What is person-centred emergency management?

Central to this approach is the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) framework, developed through collaborative efforts involving people with disabilities, disability advocates, and emergency management professionals. P-CEP empowers individuals to assess their own preparedness, identify support needs, and develop tailored emergency plans in collaboration with their support networks. This not only enhances individual resilience but also fosters stronger community preparedness.

The Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) framework extends this concept by embedding inclusive practices into disaster risk reduction at all levels of planning and response. DIDRR ensures that people with disabilities are not only considered in emergency planning but are also active participants in decision-making processes. This collaborative approach aligns with person-centred emergency management principles by recognising the expertise and lived experiences of people with disabilities in building safer and more resilient communities.

Additionally, the Disability Inclusive Emergency Management (DIEM) Toolkit complements P-CEP and DIDRR by providing organisations with practical resources to assess and enhance their inclusivity in emergency planning. Co-designed with people with disabilities and their support networks, the toolkit offers guidelines and self-assessment tools to help organisations build their capacity for inclusive emergency management practices.

Implementing inclusive and person-centred emergency management practices is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic approach to building resilient communities. By recognising and addressing the diverse needs of all individuals, emergency management in New South Wales can ensure that no one is left behind in times of crisis.

To learn more about P-CEP and access a collection of related tools and resources, visit the Collaborating 4 Inclusion site by clicking the image below.