Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of events will trigger the plan?
2. Does the plan only cover the city area?
3. What can I do?
4. Why should my business have to do anything to help?
5. Should I stay in my building or leave in an emergency?
6. What type of information will the media provide?
7. Is it safe to promote your evacuation areas?

1) What type of events will trigger the plan?

The Plan is ‘all hazards’ focusing on crisis and short-term consequence management immediately after an incident and prior to the implementation of existing disaster management arrangements.

A crisis response is the initial response by emergency service agencies to an emergency incident that has occurred, is occurring or is imminent with limited warning.  Examples of a crisis may include:

• a criminal (or terrorist) act with impact on a significant number of persons such as a siege, hostage situation, armed person, or major public disturbance/riot;
• use of or threats to use explosives or explosive substances;
• explosion or potential explosion not linked to a criminal act;
• fire;
• escape, intentional release or threat to release - oil, gas, chemicals or radioactive, biological or flammable materials;
• accidents including transport or workplace accidents; and
• natural events with limited or no warning i.e. earthquake.

Events such as cyclones and floods typically occur with some warning and allow sufficient time for self-evacuation and for agencies to restrict the entry of persons to potentially affected areas.  These events are not within the scope of this Plan as existing arrangements are in place.

2) Does the plan only cover the city area?

Due to the high population within the CBD and established infrastructure the Plan has been initially established to cover the central business district. The current interest and support from both the public and business is likely to see this model being adopted in towns throughout Queensland.

*Note Local District Disaster Plans exist in all areas.  This Plan supports the Brisbane Local District Disaster Plan.

3) What can I do?

There are a number of things you can do to help prepare yourself, your family and your workplace for an emergency situation.  Firstly take the time to read the emergency information section of this site that provides you with a range of situational strategies for emergency planning. 

4) Why should my business have to do anything to help?

This Plan has been designed to share information on emergency planning for the public and the private sector. Within Australia businesses have very comprehensive strategies, policies and procedures in regards to employee’s safety.  The information provided on this site is designed to enhance this existing infrastructure.

5) Should I stay in my building or leave in an emergency?

The decision to stay or leave depends on the situation that exists.  We aim to raise peoples awareness as to appropriate responses, so they can make an informed decision.  Unless you are in immediate risk, the default position should be to 'shelter in place' and await advice by listening to the radio. 

6) What type of information will the media provide?

The media will provide advice as to the type of event and what course of action is recommended.  The alert may advise people to remain inside their buildings or evacuate to a specific location.  The advice will be in line with the four control measures, shelter in place, evacuate to building assembly area, evacuate to nominated emergency support site or business as usual. Other advice may include:

• walk home or evacuate by your own means if the situation permits;
• move to other parts of the City and delay journeys home;
• move to specific locations for transport out of the City;
• identify yourself if you have specific needs;
• remain at the Emergency Support Site until further advised; and
• identify yourself if you need accommodation or other assistance.

7) Is it safe to promote your evacuation areas?

It is important that the public is educated as to emergency procedures just as we are with fire drills.  Failing to share information or plan with the community has proven to create more problems. 

8) Do the police help in preparing your business?

The police can provide information on situational strategies that business, families and the public in general should consider.  Police can work with building management to promote their role to the tenants in regards to emergency response planning.  However, when it comes to developing continuity strategies for your business this needs to be done with the assistance of a private company.  Assistance can also be sought from a number of valuable government agencies.  Please refer to these links for more information.