By Emily-Rose Toohey
The Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) program is about to be rolled out across the Southern Downs in mid-May.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) community development officer James Wong said the program was initially designed for people living with disability.
“It can equally apply to anyone with a vulnerability and whose emergency preparedness plan might need to be more involved and thought through than the general population,” James said.
“There will be two training sessions for individuals on the P-CEP plan, and the third session for service providers on Business Continuity Planning, starting in May.”
He said the program, first developed by the University of Sydney, will be brand new to the region.
“I knew when I took on the role how large a project this would be,” James said.
“It’s hard because there are no large networks for disability in the Southern Downs, and it’s difficult getting the word out and getting in touch with vulnerable people and their carers.”
As part of the Warwick Show colouring competition prize, Churches of Christ winners received a workbook relating to the program and an emergency plan.
“The work books help people work through their individual emergency plan,” James said.
“I’ve ordered enough work books and guides for every vulnerable person in the Southern Downs.
“It’s nice to introduce the program to the region and hopefully help some of our most vulnerable residents.”
James said The P-CEP program was co-designed by people with disability, carers, community organisations, emergency services, and researchers.
“The outcome of this collaboration was an established pathway to bring together these people alongside local council and disaster management, to ensure vulnerable people are included before, during and after a disaster,” he said.
