Case study: Developing and implementing a flood awareness and preparedness programme
Abstract
A pilot programme has been established in Adelaide to address the level of flood awareness and preparedness among residents within two local council areas. The 11-month programme commenced in December 2006. The aims of the programme are to promote selfreliance among residents and businesses to minimise risk to personal safety and property damage during a flood event. A key aspect of the programme is to target those most at risk, focusing on one-on-one interviews at flood-prone properties. This paper outlines the approach taken in conducting the pilot programme, and reviews the programme outcomes to date. The paper includes a discussion on approaches to extend similar programmes to a wider area. It explores the value of self-help measures in producing resilient communities and some of the costs involved in maintaining effective flood response. It is anticipated that this paper will be of interest to professionals involved in engaging communities in emergency planning and response. The paper emphasises one-on-one meetings as an appropriate and effective tool to promote risk reduction among those in highest risk areas.
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Author's Biography
Linton Johnston is an engineering hydrologist with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. He is currently working in the Hydrology Section at the South Australian Regional Office, where he has been employed for the past seven years. The main responsibilities of this section include flood prediction and flood forecasting for catchments in the greater Metropolitan Adelaide area. Linton has over 13 years’ experience working within civil engineering, focusing on hydrology, hydraulics and innovative stormwater design. Linton’s main interests lie in flood warning and emergency response, and real-time flood modelling and forecasting. Linton is the current Chairman of the Hydrological Society of South Australia.
Christopher Wright works for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, South Australian Regional Office, and is responsible for developing and operating the flood warning service. A major part of the work has been interaction with other government and nongovernment agencies, convincing them that flood risk is a reality, even in times of drought, and providing information that people can use to help themselves. His qualifications include: MEngSci (University of Adelaide 2003); MSc (Dublin University 1970); BAI Civil Engineering (Dublin University 1969); BA English (Dublin University); MICE, London, MIE Aust.
John Mcarthur is currently the Project Officer for the City of Unley and Mitcham Pilot Community Flood Awareness and Preparedness Programme. His role is to provide one-on-one flood awareness and preparedness education to communities vulnerable to flood. He is the City of Unley Maintenance Coordinator, and oversees the day-to-day maintenance of councils’ infrastructure. In 2004, John became the City of Unley Liaison Officer for the Metro South Unit of the State Emergency Service. In this capacity, John chairs a local Flood Response Working Group which comprises representatives from the cities of Unley and Mitcham, South Australian State Emergency Service and The Bureau of Meteorology.
Citation
Johnston, Linton, Wright, Christopher and Mcarthur, John (2007, October 1). Case study: Developing and implementing a flood awareness and preparedness programme. In the Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, Volume 2, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.69554/IHVM8744.
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