Key Terms

Immediate Evacuation

Persons immediately at risk will either self-evacuate or evacuate at the direction of building management; in response to alarms; in accordance with procedures outlines in on-site emergency response plans; or when directed by emergency services responding to the incident site (Forward Commanders).  generally this will be to the building's Assembly Area which is typically open space near the building.  Persons may then be directed to further evacuate from the Assembly Areas.

Shelter-in-place

Persons not at immediate risk but affected by or in the proximity of an incident will generally sherlter in place in the first instance and await advice from emergency services.  If necessary, advice may be provided to move to a certain floor/level of a building or away from windows etc.

Building occupants should move to a secure area, close and lock doors and windows, consider isolation of air conditioning systems and ensure access to some form of communication and public information system (television or radio).

Generally those buildings within the exclusion zone that were not subject to an immediate evacuation will be directed to shelter-in-place.

Mass Evacuation

A determination may be made to evacuate a wider area within the CBD.  Such an evacuation involves more planning than an immediate evacuation and will include the activation of supporting roles and structures.

Business-as-usual

Persons within the CBD buildings that are not affected by the emergency may be advised to carry on as normal.  Business-as-usual means you should go about normal business within your building; however, you may not be able to access other parts of the CBD or public transport. 

Assembly Area

The area adjacent to your building that has been identified for assembly of occupants in the event of an evacuation.

Emergency Support Site

Areas in or adjacent to the CBD to be used in the event of a mass evacuation.  Arrangements will be made at these sites for transport and any other assistance required.  You will be directed to the appropriate Emergency Support Site.

Emergency Service personnel will be in place at the Emergency Support Site.

Directions 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.