Who Needs a FERP?
What is a FERP?
In its simplest form, it is one of these…
… a go-bag of essentials ready packed for that natural hazard evacuation instruction.
But this isn’t enough.
You need to establish trigger points and chains of command, plan and know your evacuation route(s), understand who is accountable and responsible for everyone’s safety, and learn how to deploy mitigation measures if you have them.
I focus on the flood natural hazard, but this equally applies to all natural hazards – wildfires, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc.
Who needs one, and why are they important?
Some would argue that unless you live on the coast or near a river, you don’t need a FERP.
With respect to flooding, the majority of property owners need one and many, many businesses should have a FERP as part of their BCM [Business Continuity Management] planning.
The problem with our modern urban environment is that we simply do not know where the waters are. Many rivers have been covered up, culverted, or diverted to accommodate the community. We only discover this when a storm causes them to exceed their restricted pathways and revert to their natural flow routes.
Stormwater systems were developed for fewer rainfall events and can easily be overwhelmed by the sudden intense downpours we have experienced recently.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT HIDDEN WATERWAYS ARE BENEATH YOUR PROPERTY?
FERPs are essential because they contain a plan of action to cover your site and your occupant’s specific needs in the event of a flood.
Residential
Know when to take action.
Know where your emergency go-bag is.
Know what your evacuation route is.
Make sure your vehicle is full of fuel.
Contact people and let them know your plans.
Install flood mitigation measures.
Turn off utilities
Lock-up and leave
Commercial
Understand your flood risk and put mitigation measures in place to protect your critical infrastructure.
Determine your trigger point – when to act
Establish a Chain of Command
Enact your plan & mobilise your people.
Provide aide memoir guides to team leaders
Deploy your flood mitigation solutions.
Locate flood barriers, pumps, etc., from storage
Check that non-return valves are working.
Ensure your emergency power solutions are in place
Final checks to secure your business and then evacuate people through designated evacuation route(s).
How much do they cost?
The glib answer is that it depends on its complexity. A simple residential FERP should only take a day or two to develop, but a commercial property may take many weeks.
I may ask my readers what they are willing to pay for such a service.
I am keen to hear from you, so let’s see what you think.
Please email me at [email protected] with your price thoughts and what else you would want from such a service.
