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The Emergency Preparedness Report is a statewide assessment on the preparedness of the State to combat emergencies. This style of reporting started in 2012 following some catastrophic fires in the preceding fire season. WA is the only state in Australia to do such a report and since its inception it has become the sentinel document for Emergency Preparedness here in Western Australia. The Emergency Management environment is incredibly complex. There is a wide range of hazards that we will inevitably face. And there are a large number of agencies that have the skills, equipment or knowledge needed to navigate through these emergencies. All the pieces need to fit together smoothly and efficiently and – more importantly – they must do so in times of crisis. It is far easier to prepare for an emergency than explain why you didn't. The primary concern during an emergency is, and should always be, upon protecting lives. Here in Western Australia natural hazards are a common occurrence and we are regularly impacted by them. Whether it is the annual events such as the cyclones, major storms or bushfires that we experience or the less frequent but potentially catastrophic floods or even an earthquake, we will be affected. And every year we aim to be better than the year before. This report is in essence a snapshot in time of how prepared we are as a state to manage during emergency situations. It highlights our strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement and combines the input from around 170 agencies. Next times do happen.
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