December 2013
To be reviewed no later than December 2018
COOLAMON SHIRE
FLOOD EMERGENCY SUB PLAN
A Sub-Plan of the Coolamon Shire Council Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN)
Volume 1 of the Coolamon Shire Local Flood Plan
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AUTHORISATION
The Coolamon Shire Flood Emergency Sub Plan is a sub plan of the Coolamon Shire Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN). It has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency Service Act 1989 (NSW) and is authorised by the Local Emergency Management Committee in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (NSW).
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CONTENTS
AUTHORISATION ... i
CONTENTS ... ii
LIST OF TABLES ... Error! Bookmark not defined. DISTRIBUTION LIST ... iv
VERSION HISTORY ... v
AMENDMENT LIST ... v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ... vi
GLOSSARY ... viii
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION ... 1
1.1 Purpose ... 1
1.2 Authority ... 1
1.3 Area covered by the Plan ... 1
1.4 Description of Flooding and its Effects ... 2
1.5 Responsibilities ... 2
PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS ... 12
2.1 Maintenance of this Plan ... 12
2.2 Floodplain Risk Management ... 12
2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence... 12
2.4 Development of Warning Systems ... 12
2.5 Public Education ... 13
2.6 Training ... 13
2.7 Resources ... 13
PART 3 - RESPONSE ... 14
3.1 Control Arrangements ... 14
3.2 Operational Management ... 14
3.3 Start of Response Operations ... 14
3.4 Response Strategies ... 15
3.5 Operations Centres ... 16
3.6 Liaison ... 16
3.7 End of Response Operations... 17
3.8 Collating Situational Information ... 17
3.9 Provision of Flood Information and Warnings ... 18
3.10 Aircraft Management ... 20
3.11 Assistance for Animals ... 20
3.12 Communication Systems ... 21
3.13 Preliminary Deployments ... 21
3.14 Road and Traffic Control. ... 21
3.15 Stranded Travellers ... 22
3.16 Managing Property Protection Operations ... 22
3.17 Managing Flood Rescue Operations ... 22
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3.18 Managing Evacuation Operations ... 23
3.19 Managing Resupply Operations ... 28
PART 4 - RECOVERY... 30
4.1 Recovery Coordination at the Local level ... 30
4.2 Recovery Coordination at the Region and State level ... 30
4.3 Arrangements for Debriefs / After Action Reviews ... 31
ATTACHMENT 1 - Resupply Flowchart ... 32
ATTACHMENT 2 - Dam Failure Alert Notification Arrangements Flowchart ... 33
ATTACHMENT 3 - Coolamon Shire Council LGA Map ... 34
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DISTRIBUTION LIST
Recipient Number of
copies
NSW SES Local Controller, Coolamon 1
NSW SES Coolamon Unit 1
NSW SES Murrumbidgee Region Headquarters, Wagga Wagga 1
NSW SES State Headquarters 1
Local Emergency Operations Controller, Coolamon Shire 1 NSW Police Force Local Area Command, Wagga Wagga 1 Local Emergency Management Committee Members, Coolamon Shire 4 Local Emergency Management Officer, Coolamon Shire 1 Local Emergency Operations Centre, Coolamon Shire 1
Coolamon Shire Council, Mayor 1
Coolamon Shire Council, General Manager 1
Coolamon Shire Council, Technical Services Department 1
Fire and Rescue NSW, Coolamon 1
Rural Fire Service, Riverina Zone 1
Ambulance Service of NSW, Wagga Wagga 1
Office of Environment and Heritage 1
Evacuation Centres 1 each
Hospitals 1 each
Schools 1 each
Council Libraries 1 each
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VERSION HISTORY
The following table lists all previously endorsed versions of this plan.
Description Date
Coolamon Local Flood Plan 1994
AMENDMENT LIST
Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:
The NSW SES Local Controller, Coolamon NSW State Emergency Service
C/-60 Methul Street, COOLAMON, NSW, 2701
Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.
Amendment Number
Description Updated by Date
Document Issue: V28112012
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:
AEP Annual Exceedance Probability AHD Australian Height Datum
AIIMS Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years)
ALERT Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time AWRC Australian Water Resources Council
BUREAU Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology CBR Chemical, Biological and Radiation
DCF Dam Crest Flood
DSC Dams Safety Committee DSEP Dam Safety Emergency Plan DVR Disaster Victim Registration EMPLAN Emergency Management Plan FRNSW Fire and Rescue NSW
NOW NSW Office of Water
GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government Radio Network IAP Incident Action Plan
IFF Imminent Failure Flood
LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller LGA Local Government Area
MHL Manly Hydraulics Laboratory
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OEH Office of Environment and Heritage (previously DECCW) PMF Probable Maximum Flood
PMR Private Mobile Radio
PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation RFS Rural Fire Service
RMS Roads and Maritime Services
SEOCON State Emergency Operations Controller SERCON State Emergency Recovery Controller NSW SES NSW State Emergency Service
SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal VRA Volunteer Rescue Association
WICEN Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network
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GLOSSARY
Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). The chance of a flood of a given or larger size occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level (height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or higher occurring in any one year (see also Average
Recurrence Interval).
Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992).
Australian Height Datum (AHD). A common national surface level datum approximately corresponding to mean sea level.
Average Recurrence Interval (ARI). The long-term average number of years between the occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every 20 years.
Catchment (river basin). The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.
Dambreak Study. A Dambreak Study is undertaken to determine the likely downstream inundation areas in case of a dam failure. Modelling is undertaken for a range of dam breach possibilities and design floods. The dambreak study includes
information such as the extent of flooding, flood travel times and flood water velocities. The study can assist dam owners, regulators, and emergency agencies in the preparations of evacuation plans, dam break and other flood warning systems, and hazard classification of affected areas.
Dam Failure. The uncontrolled release of a water storage. The failure may consist of the collapse of the dam or some part of it, or excessive seepage or discharges. The most likely causes of dam failure are:
Flood Induced Dam Failure: Dam failure caused by flood, either due to overtopping erosion or by subsequent structural failure.
Sunny Day Dam Failure: Dam Failure as a result of factors other than flood ie other than flood flow into the reservoir. Causes of "Sunny Day" dam failure can include internal erosion, landslide, piping, earthquake or sabotage.
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Dam Safety Emergency Plan (DSEP). A DSEP outlines the required actions of owners and their personnel at dams in response to a range of possible emergency situations.
The NSW Dam Safety Committee requires a quality controlled DSEP, with associated dambreak warning procedures to be prepared for prescribed dams where persons may be at risk downstream, if the dam failed.
Design flood (or flood standard). A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may be several design floods for an individual area.
Emergency Alert. A national telephony based alerting system available for use by
emergency service agencies to send SMS and voice messages to landlines and/or mobile telephones (by billing address) in times of emergency.
EMPLAN (Emergency Management Plan). The object of a EMPLAN is to ensure the coordinated response by all agencies having responsibilities and functions in emergencies.
Essential services. Those services, often provided by local government authorities, that are considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting, water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.
Evacuation. The temporary movement of people from a dangerous or potentially dangerous place to a safe location, and their eventual return. It is a safety strategy which uses distance to separate people from the danger created by the hazard.
Evacuation Order. Notification to the community, authorised by the NSW SES, when the intent of an Incident Controller is to instruct a community to immediately evacuate in response to an imminent threat.
Evacuation Warning. Notification to the community, authorised by the NSW SES, when the intent of an Incident Controller is to warn a community of the need to prepare for a possible evacuation
Flash flooding. Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours of the rain that causes it.
Flood. Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding
associated with drainage before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation
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resulting from super-elevated sea levels and/or waves overtopping coastline defences, including Tsunami.
Flood classifications. Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an
indication of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the State Emergency Service and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in flood bulletins and flood warnings.
Flood intelligence. The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood- related data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation, planning and warning for and response to a flood.
Flood fringe. The remaining area of flood prone land after floodway and flood storage have been defined
Flood liable land (also referred to as flood prone land). Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event. This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.
Flood of record. Maximum observed historical flood.
Floodplain Management Plan. A plan developed in accordance with the principles and guidelines in the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.
Flood Plan. A response strategy plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Emergency Management Plan. Flood plans describe agreed roles,
responsibilities, functions, strategies and management arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them. A flood plan contains information and arrangements for all floods whereas an IAP is for a specific flood/event.
Flood Rescue. The rescue or retrieval of persons trapped by floodwaters.
Flood storage areas. Those parts of the floodplain that are important for the temporary storage of floodwaters during the passage of a flood. The extent and behaviour of flood storage areas may change with flood severity, and loss of flood storage can increase the severity of flood impacts by reducing natural flood attenuation.
Floodway. An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially
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blocked, would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher velocities occur.
Flood Watch. A Flood Watch is a notification of the potential for a flood to occur as a result of a developing weather situation and consists of short generalised statements about the developing weather including forecast rainfall totals, description of catchment conditions and indicates streams at risk. The Bureau will also attempt to estimate the magnitude of likely flooding in terms of the adopted flood
classifications. Flood Watches are normally issued 24 to 36 hours in advance of likely flooding. Flood watches are issued on a catchment wide basis.
Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is a gauge specific forecast of actual or imminent flooding.
Flood Warnings specify the river valley, the locations expected to be flooded, the likely severity of flooding and when it will occur.
Functional Area. means a category of services involved in the preparations for an emergency, including the following:
Agriculture and Animal Services;
Telecommunication Services;
Energy and Utility Services;
Engineering Services;
Environmental Services;
Health Services;
Public Information Services;
Transport Services; and
Welfare Services.
Geographic Information System (GIS). A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analysing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
Incident Action Plan (IAP). An action plan for managing a specific event. Information from the Local Flood Plan is used to develop the flood IAP.
Indirect Effect. Indirect effects are generally a consequence of infrastructure damage or interruption of services and can affect communities distant from the actual flood footprint i.e. floodplain. Indirect effects can also refer to indirect losses due to disruption of economic activity, both in areas which are inundated or isolated.
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Indirect effects are one of the three primary sources of risk in the context of flooding (the other two are inundation and isolation).
Inundation. See definition for Flood.
Isolation. Properties and/or communities where flooding cuts access to essential services or means of supply. Isolation is one of the three primary sources of risk in the context of flooding (the other two are inundation and indirect effects).
Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.
Major flooding. Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties, villages and towns isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.
Minor flooding. Flooding which causes inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or
townspeople begin to be affected in a significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.
Moderate flooding. Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.
Peak height. The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular flood event.
Prescribed Dam. "Prescribed" dams are those listed in Schedule 1 of the Dams Safety Act 1978. The NSW Dam Safety Committee will prescribe those dams with the potential for a failure which could have a significant adverse effect on community interests.
Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum
precipitation. The PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to be of the order of 104 to 107 (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).
Runoff. The amount of rainfall which ends up as stream flow, also known as ‘rainfall excess’
since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and infiltration.
Stage height. A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a particular flood event.
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Stream gauging station. A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.
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PART 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE
1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Coolamon Shire Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the council area.
1.2 AUTHORITY
1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been approved by the NSW SES Local Controller and the NSW SES Region Controller as a NSW SES plan and endorsed by the Coolamon Shire Local Emergency Management Committee as a sub plan of the Local EMPLAN.
1.3 AREA COVERED BY THE PLAN
1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Coolamon Shire Council area which includes: the townships of Coolamon, Ganmain and Ardlethan, the villages of Beckom, Marrar and Matong and numerous rural properties.
1.3.2 The Council area includes:
a. A section of Mirrool Creek from the point at which it enters the Council area 30 km upstream of Ardlethan until it leaves the Council area 13 km downstream (west) of the same town. The lower reaches of the tributary Bygoo Creek is also included, along with Yarranjerry Creek. Both these tributaries join Mirrool Creek in the vicinity of Ardlethan.
b. The upper reaches of Cowabbie Creek and its tributaries Methul, Smoky (Dead Horse), Redbank and Kindra creeks which drain to the west. All these watercourses rise within the Council area or in the Temora Council area to the east.
c. Boggy Creek, which rises near Coolamon and flows westward, leaving the Council area about 7 kilometres south-west of Matong.
1.3.3 The council area and its principal rivers and creeks are shown in Attachment 3.
1.3.4 The council area is in the NSW SES Murrumbidgee Region and for emergency management purposes is part of the South West (Riverina) Emergency Management Region.
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1.4 DESCRIPTION OF FLOODING AND ITS EFFECTS
1.4.1 The NSW SES maintains information on the nature of flooding and effects of flooding on the community in the Coolamon Shire Council area.
1.5 RESPONSIBILITIES
1.5.1 The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services (functional areas) are listed in the Local and State
Emergency Management Plans (EMPLAN). Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent of their
implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding.
1.5.2 NSW SES Local Controller, Coolamon. The NSW SES Local Controller is responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:
Preparedness
a. Maintain a Local Headquarters at Bruce Street, Coolamon in accordance with the NSW SES Controllers’ Guide and the NSW SES Operations Manual.
b. Ensure that NSW SES members are trained to undertake operations in accordance with current policy as laid down in the NSW SES Controllers’
Guide and the NSW SES Operations Manual.
c. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the community.
d. Participate in floodplain risk management initiatives organised by the Coolamon Shire Council.
e. Coordinate a public education program.
f. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding.
g. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained.
Response
h. Appoint an appropriate Local Incident Controller to undertake response roles. The Incident Controller will:
i. Control flood and storm response operations. This includes:
Directing the activities of the NSW SES units operating within the council area.
Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and ensuring that liaison is established with them.
Contribute to preparation of Region IAP.
j. Provide an information service in relation to:
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Flood heights and flood behaviour.
Road conditions and closures.
Advice on methods of limiting property damage.
Confirmation of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.
k. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations.
l. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities.
m. Provide immediate welfare support for evacuated people.
n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people and/or communities.
o. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example by:
Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.
Lifting or moving household furniture.
Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.
p. Arrange for support (for example, accommodation and meals) for
emergency service organisation members and volunteers assisting them.
q. If NSW SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations conducted by Agriculture and Animal Services.
r. If NSW SES resources are available, assist the NSW Police Force, RMS and Council with road closure and traffic control operations.
s. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid down in the NSW SES Controllers’ Guide.
t. Coordinate the collection of flood information for development of intelligence.
u. Submit Situation Reports to the NSW SES Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the council area. These will contain information on:
Road conditions and closures.
Current flood behaviour.
Current operational activities.
Likely future flood behaviour.
Likely future operational activities.
Probable resource needs.
v. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood situation and the operational response.
w. Issue the ‘All Clear’ when flood operations have been completed.
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Recovery
x. Ensure that appropriate After Action Reviews are held after floods.
y. Provide appropriate representation to the recovery committee for the duration of the response phase of an event and as agreed during the recovery phase.
1.5.3 NSW SES Coolamon Unit Members:
a. Carry out flood response tasks. These may include:
The management of the NSW SES Local Headquarters Operations Centre.
Assist in the collection of flood information for the development of intelligence.
Flood rescue.
Evacuation.
Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.
Delivery of warnings and information.
Resupply.
Sandbagging.
Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.
Animal rescue.
Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.
Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.
b. Assist with preparedness activities.
c. Undertake training in flood and storm response operations.
1.5.4 Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Activate the Agriculture and Animal Services Supporting Plan as required and coordinate the provision of required services which may include:
Supply and delivery of emergency fodder.
Coordinate the management of livestock and farm animals.
Advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.
Financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected farmers.
Operation of animal shelter compound facilities for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.
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b. Forestry Corporation of NSW
Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in Forests NSW managed areas.
1.5.5 The Ambulance Service of NSW:
a. Assist with the evacuation of at risk communities (in particular elderly and/or infirm people).
b. Deploy ambulance resources to appropriate locations if access is expected to be lost.
c. Assist the NSW SES with flood rescue operations.
1.5.6 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (The Bureau):
a. Provide Flood Watches for the Murrumbidgee River Basin.
b. Provide severe weather warnings when flash flooding is likely to occur.
1.5.7 Child Care Centres and Preschools:
a. Childcare Centres are to be contacted by the NSW SES in the event of possible flooding or isolation.
b. When notified the child care centres and preschools should:
Liaise with the NSW SES and arrange for the early release of children whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.
Assist with coordinating the evacuation of preschools and child care centres.
1.5.8 Energy and Utility Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Implement the Energy and Utilities Services Functional Area Supporting Plan.
Where required, coordinate energy and utility services emergency management planning, preparation, response and recovery, including the restoration of services following a flood event.
Coordinate advice to the NSW SES of any need to disconnect electricity, gas, water or wastewater services.
Assist the NSW SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.
Identify interdependencies between flooding and utility services due to secondary impacts of flooding and advise the NSW SES.
Assist the NSW SES with advisory notices relating to hazards from utility services during flooding.
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Coordinate with utilities on restoration of services, including advisory notices relating to estimated time for restoration and mandatory safety checks prior to reconnection. Advise the NSW SES and the relevant recovery committee and coordinator of the timetable for restoration.
b. Local Providers (electricity, gas, water, waste water) Northern Riverina Electricity and Water, Natural Gas Company:
Provide advice to the NSW SES Local Controller of any need to
disconnect power/gas/water/waste water supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.
Advise the NSW SES of any hazards from utility services during flooding.
Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.
Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation equipment.
Inspect, test and reconnect customers’ electrical/ gas/ water/waste water installations as conditions allow.
Assist the NSW SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.
1.5.9 Engineering Services Functional Area: a. When requested by NSW SES:
Provide engineering advice regarding the integrity of damaged structures.
Assist the NSW SES with damage assessment.
Acquire and/or provide specialist technical engineering expertise.
Assist the NSW SES and councils with the assessment and operation of flood protection levees when requested.
Assist with property protection, including the construction or repair of levees.
Coordinate the restoration of critical public facilities.
Establish recovery centre facilities.
1.5.10 Environmental Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Implement the Environmental Services Functional Area (Enviroplan) Supporting Plan if required.
Activate the Hazmat/CBR Emergency Sub Plan if required.
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1.5.11 Health Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Activate Healthplan if required.
Ensure that appropriate business continuity plans are developed for essential health infrastructure and are activated during floods.
Provide medical support to the NSW SES.
Establish health surveillance in affected areas.
Assess potential public health risks that either acutely endanger the health of human populations or are thought to have longer term consequences.
Provide environmental health advice.
Provide public health warnings and advice to affected communities.
Assist the NSW SES with the warning and evacuation of hospitals.
1.5.12 Fire and Rescue NSW, Coolamon
a. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.
b. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuations.
c. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.
d. Assist with ‘clean-up’ operations, including the hosing out of flood affected properties.
1.5.13 NSW Office of Water:
a. Collect and maintain flood data including data relating to flood heights, velocities and discharges.
b. Manage (with technical support from OEH) the approval process under the Water Act 1912 and Water Management Act 2000 for flood control works (earthworks, embankments and levees which can affect the distribution of floodwaters) including:
Assessment and approval of flood control works (including flood mitigation works) in rural areas designated under the Acts.
Use of floodplain management plans prepared by OEH in rural areas designated under the Acts to assess flood control work approvals.
Giving the NSW SES access to relevant studies regarding flooding and studies supporting floodplain management plans prepared by OEH including flood studies, floodplain risk management studies and flood behaviour investigations.
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1.5.14 NSW Police Force, Wagga Wagga Local Area Command (LAC):
a. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.
b. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuation operations.
c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with council and/or RMS.
d. Coordinate the registration of evacuees.
e. Secure evacuated areas.
1.5.15 NSW Rural Fire Service (Riverina Zone):
a. Provide personnel in rural areas and villages to:
inform the NSW SES Local Controller about flood conditions and response needs in their own communities, and
disseminate flood information.
b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.
c. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.
d. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuations.
e. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.
f. Provide back-up radio communications.
g. Assist with ‘clean-up’ operations, including the hosing of flood affected properties.
h. Deploy fire resources to appropriate locations if access is expected to be lost.
1.5.16 Office of Environment and Heritage:
a. Provide specialist policy, engineering and scientific advice to councils and the NSW SES on flood related matters including assistance with:
The identification of flood problems.
The preparation of Floodplain Risk Management Plans and associated studies.
The implementation of floodplain risk management plans. This involves floodplain management projects which include flood mitigation works, flood warning, strategic land use planning and upgrade of evacuation routes.
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The exercising of Local Flood Plans.
b. Provide specialist advice flood related matters as follows:
Provide the NSW SES with access to relevant studies regarding flooding, including Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Studies.
Coordinate the collection of post event flood data, in consultation with the NSW SES.
c. National Parks and Wildlife Service
Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in National Parks managed areas.
1.5.17 Public Information Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Assist the NSW SES in the establishment and operation of a Joint Media Information Centre.
1.5.18 Rail Corporation New South Wales, the Australian Rail Track Corporation and John Holland Country Rail Network will:
close and reopen railway lines affected by flood waters and advise the NSW SES.
1.5.19 Roads and Maritime Services will:
Close and reopen the Newell Highway when affected by flood waters and advise the NSW SES of its status.
Facilitate the safe reliable access of emergency resources on RMS managed roads.
Assist the NSW SES with identification of road infrastructure at risk of flooding.
Manage traffic. Advise NSW SES and Coolamon Shire when any RMS diversions or detours are in place.
Assist the NSW SES with the communication of warnings and information provision to the public through variable message signs.
1.5.20 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Department of Education & Communities Riverina and
Private Schools):
a. Liaise with the NSW SES and arrange for the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures (or where required, for students to be moved to a suitable location until normal school closing time).
b. Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other schools on expected or actual impacts of flooding.
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c. Provide space in schools for evacuation centres where necessary.
1.5.21 Telecommunication Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Coordinate the restoration of telephone facilities damaged by flooding.
Coordinate additional telecommunications support for the NSW SES Headquarters as required.
Assist the NSW SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.
1.5.22 Transport Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Assist with the coordination of transport for evacuation purposes.
Assist with the resupply of isolated communities and/or properties 1.5.23 Welfare Services Functional Area:
a. When requested by NSW SES:
Establish and manage evacuation centres, and provide disaster welfare services from recovery centres.
Administer the Personal Hardship and Distress component of the NSW Disaster Relief Scheme established to provide financial assistance to people affected by emergencies.
1.5.24 Local Emergency Operations Controller, Coolamon Shire (LEOCON):
a. Monitor flood operations.
b. Coordinate support to the NSW SES Local Controller if requested to do so.
1.5.25 Local Emergency Management Officer, Coolamon Shire:
a. Provide executive support to the LEMC and LEOCON in accordance with the Coolamon Shire Local Emergency Management Plan.
b. At the request of the NSW SES Local Controller, advise appropriate agencies and officers of the start of response operations.
1.5.26 Coolamon Shire Council:
Preparedness
a. Establish and maintain floodplain risk management committees and ensure that key agencies are represented on such committees.
b. Provide levee studies, flood studies, and floodplain management studies to the NSW SES.
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c. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the council area.
d. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program.
Response
e. At the request of the NSW SES Local Controller, deploy personnel and resources for appropriate flood related activities where resources permit.
f. Close and reopen council roads (and other roads nominated by
agreement with the RMS) and advise the NSW SES Local Controller and the Police.
g. Provide information on the status of roads.
h. Provide sand and sandbags to urban and village areas in which flooding is expected.
i. In the event of evacuations, assist with making facilities available for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.
Recovery
j. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding.
This includes removing debris and waste.
k. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for demolition.
l. Provide information on local furniture storage options.
1.5.27 Flood Warden Network:
a. Provide flood information to the NSW SES Local Controller.
b. Distribute flood warnings and flood information provided by the NSW SES Local Controller.
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PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS
2.1 MAINTENANCE OF THIS PLAN
2.1.1 The NSW SES Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan by:
a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.
c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:
After each flood operation.
When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics occur.
When new information from flood studies become available.
When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.
When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.
2.1.2 The plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.
2.2 FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT
2.2.1 The NSW SES Local Controller will ensure that:
a. NSW SES participates in local floodplain risk management committee activities when those committees are formed, in accordance with the protocols outlined in the NSW SES Controllers Guide.
b. The NSW SES Region Headquarters is informed of involvement in floodplain risk management activities.
2.3 DEVELOPMENT OF FLOOD INTELLIGENCE
2.3.1 Flood intelligence describes flood behaviour and its effects on the community.
2.3.2 The NSW SES maintains a centralised flood intelligence system.
2.4 DEVELOPMENT OF WARNING SYSTEMS
2.4.1 The NSW SES may establish a total flood warning system for areas affected by flooding. This requires:
a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at different levels of flooding (ie. who would be affected in floods of differing severities).
b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different heights.
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c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry them out.
d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at different flood levels .
2.5 PUBLIC EDUCATION
2.5.1 The NSW SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Coolamon Shire Council, the NSW SES Region Headquarters and NSW SES State Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the council area are aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.
2.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:
a. Dissemination of flood-related brochures and booklets in flood liable areas.
b. Talks and displays orientated to community organisations, businesses and schools.
c. Publicity given to this plan and to flood-orientated NSW SES activities through local media outlets, including articles in local newspapers about the flood threat and appropriate responses.
2.6 TRAINING
2.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out by the members of the NSW SES Coolamon Unit. The NSW SES Coolamon Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the Coolamon NSW SES members are:
a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.
b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the NSW SES.
2.7 RESOURCES
2.7.1 The NSW SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition and state of readiness of NSW SES equipment and the NSW SES Local
Headquarters.
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PART 3 - RESPONSE
CONTROL
3.1 CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
3.1.1 The NSW SES is the legislated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other
agencies and organisations for flood management tasks.
3.1.2 The Local EMPLAN will operate to provide support as requested by the NSW SES Local Incident Controller.
3.2 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
3.2.1 NSW SES utilises the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS), which is based on three principles:
a. functional management;
b. management by objectives; and c. span of control.
3.2.2 AIIMS provides for different incident levels based on the complexity of management.
3.2.3 The Local Government Area may be divided into sectors and divisions to manage the flood event (divisions are usually a group of sectors).
3.2.4 Sectors and divisions may be based on floodplain classifications, geographical, physical or functional boundaries. A town may be one sector or split into several sectors and divisions.
3.3 START OF RESPONSE OPERATIONS
3.3.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this plan are completed.
3.3.2 Response operations will begin:
a. On receipt of a Bureau of Meteorology Preliminary Flood Warning, Flood Warning, Flood Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Warning or a Severe
Weather Warning for flash flooding.
b. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding within the council area.
3.3.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of flood warnings will normally be through the NSW SES Region Headquarters and/or NSE SES State Headquarters.
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3.3.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the start of response operations regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:
a. NSW SES Region Headquarters.
b. NSW SES Coolamon Unit.
c. Local Emergency Operations Controller (for transmission to the NSW Police Force Local Area Command Headquarters), Coolamon Shire.
d. Local Emergency Management Officer (for transmission to appropriate council officers and departments), Coolamon Shire.
e. Coolamon Shire Council Mayor.
f. Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the Local Emergency Management Officer on the request of the NSW SES Local Incident Controller and as appropriate to the location and nature of the threat.
3.4 RESPONSE STRATEGIES
3.4.1 The main response strategies for NSW SES flood operations include:
a. Information Provision and Warning
Provision of warnings, information and advice to communities.
Inform the community regarding the potential impacts of a flood and what actions to undertake in preparation for flooding.
Provide timely and accurate information to the community.
b. Property protection
Protect the property of residents and businesses at risk of flood damage.
Assistance with property protection by way of sandbagging and the lifting or transporting of furniture, personal effects, commercial stock and caravans.
Assistance with the protection of essential infrastructure.
c. Evacuation
The temporary movement of people from a dangerous or potentially dangerous place to a safe location, and their eventual return. It is a safety strategy which uses distance to separate people from the danger created by the hazard.
d. Rescue
The rescue or retrieval of persons trapped by floodwaters.
e. Resupply
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Minimise disruption upon the community by resupplying towns and villages which have become isolated as a consequence of flooding.
Ensure supplies are maintained to property owners by coordinating the resupply of properties which have become isolated as a
consequence of flooding.
3.4.2 The NSW SES Local Incident Controller will select the appropriate response strategy to deal with the expected impact of the flood in each sector and/or community. The impact may vary so a number of different strategies may need to be selected and implemented across the whole operational area. The available strategies for each sector and/or community are maintained by the NSW SES.
3.4.3 Supporting strategies may include:
a. Protect the community from incidents involving fire and hazardous materials
b. Maintain the welfare of communities and individuals affected by the impact of a flood.
c. Minimise disruption to the community by ensuring supply of essential energy and utility services.
d. Ensure coordinated health services are available to and accessible by the flood affected communities.
e. Maintain the welfare of animals affected by the impact of a flood.
3.5 OPERATIONS CENTRES
3.5.1 The NSW SES Local Operations Centre is located at Bruce Street, Coolamon.
3.5.2 Supporting EOCs are located as follows:
a. The Coolamon Shire Emergency Operations Centre is located at Coolamon Council Chambers, Cowabbie Street, Coolamon.
b. For flood operations at Beckom, Ardlethan or Ganmain it may be necessary to establish a temporary headquarters located in these centres, initially at the warden's residence.
3.6 LIAISON
3.6.1 Any agency with responsibilities identified in this plan may be requested by the NSW SES to provide liaison (including a liaison officer where necessary) to the NSW SES Local Operations Centre.
3.6.2 Liaison officers are to:
a. have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at the request of the NSW SES Local Incident Controller,
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b. advise the NSW SES Local Incident Controller on resource availability for their service, and
c. be able to provide communications to their own organisations.
3.7 END OF RESPONSE OPERATIONS
3.7.1 When the immediate danger to life and property has passed the NSW SES Region Incident Controller or the NSW SES Local Incident Controller will issue an 'all clear' message signifying that response operations have been
completed. The message will be distributed through the same media outlets as earlier evacuation messages. The relevant Controller will also advise details of recovery coordination arrangements, arrangements made for ‘clean-up’
operations prior to evacuees being allowed to return to their homes, and stand-down instructions for agencies not required for recovery operations.
PLANNING
3.8 COLLATING SITUATIONAL INFORMATION
Strategy
3.8.1 The NSW SES maintains and records situational awareness of current impacts and response activities.
Actions
3.8.2 The NSW SES Local Headquarters collates information on the current situation in the Coolamon Shire Council LGA and incorporates in Situation Reports.
3.8.3 The NSW SES Region Headquarters collates Region-wide information for inclusion in Region NSW SES Situation Reports.
3.8.4 Sources of situational information during times of flooding are:
a. Agency Situation Reports. Agencies and functional areas provide regular situation reports (SITREPs) to the NSW SES.
b. Active Reconnaissance. The NSW SES Local Incident Controller is responsible for coordinating the reconnaissance of impact areas, recording and communicating observations. Reconnaissance can be performed on the ground and using remote sensing (more commonly aerial).
c. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Flood Warning Centre provides rainfall information on the website http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw.
d. Murrumbidgee NSW SES Region Headquarters. The Region
Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences, including those in nearby council areas (this information is documented in Bulletins and Situation Reports).
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e. Coolamon Shire Council. The Coolamon Shire Council provides
information to the NSW SES Local Controller on flooding and its effects (including information on road conditions and closures).
3.8.5 During flood operations sources of information on roads closed by flooding include:
a. Coolamon Shire Council (website and/or telephone service) b. Wagga Wagga Police Local Area Command
c. Roads and Maritime Services (website and/or telephone service) d. NSW SES Region Headquarters
e. NSW SES Local Headquarters
3.8.6 Situational information relating to consequences of flooding should be used to verify and validate NSW SES Flood Intelligence records.
3.9 PROVISION OF FLOOD INFORMATION AND WARNINGS
Strategy
3.9.1 The NSW SES Local Headquarters provides advice to the NSW SES Region Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding in the Coolamon Shire Council LGA.
3.9.2 The NSW SES Region Headquarters issues NSW SES Flood Bulletins, NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings, Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all NSW SES units in the Region.
Actions
3.9.3 The NSW SES Local Incident Controller will ensure that the NSW SES Region Incident Controller is regularly briefed on the progress of operations.
3.9.4 NSW SES Local Headquarters operations staff will be briefed regularly so that they can provide information in response to inquiries received in person or by other means such as phone or fax.
3.9.5 Bureau of Meteorology Severe Thunderstorm Warning. These are issued direct to the media by the Bureau when severe thunderstorms are expected to produce dangerous or damaging conditions, including flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms are usually smaller in scale than events covered by Flood Watches and Severe Weather Warnings.
3.9.6 Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warnings for Flash Flooding. These are issued direct to the media by the Bureau and provide a warning of the possibility for flash flooding as a result of intense rainfall. These warnings are issued when severe weather is expected to affect land based communities with 6 to 24 hours. Severe Weather Warnings may also include other conditions such as Damaging Winds.
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3.9.7 Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watches. Flood Watches are issued by the Bureau to advise people of the potential for flooding in a catchment area based on predicted or actual rainfall. Flood Watches will be included in NSW SES Flood Bulletins issued by the NSW SES Region Headquarters.
3.9.8 NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings. Following heavy rain or when there are indications of significant creek or river rises, the NSW SES Local Incident Controller will advise the NSW SES Region Headquarters which will issue NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings.
3.9.9 NSW SES Local Flood Advices. The NSW SES Local Incident Controller may issue Local Flood Advices for locations not covered by Bureau Flood Warnings.
They may be provided verbally in response to phone inquiries but will normally be incorporated into NSW SES Region Flood Bulletins.
3.9.10 NSW SES Flood Bulletins. The NSW SES Region Headquarters will regularly issue NSW SES Flood Bulletins which describe information on the estimated impacts of flooding at the predicted heights (using information from Bureau Flood Warnings and NSW SES Local Flood Advices) to NSW SES units, media outlets and agencies on behalf of all NSW SES units in the Region.
3.9.11 NSW SES Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders. These are usually issued to the media by the NSW SES Region Incident Controller on behalf of the NSW SES Local Incident Controller.
3.9.12 Special Warnings. There are no automated gauges on the Mirrool, Bygoo or Boggy Creeks which can be remotely accessed to ascertain water levels. In lieu a manual Valley Watch system has been devised whereby Flood Wardens at Beckom, Ardlethan and Ganmain provide warnings to their own community when floods are rising by means which include telephone and doorknock:
a. The Flood Warden at Mirrool passes on information relating to local flooding from the Mirrool Creek to the NSW SES Local Controller at Coolamon, and to the Flood Warden at Beckom who informs at-risk residents within that community.
b. The Flood Warden at Beckom passes on information relating to local flooding from the Mirrool Creek to the NSW SES Local Controller at Coolamon, and to the Flood Warden at Ardlethan who informs at-risk residents within that community.
c. The Flood Warden at "Brushwood" passes on information relating to local flooding from the Boggy Creek to the NSW SES Local Controller at Coolamon, and to at-risk residents downstream and within Ganmain.
d. The NSW SES Local Controller passes on to the Murrumbidgee Region Headquarters and the Coolamon Shire Council details of information received from all Wardens within the Shire.
e. The Murrumbidgee NSW SES Region Headquarters relays the information to radio stations, and to downstream NSW SES Units.
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3.9.13 Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be played over radio and television stations to alert communities to Evacuation Warnings, Evacuation Orders, Special Warnings or Dam-Failure Warnings. Approval to use the signal is associated with who approves the warning/order message.
3.9.14 The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) (operated by the NSW Police Force) will answer calls from the public regarding registered evacuees.
3.9.15 The Disaster Welfare Assistance line is a central support and contact point for disaster affected people inquiring about welfare services advice and assistance.
3.9.16 The RMS Transport Information Line will provide advice to callers on the status of main roads. The RMS website also lists main road closure information.
3.9.17 Coolamon Shire Council will provide information on the status of local roads.
3.9.18 Collation and dissemination of road information is actioned as follows:
a. As part of Situation Reports, the NSW SES Local Incident Controller provides road status reports for main roads in the council area to the NSW SES Region Headquarters.
b. The NSW SES Region Headquarters distributes information on main roads to NSW SES units, media outlets and agencies as part of NSW SES Flood Bulletins.
OPERATIONS
3.10 AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT
3.10.1 Aircraft can be used for a variety of purposes during flood operations
including evacuation, rescue, resupply, reconnaissance and emergency travel.
3.10.2 Air support operations will be conducted under the control of the NSW SES Region Headquarters, which may allocate aircraft to units if applicable.
3.10.3 NSW SES maintains the following information for the Coolamon Shire Council area:
a. Locations of suitable helicopter landing points.
3.11 ASSISTANCE FOR ANIMALS
3.11.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife are to be referred to Agriculture and Animal Services.
3.11.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded
livestock, or for livestock rescue, are to be referred to Agriculture and Animal Services.
3.11.3 Requests for animal rescue should be referred to the NSW SES.
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3.12 COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
3.12.1 The primary means of communications between fixed locations is by telephone, email and facsimile.
3.12.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed NSW SES resources is by the NSW SES Private Mobile Radio network.
3.12.3 All liaison officers will provide their own communication links back to their parent agencies.
3.12.4 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their deployed field teams.
3.12.5 Back-up communications are provided by the Coolamon Shire Council through UHF and VHF radio networks. Telephone and facsimile services are available if needed.
3.13 PRELIMINARY DEPLOYMENTS
3.13.1 When flooding is expected to be severe enough to cut road access to towns, within towns and/or rural communities, the NSW SES Local Incident Controller will ensure that resources are in place for the distribution of foodstuffs and medical supplies to the areas that could become isolated.
3.13.2 When access between locations is expected to be cut, the Coolamon NSW SES Local Incident Controller will advise appropriate agencies so that resources may be deployed to ensure that operational capability is maintained.
3.14 ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONTROL.
3.14.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. NSW SES maintains details of these roads.
3.14.2 The council closes and re-opens Council-owned and main roads.
3.14.3 RMS closes and re-opens the Newell Highway.
3.14.4 The NSW Police Force has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally only do so (if the Council or the RMS have not already acted) if public safety requires such action.
3.14.5 When resources permit, the NSW SES assists Council, RMS or the Police by erecting road closure signs and barriers.
3.14.6 In flood events, the NSW SES Local Incident Controller may direct the
imposition of traffic control measures. The entry into flood affected areas will be controlled in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency
Service Act, 1989 (Part 5, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 22) and the State Emergency Rescue Management Act, 1989 (Part 4, Sections 60KA, 60L and 61).
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3.14.7 Police, RMS or Council officers closing or re-opening roads or bridges affected by flooding are to advise the NSW SES Local Headquarters, which will then provide a road information service to local emergency services, the public and the NSW SES Region Headquarters. All such information will also be passed to the Police, RMS and the Council.
3.15 STRANDED TRAVELLERS
3.15.1 Flood waters can strand travellers. Travellers seeking assistance will be referred to the Welfare Services Functional Area for the arrangement of emergency accommodation.
3.16 MANAGING PROPERTY PROTECTION OPERATIONS
Strategy
3.16.1 Protect the property of residents and businesses at risk of flood damage.
Actions
3.16.2 The NSW SES is the responsible agency for the coordination of operations to protect property.
3.16.3 Property may be protected from floods by:
a. Lifting or moving of household furniture.
b. Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.
c. Sandbagging to minimise entry of water into buildings.
3.16.4 The NSW SES maintains stocks of sandbags.
3.17 MANAGING FLOOD RESCUE OPERATIONS
Strategy
3.17.1 Rescue of people from floods.
Actions
3.17.2 The NSW SES Local Incident Controller controls flood rescue in Coolamon Shire Council local government area.
3.17.3 Flood rescues, may be carried out by accredited units in accordance with appropriate standards.
3.17.4 Flood boats and crews can be requested through the Murrumbidgee NSW SES Region Headquarters.
3.17.5 There may be some residual population which did not evacuate during the early stages of flooding and which require rescue.
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3.18 MANAGING EVACUATION OPERATIONS
Strategy
3.18.1 When there is a risk to public safety, evacuation is the primary strategy.
Circumstances may include:
a. Evacuation of people when their homes or businesses are likely to flood.
b. Evacuation of people who are unsuited to living in isolated circumstances, due to flood water closing access.
c. Evacuation of people where essential energy and utility services are likely to fail, have failed or where buildings have been made
uninhabitable.
Actions
3.18.2 The evacuation operation will have the following stages:
a. Decision to evacuate.
b. Mobilisation (mobilisation may begin prior to the decision to evacuate).
c. Evacuation Warning delivery.
d. Evacuation Order delivery.
e. Withdrawal.
f. Shelter.
g. Return.
3.18.3 During floods evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES. Small-scale evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES Local Incident Controller.
Should the scale of evacuation operations be beyond the capabilities of local resources control may be escalated to the NSW SES Region Incident
Controller.
Decision to evacuate
3.18.4 In most cases the decision to evacuate rests with the NSW SES Local Incident Controller who exercises his/her authority in accordance with Section 22(1) of The State Emergency Service Act 1989. However, the decision to evacuate will usually be made after consultation with the NSW SES Region Incident Controller and the Local Emergency Operations Controller.
3.18.5 In events that require large scale evacuations, the decision to evacuate may be escalated to the Region or the State Incident Controller.
3.18.6 Some people will make their own decision to evacuate earlier and move to alternate accommodation, using their own transport. This is referred to as self-motivated evacuation.