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Community EngagementThe Australian Government recognises the key role that communities and local governments play in emergency management response and recovery. The "Working Together to Manage Emergencies" initiative provides funding through the Local Grants Scheme and National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund to assist communities and local governments build their capacity to respond to and recover from disasters of all types. EMA is continuing to sponsor and facilitate activities and research in the area of community engagement and information is regularly updated. |
Community Awareness & SafetyA fundamental challenge for the emergency management sector when aiming to achieve 'safer sustainable communities' is how to effectively engage the community. An 'engaged community' involved in the decision-making processes associated with emergency management activities is more likely to be responsive and self-managing when emergencies do arise. To assist emergency management organisations, EMA have collated information on the different approaches available when working with communities, including best practice examples, supporting tools and guidelines. EMA also provides a wide range of free community awareness and and education publications covering background information as well as advice on preparation for and coping with severe storms, floods, bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes and heatwaves. Specific publications and resource kits to support hazard studies at secondary school level are available to teachers. |
