3 February 2021

WA emergency response planning and execution

Key points

• Check your local emergency services website for the latest updates and warnings.
• Prepare, test and review your emergency response plans.
• Notify the NDIS Commission of changes or events that affect your ability to provide the supports and services you are registered to provide.

Stay up to date with emergency warnings

Visit your local emergency services website for the latest information about emergencies in your area. Local authorities also have information about preparing a natural disaster plan.

Emergency and disaster preparedness

With the bushfire emergency escalating in Western Australia, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this is a reminder to have in place disaster preparedness and planning measures that will ensure your organisation can continue to provide supports before, during and after any emergency.

Refer to our business continuity planning provider alert that sets out our recommendations for business continuity planning. In particular, you should:

• identify options for managing any temporary changes in support, should this be required
• identify the staff in your organisation who have capabilities in contingency planning
• have plans in place to address potential gaps in service provision, which may be created by workers impacted by the emergency

Test your plans regularly, and ensure all staff understand what they would need to do in case of an emergency.

Know the NDIS participants you support

It is vital that you understand the specific needs of the NDIS participants you support. For example, ensure your participant records are up-to-date and accessible, and that their support needs and preferences are documented clearly and can continue to be met should your services be disrupted. This may include documenting their preferred means of communication, specific needs and preferences, health care plans, personal emergency plans, behaviour support plans, other providers, and their representatives.

Always use their preferred means of communication to explain any impact the emergency may have on the people you support. 

Notify the NDIS Commission of any changes

Registered NDIS providers must notify the NDIS Commission of certain changes and events, especially those that affect your ability to deliver the supports and services you are registered to provide.

Use the NDIS Commission Portal to notify us of any changes or events that are not due to COVID-19 (such as, for example, the evacuation of your premises due to bushfire). 

If the changes are due to COVID-19, please use the Notification of event form – COVID-19 (registered providers).

Contact Us

Call: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines). Our contact centre is open 9.00am to 5.00pm (9.00am to 4.30pm in the NT) Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au

Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au

Links to previous provider alerts 

Visit the NDIS Commission website to see our previous provider alerts.