Our Philosophy On Disaster Mitigation

Our philosophy on disaster mitigation is simple, but very effective. It's about being honest with people regarding the risks they face and advising them on the measures needed to protect themselves and their property.

Growing international experience is proving that leaving disaster mitigation to the emergency services will not provide security for all life and property at risk from fire or other disasters.

This experience is confirming the benefits of involving the people at risk in disaster mitigation activities.

One example is the sensational impact of the simple smoke alarm installed in the family home. Statistics gathered by fire services across Australia confirm that this inexpensive device is very successful in reducing loss of life and property in the residential environment.

Let's face it, unless the fire station is next door when a fire occurs after lights-out in a house without a smoke alarm, the occupants will most likely be dead by the time the fire brigade arrives.

This scenario can be extended to every form of disaster: recent history is littered with unprepared communities suffering enormous losses.

Why?

Because governments and inwardly-focussed emergency management agencies kept the problems to themselves, or failed to recognize their limitations and were overwhelmed when the disaster occurred.

Our philosophy is about helping people identify their exposure to risk and develop performance outcomes based programs that meet their particular needs, rather than relying on regulations and other broad-brush measures.

It's also about encouraging people to take an interest in their own well-being and not leave responsibility for their survival to someone else.