Introduction
Special arrangements have been established to
manage an emergency event in the Sydney CBD. The
plan details the arrangements in place to ensure
police and emergency services can manage the
high concentration of workers, visitors and
residents in the Sydney and North Sydney CBD
areas during an emergency. It includes an alert
notification system for building managers
(sydneyALERT), identified Safety Sites and
Safety Site Marshals.
The NSW State Emergency Management Committee
(SEMC) has established a working group to
consider the needs of people with disabilities
living and working in the Sydney CBD. The
working group will be consulting both service
providers and people with living with
disabilities at a series of forums planned for
early 2007.
The first forum is on April 3, 2007.
Further information can be obtained by
visiting www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.
A number of natural and technological
emergencies could result in an evacuation being
ordered by NSW Police. These could include
incidents such as:
- Building fires
- Hazardous material incidents
- Power or water failure
- Rail or major transport disruptions
- Building collapse
- Other emergencies
Not every emergency will involve an
evacuation, indeed the safest place to be in
some emergencies is inside a building.
What can you do to prepare for an
emergency?
It is unlikely that the building you work or
live in will need to be evacuated. However, you
should follow these simple steps to prepare for
any emergency:
- Get to know your emergency evacuation
plan - at work it should be on exit doors and
near the lifts - if it is not there, ask
someone such as a floor warden.
- Know the location of your building's
evacuation assembly areas and Sydney CBD
Safety Sites.
- Let someone know if you are likely to
require assistance (such as a floor
warden).
- Every workplace is required to have an
emergency plan and most workplaces have a
buddy system - does yours?
- Have your own personal emergency plan and
kit.
What do I do in an evacuation?
Because evacuations are so infrequent many
people do not know what to do if they are
ordered to leave their building. Do you know
what to do if there is an emergency that affects
you?
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE ASK FOR IT!
- Stay calm and listen for
instructions.
- Follow your normal building evacuation
drill to designated assembly areas and then
if directed, make your way to the nearest
Safety Site. Alternatively, you could be
instructed to go directly to a Safety
Site.
- Follow instructions given by floor
wardens, emergency services and Safety Site
Marshals.
- Take essential medication, water,
comfortable shoes, wallet, keys, mobile
phone, travel pass and batteries for aids. Be
prepared to wait for quite some time.
Would you require assistance in an
emergency?
It is not always obvious to individuals (or
others) that they need help to evacuate. Many
disabilities or health problems are not
obvious.
Can you get out of your building easily if it
is evacuated? Remember you might not be able to
use the lifts.
How would a power failure affect any aids you
may have?
Can you get home if there is a transport
disruption or you are unable to return to your
vehicle?
Do you have a heart condition, mobility,
sight or hearing impairment or other health
problem? Even a sprained ankle or broken limb
could make it difficult for you to leave your
building quickly.
If you needed help who would you ask?
How can I get more information?
For information on the Sydney CBD Evacuation
Sub Plan and Safety Sites go to www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.
Being ready for a disaster or emergency is part
of maintaining your independence.
Sydney
CBD Emergency Sub-Plan
