Emergency Planning Advice Service (EPAS)

The Emergency Planning Advice Service (EPAS) is designed to support people who have a disability, are older, or have a chronic or acute medical condition.

EPAS is in a demonstration phase in the following local government areas:

- City of Casey

- City of Frankston

- City of Greater Bendigo

- Mt Alexander Shire

- Mitchell Shire

- Surf Coast Shire and Colac Otway Shire (partnership)

- Wellington Shire

- Yarra Ranges Council

The aim of EPAS is to improve how fire and emergency preparedness plans are developed and acted on for those who are at higher risk*.

Photo Credit: Colleen Furlanetto

Emergency Planning Advice Service (EPAS) is a targeted household service co-delivered alongside Red Cross and other local partners. This ensures that participants can get support planning for other emergencies as well as fire.

The program model has been informed by the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) Framework. This uses a conversation approach with people to tailor emergency preparedness planning to their individual support needs.

Using a person-centred approach

People at higher risk are the experts in their own lives and overcome challenges everyday to remain living independently.

Person-centred planning is where the person actively participates in planning and decision-making processes. Research has shown that for people with a disability, an emergency plan is most useful when created using a person-centred approach.