Emergency Response Protocols

Emergency disaster response follows the PPRR framework^[10] — Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery — as defined by Emergency Management Australia. Professional emergency response requires arrival within 60 minutes, immediate containment to prevent secondary damage, and coordination with Safe Work Australia^[10] WHS requirements. The first 24 hours are critical: every hour of delay increases total restoration costs by an estimated 10–15%.

Emergency response in disaster recovery is time-critical and follows structured protocols developed by Emergency Management Australia and aligned with international best practices.

The PPRR Framework

• Prevention — Measures to eliminate or reduce the impact of disasters. Includes building maintenance, water leak detection systems, fire suppression, and structural reinforcement.
• Preparedness — Plans and arrangements to ensure effective response. Emergency contact lists, insurance review, contents inventory, and household emergency kits.
• Response — Actions taken immediately before, during, and after a disaster. Life safety first, property preservation second. Containment, extraction, and stabilisation.
• Recovery — Restoration of the affected community and environment. Cleanup, repair, rebuild, and support services for affected people.

Professional Emergency Response Sequence

• Dispatch (0–15 minutes) — Emergency call received, nearest qualified team dispatched, ETA confirmed.
• Arrival and Assessment (15–60 minutes) — Site safety check, hazard identification, initial damage assessment, containment plan developed.
• Containment (1–4 hours) — Water extraction begins, temporary board-up/tarp-up, electrical isolation, access restriction for unsafe areas.
• Stabilisation (4–24 hours) — Drying equipment deployed, air quality monitoring commenced, detailed scope of loss documented, insurer notified.
• Recovery Planning (24–72 hours) — Full restoration plan developed, timeline and cost estimate prepared, approved works scheduled.

Work Health and Safety Obligations

Emergency response in disaster recovery carries significant WHS obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Restorers must conduct risk assessments before entering damaged properties, use appropriate PPE (respiratory protection, protective clothing, eye protection), and follow Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk construction work.

Emergency Management Legislation

Each Australian state has emergency management legislation (e.g., State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 in NSW) that empowers SES, fire services, and police to restrict access, order evacuations, and coordinate disaster response. Private restoration contractors must coordinate with these authorities.