (+142 people)
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 18
People living with a disability 1,443 people or 5.3% of the population in South Gippsland Shire report needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability.
South Gippsland Shire's disability statistics relate directly
to need for assistance due to a severe or profound
disability. The information may be used in the planning of
local facilities, services such as day-care and occasional
care and in the provision of information and support to
carers. South Gippsland Shire's disability statistics help in
understanding the prevalence of people who need support
in the community, and along with information on Unpaid
Care to a person with a disability, how that support is
provided.
Please note: A person's reported need for assistance is based on a subjective assessment and should therefore be
treated with caution. See the specific data notes9for further detail.
Figure 6: Need for assistance with core activities
Figure 7: Need for assistance with core activities comparison Regional Victoria 2011
9 Source: Profile.id Community Profile South Gippsland Shire Census Notes http://profile.id.com.au/south-
gippsland/topic-notes?
“1,443 people or 5.3% of
the population in South
Gippsland Shire report
needing help in their day-
to-day lives due to
disability”.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 19
Dominant groups Analysis of the need for assistance of people in South Gippsland Shire compared to Regional
VIC shows that there was a similar proportion of people who reported needing assistance with
core activities.
Overall, 5.3% of the population reported needing assistance with core activities, compared
with 5.7% for Regional VIC.
The major differences in the age groups reporting a need for assistance in South
Gippsland Shire and Regional VIC were:
A smaller percentage of persons aged 80 to 84 (21.3% compared to 23.6%)
A smaller percentage of persons aged 65 to 69 (5.2% compared to 7.3%)
A smaller percentage of persons aged 85 and over (45.2% compared to 47.0%)
A smaller percentage of persons aged 60 to 64 (5.5% compared to 6.7%)
Diversity In 2011, 11.2% of South Gippsland Shire's population was born overseas compared to 10.7% in Regional VIC. 5% of people in South Gippsland Shire come from countries where English is not the first language.
While South Gippsland Shire had a higher proportion of persons born in a country other than
Australia, it is important to note that this varied across the shire. Proportions ranged from a
low of 9.4% in Leongatha to a high of 12.4% in South West Coastal District. The five areas
with the highest percentages were:
South West Coastal District (12.4%)
South East Coastal District (12.2%)
Korumburra (11.9%)
Nyora - Poowong and District (11.8%)
Mirboo North - Baromi (11.7%)
Figure 8: Birthplace summary of South Gippsland Shire residents
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 20
Housing diversity
Analysis of the household/family types in South Gippsland Shire in 2011 compared to
Regional VIC shows that there was a similar proportion of couple families with child(ren) as
well as a lower proportion of one-parent families. Overall, 26.5% of total families were couple
families with child(ren), and 8.6% were one-parent families, compared with 26.9% and 10.5%
respectively for Regional VIC.
There were a lower proportion of lone person households and a higher proportion of couples
without children. Overall, the proportion of lone person households was 25.9% compared to
26.8% in Regional VIC while the proportion of couples without children was 32.4% compared
to 27.8% in Regional VIC.
Household size and dwelling structures 27% of households in South Gippsland Shire contain only one person, compared with 28% in Regional VIC, with the most dominant household size being 2 persons per household.
In South Gippsland Shire 5% of the dwellings are medium or high density, compared to 11% in Regional VIC.
In 2011, there were 14,211 separate houses in the area, 700 medium density dwellings, and no high density dwellings.
Analysis of the types of dwellings in South Gippsland Shire in 2011 shows that 94.1% of all
dwellings were separate houses; 4.6% were medium density dwellings, and none% were high
density dwellings, compared with 87.8%, 10.4%, and 0.3% in the Regional VIC respectively.
In 2011, a total of 71.9% of the dwellings in South Gippsland Shire were occupied on Census
night, compared to 83.3% in Regional VIC. The proportion of unoccupied dwellings was
27.8%, which is larger compared to that found in Regional VIC (16.3%).
Figure 9: Dwelling Structure Comparison Regional Victoria 2011
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 21
Population density
In 2011, the population density in South Gippsland Shire was 0.08 per hectare. This figure
was higher compared to Regional VIC, which had a population density of 0.06 persons per
hectare(the Regional VIC however, does include very large areas of non-residential land). It is
important to note that this varied across the Council area. Population density ranged from a
low of 0.04 persons per hectare in South West Coastal District to a high of 1.24 persons per
hectare in Leongatha.
The five suburbs with the highest
population densities were:
Leongatha (1.24 persons per
hectare)
Korumburra (0.67 persons per
hectare)
Mirboo North - Baromi (0.22
persons per hectare)
Nyora - Poowong and District
(0.13 persons per hectare)
Rural West (0.06 persons per
hectare)
Summary South Gippsland Shire has a number of people in the vulnerable population group categories, particularly older people; people who are socially isolated; and people living with disability.
Residents of the shire are heavily reliant on local service providers to assist in the provision of
the various services that are available to the vulnerable groups. The demand for services will
increase as the population grows. Long term plans need to be considered so that our
vulnerable residents are well placed to cope with the predicted increase in average
temperatures.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 22
Section 5: Heatwave Plan Preparedness
Preparedness and Prevention As South Gippsland Shire does not have the infrastructure to provide and host ‘Cool Zones’ or ‘Hot Day Out Centres’ the focus of the plan is on ensuring the community is aware of the dangers of high heat days and empowering them to respond in appropriate ways to mitigate the effects of heatwaves.
The Staying healthy in the heat10 brochure (Appendix 2) contains information on how individuals can take care of themselves and look out for family, friends and neighbours who may need help coping with the heat.
The brochure discusses:
who is most at risk coping with the heat preparing for hot weather preparing for a power failure symptoms of heat-related illness.
10
Staying Healthy in the Heat Brochure http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/BBFB41C1717FDEA1CA257A4400174C2E/$FILE/1310013_heatwave_dl_oct13_WEB_A.pdf
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 23
Section 6: Activation / Heatwave Response
When is the plan activated? South Gippsland Shire Council is in the Bureau of Meteorology Central forecast district for the purpose of issuing heat health alerts. The heat health threshold for South Gippsland Shire, as part of the Bureau of Meteorology Central forecast district, has been set at an average of 30˚C. Under normal circumstances, our Heatwave Plan is activated when Council is notified by the Department of Health that the heat health threshold will be reached (see page 11). The on call Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (or Deputy) will monitor local conditions and liaise with the on call Municipal Recovery Manager (or Deputy) about whether or not to activate this plan.
What we will do The Department of Health will monitor Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and email heat health alerts to nominated Council contacts and to [email protected] The email accounts are checked regularly by the on call Municipal Emergency Resource Officer; the on call Municipal Recovery Manager; and Council’s Records Department respectively. This message will be titled ‘Heat Health Alert’ or ‘High Temperature Alert’. Each Council Manager is then required to activate their department heatwave plan and ensure all staff carry out their action plans.
Heat health alert communication flowchart
In the event of a heatwave occurring, the Heatwave Plan will be activated under the Municipal
Emergency Management Plan. The Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC) may
be activated during a heatwave by either the Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator
(MERC) or Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO). This may be triggered by
situations that increase the severity of a heatwave such as a power outage, or an extended
period of high temperatures.
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 24
This information will include the risks of heatwaves and preventative measures. It will be
disseminated as follows:
Figure 10: Diagram 1: Overview of heat health alert communication
Heat health alert flowchart – MERO and MRM actions
Council’s Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO) and Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) will monitor local conditions. If a heat health alert is received the MERO will liaise with the MRM about whether or not to activate the Heatwave Plan. The actions of the MERO and MRM are shown in diagram 2.
Figure 11: Diagram 2: Heat health alert flowchart – MERO and MRM actions
Dept of Health
LGAs across
Victoria South Gippsland Shire Council
MERO Internal
communications Community
State and regional media
Community
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 25
Heat health alert flowchart – staff actions
Diagram 3 shows the actions of staff who receive advice of a heat health alert. Most staff will forward this information internally, to their team members or other staff.
Figure 12: Diagram 3: Heat health alert flowchart – Staff actions
What other local agencies will do Local agencies such as South Gippsland Hospital (Foster) and Gippsland Southern Health Services, implement a range of actions to plan for and mitigate the impacts of heatwaves. These may include:
dissemination of appropriate literature to at risk client groups (staying healthy in the heat)
ensure client details and information regarding the vulnerable clients register is up to date
ensure any Departmental Health Alerts and recommendations are disseminated to relevant staff and service groups within the health service.
enactment of local policy regarding the restriction of provision of services.
Activation of Heatwave Plan
MERO / MRM
MERC Council
Staff
Relevant MEMPC
members
Manager Customer Relations
VIC Centres
Local Media
Manager Aged &
Disability
Vulnerable Clients
Manager
Children & Family Services
Vulnerable Clients
MCH Nurses
Manager Community
Strengthening
Businesses and
Community / Sporting
Groups
Local Event
Organisers
South Gippsland Heatwave Plan Page 26
Appendices
Appendix 1: Heat health alert systems 2013 -2014 Information and Guidance http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/22E20DCD0BA4CDC8CA257C0C0082636F/$FILE/Heat%20health%20alert%20system_guidance%202013%20-%202014%20Final.pdf Appendix 2: Staying Healthy in the Heat Brochure
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/BBFB41C1717FDEA1CA257A4400174C2E/$FILE/1310013_heatwave_dl_oct13_WEB_A.pdf Appendix 3: Staying healthy in the heat factsheet for clinicians http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/08528C6E74A6B83BCA257A440028E548/$FILE/1310012_heatwave_clinicians_info_oct13_WEB.pdf
Appendix 4: Fire Danger Rating and Council Actions Appendices\Fire Danger Rating and Council Actions.pdf Appendix 5: Staying Healthy in the Heat: Supporting People by telephone
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/70D8C0305D98072CCA257A440026D318/$FILE/Supporting%20people%20by%20telephone.pdf Appendix 5 SGSC Heatwave Strategy for HACC Services Appendices\Heatwave Strategy for HACC Services.pdf
