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Local Emergency Management Committee

The Shire of Northam Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is 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 Shire of Northam, Local Police (Northam and Wundowie 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 Shire of Northam, in conjunction with the LEMC actively promotes measures to prevent or minimise the effects of emergencies within the shire. 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 briefings assist in minimising the effect of the emergency.

Preparedness

Preparedness activities focus on essential emergency response capabilities through the development of plans, procedures, organisation/management of resources, training and public education.

The Shire and Hazard Management Agencies actively promote preparedness for emergency situations by:-

  • Preparing Plans.
  • Training emergency service personnel.
  • Promote volunteer emergency service groups.
  • Conduct exercises between emergency services.
  • Public engagement and awareness material about bushfire safety, cyclone preparedness, preparation for floods and the dangers of driving through flood waters.
  • Emergency alerts and warnings when available on behalf of the emergency services.

The Shire of Northam 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 Shire of Northam 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 Shire in support of The Hazard Management Agency.

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 Shire of Northam Recovery Plan details the arrangements to manage the recovery process following an emergency. This document can be viewed by opening the link below.