Real-Time Response to Heatwave Exercise

OFFICIAL Exercise [INSERT NAME] Heatwave Functional Exercise [Insert Date Month Year] [Insert Presenter Name] [Insert Presenter Title] An exercise to test a real-time response to a heatwave OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Acknowledgement of Country I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands that we are meeting here today. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and connections to the lands and waters of NSW. I also acknowledge and pay my respects to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people/colleagues joining us today. 2 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Agenda Briefing and introduction Exercise purpose Expectations and objectives Context (including outline of EM arrangements if required) Scenario General idea (background) Review Discoveries What went well What could be done differently 3 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Housekeeping Emergencies Toilets Mobile phones and other devices Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided. No set breaks for meals as participants required to manage breaks as part of exercise. 4 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Introductions My name is My day-to-day role is My likely role in an emergency will be 5 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Evaluation process The purpose of evaluation of the exercise is to assess if, and to what extent, the exercise met the aim and objectives of the exercise. Data and observations will be gathered during and after the exercise using the following tools: Participant Feedback Form After-Action Review Debrief Forms Evaluator s Observation Checklist Upon completing the exercise, evaluators will return all completed data collection tools to the Exercise Evaluation Coordinator. The Coordinator will then compile and analyse the collected data and observations, documenting insights and lessons in the analysis tables within the Evaluation Plan. The final exercise and evaluation reports are to be submitted to the Premier s Department and will contribute to the annual State Lessons Analysis process. 6 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Exercise Briefing This is an exercise. Any images are historical and may be from another place. OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Aim and Objectives Aim: To test the real-time response of the LEMC/REMC to a simulated heatwave emergency, in order to evaluate the committee's readiness, preparedness, and capability to manage the hazard effectively. Objectives: 1 - Ensure that the LEMC/REMC has procedures in place for managing heatwaves. 2 - Evaluate the adaptability and flexibility of LEMC/REMC team members in responding to challenging or unexpected developments during the exercise. 3 - Verify that the structure of any activated organisation (e.g., EOC) aligns with procedures and is logical, clearly structured, and communicated to all involved. 4 - Evaluate participants' knowledge and awareness of emergency management, hazard specific and EOC procedures. 5 - Assess participants' knowledge, skills, and abilities in operating within an EOC. 6 - Evaluate the effectiveness of decisions and actions in response to challenging and complex scenarios. 7 - Assess the suitability and adequacy of facilities, venues, and resources available during the exercise. 8 - Identify knowledge, skill, and capability gaps among LEMC/REMC members and develop action plans to address these gaps. 9 - Test interagency communication and coordination during the response. 8 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Background 0900 5 January Since August, NSW has been experiencing a prolonged period of drought and unusually high daytime temperatures. Monthly rainfall has been seriously deficient since October, with soil moisture levels nearing record lows. Daytime consistently exceeded long-term averages, with two low-intensity heatwaves already recorded across the region in November and December. maximum temperatures have Local public and emergency services have been under sustained pressure. The nearest hospital has experienced frequent surges in patient admissions related to elevated temperatures, while clinics and medical centres report significantly increased cases of heat-related illness. NSW Ambulance services are under strain, responding to a high volume of heat-related cases, especially among elderly and frail residents. Ambulance resources statewide are also stretched with similar call volumes, and the NSW Rural Fire Service is reporting a marked increase in bushfire activity across the state. 9 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Background 0900 5 January On 1 January, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a four-day extreme heatwave warning from 4 January to 7 January. Forecasts indicate daily maximum temperatures could reach up to 45 C, with minimal overnight relief, as temperatures are unlikely to fall below 25 C. Low- intensity heatwave conditions may continue into 8 January. In Management Committees, in collaboration with NSW Ambulance, NSW Health, local emergency services and event organisers, made the decision to cancel the region s annual agricultural festival, scheduled for today, to mitigate health risks to attendees and prevent further strain on critical services. However, some community members and visitors have chosen not to cancel their trips, having pre-booked and paid for accommodation in the area. response, on 2 January, Local and Regional Emergency 10 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Background 0900 5 January It is now 0900 on 5 January, day two of the extreme heatwave. The Local and Regional Emergency Operations Controllers (LEOCON / REOCON), acting on input from the combat agency and Local and Regional Emergency Management Committees (LEMC / REMC) activated Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) on 3 January in preparation for the event, with plans to keep them operational until 9 January. Over the past three days, statewide communications and public information have consistently warned the public of heat risks, advising residents to stay indoors, stay cool, and limit non-essential travel. So far, the community response has been positive, and the EOC, alongside local and emergency services, has not encountered any significant challenges. 11 OFFICIAL

OFFICIAL Review 1. Please complete the feedback sheet 2. In your group, please identify: Three things you discovered or surprised you Three things that work well Three things you would do differently Any questions you want answered before you leave 12 OFFICIAL

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