Disaster exercise to test response capabilities
Date published: 26 October 2016
Townsville’s disaster management skills are being put to the test in a mock exercise at the city’s Disaster Coordination Centre today.
Exercise Dam You Huey has been designed to test the preparedness of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group in the event of an incident at Ross Dam.
TLDMG chair Mayor Jenny Hill said the exercise would allow group members to put emergency plans in practice in order to refine emergency management processes.
Participants will be required to assume their normal roles during the exercise and respond to the disaster as it unfolds.
“One of the aims of the exercise is to ensure all sub groups of the TLDMG are well prepared in the lead up to the disaster season,” Cr Hill said.
“We’ll be focusing on how we get information out to the public, our warnings and alert systems and evacuation planning.
“As the extent of the disaster becomes apparent, the city’s resources may end up being stretched to the limit, forcing staff to make critical choices to ensure the safety of residents and where to allocate equipment and manpower.
“While these decisions won’t be easy, it’s an effective way to put our systems and staff to the test so we can be as ready as possible for the real thing.”
Today’s participants include:
- Townsville Local Disaster Management Group members including specialist advisors
- Townsville City Council staff
- Sun Water
