AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR DISASTER RESILIENCE

Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection

TOOLKIT 2-1

Toolkit 2-1 Community
recovery checklists

AUSTRALIAN DISASTER RESILIENCEHANDBOOK COLLECTION

Toolkit 2-1 Community
recovery checklists
Toolkit 2-1
Supporting document for the implementation of Australian Disaster
Resilience Community Recovery Handbook (AIDR 2018).

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklistsi© Commonwealth of Australia 2018 third edition

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Community recovery checklists (AIDR 2018)

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ii

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Contents
Checklist 1 - Relief/Recovery Team Leader (Operational) ................................................................................................................................ 1
Checklist 2 - Generalist Relief/Recovery Worker ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Checklist 3 - Community development worker role statement ................................................................................................................... 3
Checklist 4 - Managing people ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Checklist 5 - Community recovery evaluation ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Checklist 6 - Undertake pre-event recovery planning ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Checklist 7 - Undertake community recovery management/coordination ........................................................................................... 7
Checklist 8 - Recovery management/operational ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Checklist 9 - Outreach .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Checklist 10 - Evacuation emergency relief centre ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Checklist 11 - Recovery centres ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Checklist 12 - Social environment ............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Checklist 13 - Built environment ................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Checklist 14 - Stages/key process elements in recovering the built environment ....................................................................... 20
Checklist 15 - Economic environment .................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Checklist 16 - Natural environment ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklistsiii

Checklist 1 - Relief/Recovery Team Leader(Operational)
This checklist corresponds to Section 1.2.3 Recovery roles of the Community Recovery Handbook.
[Delete as applicable]
This position is appointed at the time of an operation to assist in the provision of welfare and support services todisaster affected people via outreach, or at an evacuation centre, relief or recovery centre. As you are with aninterstate deployment team, you will be directed according to local arrangements.

You report to:

Relief/Recovery Manager

You are managed by:

Deployment Coordinator

You supervise:

Generalist Relief/Recovery Worker(s)You work closely with:

Relief/Recovery Manager – about the approval of disaster relief grants and daily
reporting
Disaster Recovery Officer – about the assessment of disaster relief grantapplications and daily reporting
Disaster Affected People – about their immediate and longer term recovery needs
Community Partner Volunteers – about referrals and participating in outreachprograms
Government Agencies – about provision of services within the evacuation centre.

•

KEY TASKS[Delete as applicable]•supervise generalist relief/recovery workers to assist
them in providing best practice service to disaster
affected people•

review and manage caseloads of generalist relief/
recovery workers•

coordinate the delivery of outreach home visits toassess longer term recovery needs, and provide
strategic advice to Relief/Recovery Manager

verify and approve all timesheets, motor vehicle logs,
incident reports for the generalist relief/recovery
workers in your team.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR THIS POSITION•

ability to work competently in a front-line position•

ability to work as part of a team and follow
instructions from a manager, and provide instruction
to generalist relief/recovery workers•

ability to manage caseloads and prioritise allocationof resources•

skills in welfare/human services environment in orderto respond effectively and compassionately whenworking with people in crisis and distress•review applications for disaster relief grants andprovide recommendations in regard to the provisionof financial assistance•coordinate the provision of services from government
agencies and community partners••

identify clients requiring referrals to other agencies
and follow established referral guidelines

good working knowledge of disaster welfare services
processes and practices••

participate in daily operational briefings and debriefings for Community Services staff

well-developed understanding of Disaster Relief
Grant eligibility criteria and grant processing
requirements•

provide accurate and timely reports as required by
the Relief/Recovery Manager•

ability to work in conditions that may be physicallyand mentally demanding.

1

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 2 - Generalist Relief/Recovery Worker
This checklist corresponds to Chapter 1 section 1.2.3 Recovery roles of the Community Recovery
Handbook.
[Delete as applicable]
This position is appointed at the time of an operation to assist in the provision of welfare and support services
to disaster affected people via outreach, or at evacuation centres, relief or recovery centres. As you are with aninterstate deployment team, you will be directed according to local arrangements.

You report to:

Operational Relief/Recovery Team Leader/Manager

You are managed by:

Deployment Coordinator

You supervise:nil

You work closely with:Team Leader - about the assessment of immediate assistance and daily reporting
Relief/Recovery Centre Manager – about operational briefing and de-briefing
Team Leader – about the assessment of disaster relief grant applications
Disaster Affected People – about their immediate and longer term recovery needs
Community Partner Volunteers – about referrals and participating in outreachprograms
Government Agencies – about provision of services within the centre.

KEY TASKS•[Delete as applicable]

provide reports as required by the Team Leader orManager•undertake administrative functions as required.

•registration of disaster affected people•

assess immediate needs and where required, coordinate the provision of food, clothing, emergency
accommodation and/or financial assistance•

conduct outreach home visits to assess longer term
recovery needs, provide information and assistanceand facilitate access to other relevant services•

provide advice regarding eligibility and assess
applications for the disaster relief grants•

conduct home assessments in order to verify
damage listed on grant application. Provide a written
report and make recommendations to the Team
Leader or Manager about financial assistance•identify clients requiring referrals to other agencies
and follow established referral guidelines•

participate in daily operational briefings and debriefings

SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR THIS POSITION•

ability to work competently in a front-line position•

ability to work as part of a team and follow
instructions from a manager or team leader•

skills in welfare/human services environment in orderto respond effectively and compassionately whenworking with people in crisis and distress•good working knowledge of disaster welfare services
processes and practices•

understanding of Disaster Relief Grant eligibility
criteria and grant processing requirements•

ability to work in conditions that may be physicallyand mentally demanding.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists2Checklist 3 - Community development worker rolestatementThis checklist corresponds to Section 2.4.3 Community-led recovery of the Community Recovery
Handbook.

Although there are a number of generic roles
and responsibilities for community development
workers, there are also a number of issues specificto the recovery context. In particular, the community
development role in disaster recovery may need touse different processes from regular community
development, requiring a more reactive approach thanin some settings. Refer to Community development inrecovery from disaster1 for further information.

ROLE

•

community wishes regarding rituals, symbols andanniversary events.

To effectively address these tasks, it is imperativethat one of the first tasks undertaken by community
development workers is to develop a work plan for theirrole in the affected community. Key components of
the work plan include appropriate strategies, activities,
timelines and performance indicators to meet theobjectives.

SKILLS

To identify, assess and plan to meet the needs of theaffected community.

To facilitate:Community development work in a disaster-affected
community is invariably a complex task, and requires ahigh level of maturity, together with highly developed
interpersonal and organisational skills. In addition tothese fundamental requisites, the following skills should
also be sought:•a process of community consultation•

prioritisation of the needs to be addressed•

demonstrated understanding of community
development principles•

provision of services to affected individuals, families
and the community•

well-developed mediation and conflict resolution skills•

availability of timely and accurate information to thewhole community in multiple formats•

group facilitation skills••

sharing of information between all key stakeholders
and the employing body

capacity to interact and work with a broad range ofgroups within the affected community•

good report writing skills•

appropriate information technology skills•

ability to work independently, under limited
supervision and as a member of a team within a broad
range of contexts•

creativity, flexibility and initiative.

TASKS

•

brokerage and the funding/purchasing of projects
and activities that support the recovery and support
needs of individuals, families and communities
affected by disasters i.e. Community forums,
wellness sessions, community pride days, parenting
support activities•

availability of culturally appropriate services tofamilies and individuals•

community participation, self-determination and selfhealing•

identification and use of existing and emerging
community communication networks•

use of local services where possible

1 EMA 2003, Community development in recovery from disaster, Australian
Emergency Management Manual Series No. 29, Commonwealth ofAustralia, Canberra.

3

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 4 - Managing people
This checklist corresponds to Section 2.4.6 Acknowledging and building capacity of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

PREPAREDNESS
Recovery operations will be most successful and theimpact on staff will be minimised where staff involved:
have been involved in training and exercising
are operating in their normal area of expertisehave clear role statements and operating guidelines
have clear and supportive management.

detail of specific activities (relevant to the area of              operations)
identification of persons in charge, organisations and              people involved in the operations site
the actions that have been taken to date
the actions that are planned for the future
the actions that are required in this shift period
the resources that are available and not available
methods and timing of communications

OPERATIONS

staff arrangements (e.g. shift times, breaks, additional              support etc)

For occupational health and safety:
consider appointing a safety manager
ensure safety issues are identified and managed and              communicatedestablish appropriate duty times
establish clear roles and responsibilities.
For staff involved in the emergency event:consider the needs of staff personally affected by              the emergency event.
Establish formal and informal arrangements forsupporting the wellbeing of recovery staff, including:operational briefing and defusing

time for questions.
Debriefing is important to:ensure that information is gathered and passed on to              oncoming staff
ensure that staff going off duty have an opportunity              to defuse and wind down before leaving the              operations site.

POST-RECOVERY
Consideration should be given to:allowing a reasonable rest break after conclusion of              emergency involvement (days)

mentoringbriefing managers and co-workers about likely staff
              impact and needs

food, water and rest breaks
shorter than normal duty times

reducing workload and expectations for a few weeks

team meetings
manager briefings on likely impacts and staff needs
organisational employee assistance programs
private counselling.

backfilling and supporting roles
facilitating emergency staff get-togethers,              recognition and ‘thank you’ events
facilitating and enabling ongoing emotional and              psychological support.

BRIEFING AND DEBRIEFING
Undertake briefing sessions for all oncoming staff andat regular intervals during recovery operations. Briefings
should include:
overview of the nature and of the impact of the              emergency
overview of recovery purpose and operations

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

4Checklist 5 - Community recovery evaluation
This checklist corresponds to Section 2.4.7 Continuous improvement through monitoring and evaluation of
the Community Recovery Handbook.

THERE ARE KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOREVALUATION PROCESSES IN RECOVERY
Does your evaluation framework align with the                National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework,                2016?

              community conducted in conjunction with other              services/interventions)?
How will you keep evaluation process flexible              to respond to the changing competencies of the              community?

What is your evaluation for (i.e. its purpose—              efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness and/or              process evaluation)? For example, it may be to inform              ongoing and future interventions

What are the ethics considerations—who conducts              the evaluation? In a sensitive post-disaster              environment when you conduct evaluation, who              oversees it? Who makes decisions regarding the              ethics questions?

What sources of feedback and documentation will              you use to evaluate the delivery of community              recovery services?

What objectives or principles are you measuring              against?

What methods will you use (i.e. the general approach              —formal and informal, quantitative/qualitative,              longitudinal study, development of appropriate tools)?
              For example, will you use debriefs and questionnaires,              surveys, data analysis, community involvement/              ownership?

How independent is the evaluation process? Does it              need to be independent?

What is the range of evaluations (i.e. the effects              of the intervention/program for individuals/groups/

5

Evaluation tools should be in place at the outset              (through databases)

Ensure stakeholders are included (victims, emergency              services, business communities, general community)
What feedback will be appropriate for the              community—type, timing?

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 6 - Undertake pre-event recovery
planning
This checklist corresponds to Section 3.2 Recovery plans and processes of the Community Recovery
Handbook.

IDENTIFY EMERGENCY RISK
Access emergency risk register for the relevant              jurisdiction/area/region, if completed
Take information from the process to inform the              development of recovery planning

Ensure that key stakeholders have emergency              activation capability and procedures, and operational              capacity
Establish escalation procedures
Agree and assign roles and responsibilities
Develop a process for activating and implementing an              integrated emergency recovery plan for each of the              four environments for the relevant jurisdiction

Identify community strengths
Engage key/relevant stakeholders:
Based on risks identified, engage key stakeholders,              including community representatives, local              government, government and non-government              agencies
Provide them with details of risk assessment and              request that they consider the potential impacts              of this assessment on their community and area of              responsibility

COORDINATE ALL-HAZARDS PRE-EVENTPLANNING

Gain endorsement of recovery plans from              stakeholder organisations.

EXERCISE, EVALUATE AND REVIEW
Plan and undertake exercises to test activation              procedures, and stakeholder contingency planningCollectively evaluate outcomes of exercises,              identifying successes and opportunities for              improvement in recovery planning and request              that stakeholders also review their agency-specific              emergency contingency planning.

Assemble the key stakeholders and facilitate              discussion around identified risks and community              recovery planning

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

6Checklist 7 - Undertake community recovery
management/coordination
This checklist corresponds to Section 3.3 Operationalising community recovery of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

KEEPING PACE WITH THE EVOLVINGSITUATION

MANAGING PEOPLE

Immediately establish liaison with incident controller              and if possible locate a senior recovery officer in the              emergency coordination centre

Ensure safe operating conditions for recovery              personnel and community

Ensure initial and ongoing impact assessment data              feed into recovery programs and processes
Continuously review and analyse community needs              for service provision planning
Establish processes for information from all avenues              (public meetings, call centre or recovery centre              feedback, debriefings) to feed into planning cycle

Provide strong, clear and responsive leadership

Ensure that workloads are sustainable by establishing              management structures, delegating responsibilities              and utilising ‘spans of control’
Ensure that recovery workers, managers and              volunteers have defined work times and adequate              rest breaks
Ensure that briefings occur for all oncoming              personnel

Adapt community recovery plans in accordance with              the evolving or changing community needs and              priorities.

Ensure that debriefs are conducted at the end of              each shift to ensure capture of information as well as              defusing personnel

ENGAGING AND EMPOWERING THE
AFFECTED COMMUNITIESProvide opportunities for formal defusing and ongoing              emotional and psychological support for recovery              personnel

Ensure regular and ongoing engagement with affected
persons

Avoid convergence by providing clear information and              direction as to how non-impacted persons might help

Provide leadership, facilitation, support and              empowerment
Create opportunities for community leaders to evolve
Create opportunities and support for affected              persons and communities to lead and manage their              own recovery
Allow communities to self-identify

Develop a strategy to manage politicians and VIPs

MANAGING RESOURCES
Ensure legislative, statutory and regulatory              requirements are observed
Identify resources and material requirements,              including supply chains

Negotiate and agree on the prioritised tasks based              on community needs and requirements, including              short-term/interim fixes

Avoid convergence by providing clear information and              direction as to what and how voluntary resources              might help

Build trust through respectful listening and              understanding

Establish systems for recording offers of assistance              (human resources and material)

Establish active feedback processes and              opportunities, including community recovery              committee

Identify staffing needs early and enable rapid              recruitment

Maximise the availability of information to affected              persons.

Ensure that all staff have appropriate skills and              qualifications and relevant authorisations
Ensure that funding is provided immediately for              essential services restoration
Ensure that all expenditures are recorded

7

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

MANAGING INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONSENSURING COORDINATION AND
INTEGRATION

Ensure that data collection and management              systems are established as soon as possible and              maintained

Provide coordination of activities and stakeholders to              ensure that:

Ensure that information is continually provided to:services and facilities are restored based on	              community needs and priority

affected community members

resources are utilised efficiently

recovery personnel
recovery management teamrecovery management partners and 			              stakeholders
organisational hierarchy (managing up)
elected representatives.
Form partnerships with media and use their              resources to disseminate information
Ensure that information:is relevant
is timely

clear roles and responsibilities are 			              established and adhered to
deficiencies and opportunities are identified	              quickly.
Establish a recovery management centre.
Establish and work with recovery committees to              plan and develop longer-term strategic and              sustainable recovery outcomes.
Consider establishing management groups for              each of the four environments (social, built, economic,              natural) as required, based on nature of event and              impact assessments.
Ensure that all four environments are integrated              and coordinated, acknowledging the              interdependencies between them.

is clearis best available
is targetedis credibleis consistentis coordinatedis provided in multiple methods and media
provides opportunity for feedback
is repeated as appropriate.
Create opportunities for two-way communication              through:meetings
workshops
surveystelephone, email and web sites.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

8Checklist 8 - Recovery management/operational
This checklist corresponds to Section 3.3 - Operationalising community recovery of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

IMMEDIATE
Conduct immediate impact/needs assessment (0 to              3 days)
obtain briefing from incident controller/recovery              coordinator/senior recovery liaison officer
what has happened?
capture as much information on community	              impact as possible from the incident control	              centre
what has been the impact on individuals and	              families?
what are priority needs (for affected 			              community and recovery operations)?
what needs to be done to prevent further	              damage?
what hazards exist?
Contact and alert recovery support staff.
Activate and brief relevant partners/stakeholders              from social, built, economic and natural environment              agencies/organisations.
Establish data collection and management systems.
Establish communications systems with affected              persons.
Establish community information development and              distribution systems.
Ensure that systems are in place to manage the              wellbeing of recovery personnel.
Provide clear information and advice to media and              non-impacted persons on how they can help.
Establish a management structure, determine/assign              responsibilities and define reporting processes.
Implement actions to address priority needs.
Communicate planned actions to affected              communities, recovery management team,              stakeholder organisations.

SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM

what are evolving short- to medium-term	              needs?
Allow evolution of, and engage with, community              leaders and decision makers and discuss longer-term              governance and planning.
What plans/programs/relationships/activities/              groups existed before the emergency event that              might contribute to the recovery effort?
Implement outreach programs if required.
Ensure that persons displaced from ‘home’              communities are provided with mechanisms and              strategies to re-engage with their ‘home’              communities.
Coordinate an ongoing impact assessment process              through multi-agency deployment.
Develop a strategy to avoid excessive or unwanted              services.
If necessary, establish processes and systems for              managing donations of monies and goods and offers              of help.

LONG TERM (ONGOING)
Conduct review of short- to medium-term activities
are priority needs being met?
were any missed in immediate and short	              term assessment or have new ones	              emerged?
Continue the needs assessment process to inform              planning, support and service provision.
Empower and support affected communities to              manage their own recovery. Consider providing              executive and administrative support and specific              expertise as required.
Advocate on behalf of affected communities to              government and authorities for financial and resource              support.
Establish ongoing information provision.

Review immediate actions
are priority needs being met?
were any missed in immediate assessment	              or have new ones emerged?

9

Continue short- to medium-term impact/needs              assessment (coordinated and using multi-agency              deployment)

Communicate planned actions to affected              communities, recovery management team,              stakeholder organisations.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

TRANSITIONWork with affected communities to determine              appropriate timing and processes for transition from              recovery to normal services.
Ensure services are in place to support ongoing              needs of affected persons.
Identify to government and organisations long-term              changes in the community environments resulting              from the emergency event (for example, population or              industry changes).
Communicate planned actions to affected              communities, recovery management team,              stakeholder organisations.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

10Checklist 9 - OutreachThis checklist corresponds to Section 3.4.2 Implementation of services and activities of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

Outreach support may be an important component ofrecovery to both fully assess the impact of the eventand to ensure all community members have access tocore recovery information and services available.
If it is going to be used, outreach should generallycommence as soon as access is made available toaffected areas and the purpose of the use of anoutreach program should be clearly articulated.

Provide information and feedback to recovery              management team on:
extent of damage to residential buildings
community needs
individual specific needs
identification of high-needs persons/			              households.
Provide referral to specialist services as required.

ACTIONS
Consider the following actions when using an outreachapproach in disaster recovery.

Ensure ongoing support for outreach staff.

Activate designated outreach manager/organisation.
Obtain briefing from recovery manager on:
nature of emergency
area or impact
objectives of proposed outreach program.
Confirm purpose, objectives and activities of              outreach program.
Consider multi-agency outreach teams.
Assemble and brief outreach management and              operational staff.
Establish mapping systems (geographic, property).
Establish data collection, collation and distribution              systems.
Inform communities about the outreach program.
Prepare contingencies for communicating with              non-English speakers and people with communication              disabilities.
Ensure safety issues for outreach teams are              identified, communicated and managed.
Assemble resources for outreach teams:
vehiclesprinted informationwater.
Establish rosters.
Undertake briefing and debriefing of outreach field              teams.

11

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 10 - Evacuation emergency relief centre
This checklist corresponds to Section 3.4.2 Implementation of services and activities of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

Evacuation centres and emergency relief centres are
established to provide for the basic life needs of people
displaced and/or impacted by emergency events.
They should provide basic services and enable selfmanagement. In many instances persons displaced byemergency events prefer to find accommodation withfriends and families and consider these centres as a lastresort.

POSSIBLE FACILITY EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS (STORED ON SITE ORAVAILABLE AT SHORT NOTICE)
Bedding.
Tables and chairs.
Water and food.
First aid equipment.

BASIC LIFE NEEDS

Information boards—white boards, pin boards, flip              charts etc.

Basic life needs include:•

sustenance—water and food•shelter•safety and security•

information•

first aid

Emergency lighting.

•personal support

Companion animal management equipment.

•

registration.

Signage—for centres and services.
Personal requisites for attendees.
Power boards and leads.

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONSPOSSIBLE ADMINISTRATION EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS

These centres will have limited activation time andshould be pre-determined and established. Locationof pre-planned centres should consider likely hazards(flood, fire, hazardous materials etc), population, services,
capacity and facilities.

Keys and access codes.

MINIMUM FACILITY REQUIREMENTS

Contact lists.

Accommodation—appropriate to population              catchment.
Access—to the centre, within the centre.
Parking—appropriate to population.
Communication—telephone (fixed and mobile),              computer networks and internet, television and radio.
Catering—kitchen facilities, fridges and freezers.
Toilets and showers.
Children’s areas.
Companion animal management.
Management facilities—management, administration              and staff rest areas.
Security.

Laptop computers with mobile connectivity.
Printers, photocopiers, fax machines.
Mobile/satellite telephones (and chargers).
Prepared administrative paperwork (e.g. operating              guidelines, centre information handouts, log books,              report forms, registration forms, staff roster forms,              records of offers of assistance, records of requests              for assistance etc).
Staff roles and orientation information.
Data storage devices for computers with plans and              templates.
Stationery supplies—pens, markers, tape, paper, note              pads, staplers, hole punches, folders, display boards,              pins, magnets.
Staff identification—vests, name/identification              badges.
Maps.
Personal protective equipment and supplies (note: if              stored on site or in kits, many of these items will need              to be checked/replaced annually).

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

12Document security and management.

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Traffic and parking management.
Welcome and orientation.
Security and safety.
Purchasing and petty cash management.
Cleaning and waste management.
Animal management.
Catering.
Special needs support.
Childcare support.
Staff management.
Volunteer support and management.
Management of donations and offers of support.
Communications with emergency coordination              centre/recovery liaison/recovery management              centre.

13

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 11 - Recovery centres
This checklist corresponds to Section 3.4.2 Implementation of services and activities of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

Recovery centres can provide support to affected
communities in the restoration of their emotional, social,economic and physical wellbeing, and can facilitate
the provision of services. A range of services can becollaboratively based in the same facility and may vary
according to the impact of the disaster but usuallyconsist of:

POSSIBLE FACILITY EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS
Tables and chairs.
Comfortable lounges and chairs.
Information boards—white boards, pin boards, flip              charts etc.

•

information•material and financial aid

Signage—for centre and services.

•

temporary accommodation

Power boards and leads.

•

access to services such as insurance, building advice
etc

Emergency lighting.

•access to government agencies•

psychosocial wellbeing services•

meeting places.

Kitchen requisites.

POSSIBLE ADMINISTRATION EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS
These centres can be pre-planned; however, they will
have a longer lead time and will be most effective if
established within easy reach of affected communities.
Locations should consider accessibility to affected
persons (transport, proximity to service centres etc)
and facility attributes. In major events these may belong-term facilities. Public facilities that have establishedongoing usage may be unsuitable. Consideration might
be given to accessing/renting offices or similar facilities
in suitable locations.

MINIMUM FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
Accessible to affected population.
Accessible to mobility impaired people.
Long-term occupancy.

Laptop computers with computer networks/mobile              connectivity.
Printers, photocopiers, fax machines.
Fixed line and mobile telephones (and chargers).
Contact lists.
Prepared administrative paperwork (e.g. operating              guidelines, centre information handouts, log books,              report forms, registration forms (visitor and staff),              staff roster forms, records of offers of assistance,              records of requests for assistance etc.
Staff roles and orientation information.
Data storage devices for computers with plans and              templates.
Stationery supplies—pens, markers, tape, paper, note              pads, staplers, hole punches, folders, labellers etc.
Staff identification—vests, name/identification              badges.

Kitchens.
Toilets.

Maps.

Parking.

Document security and management.

Heating and cooling.

Safe.

Access to communications.

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Reception area.
Private and secure management spaces.

Welcome and orientation.

Comfortable and private meeting/counselling spaces.

Car/bike parking facilities.

Comfortable rest areas.

Security and safety.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

14

Work space needs and allocation.
Coordination of recovery activities.
Sharing and coordination of data and information.
Purchasing and petty cash management.
Cleaning and waste management.
Catering.
Special needs support.
Staff management and support (including food, water              and rest).
Volunteer support and management.
Management of donations and offers of support.
Communications with emergency coordination              centre/recovery liaison/recovery management              centre.

15

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 12 - Social environment
This checklist corresponds to Section 4.1 Recovery of the social environment of the Community Recovery
Handbook.

COMPONENTS

water, food?
psychological first aid?

The social environment includes:

emergency accommodation?

•

safety, security and shelter•

healthpersonal needs?

•

psychosocial wellbeing.

reuniting families?

PARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS

material and financial?
transport?

Partners/stakeholders in the social environment include:

health/medical?

•

affected communities•

response agencies

communication?

•state and Australian Government (health and humanservices, communities, education, housing, publichealth)•non-government organisations (Red Cross, Salvation
Army, voluntary organisations and service clubs)•

local government•

health authorities, doctors, community health•representatives of sectors or groups—ethnic, rural,social and sporting clubs•

media.

information?
community meeting spaces and 		connectivity?
culturally specific needs?

SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM
Conduct short- to medium-term needs assessment.
What are evolving short- to medium-term needs?
psychosocial support?

COMMUNITY RECOVERY OPERATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
Immediate

temporary accommodation?
material and financial support?
health/medical?
communication?

Conduct immediate needs assessment.
What has been the impact on individuals and families?
how many affected?

information?
assistance with recovery processes (e.g.
	              grants, insurance, clean up)?
community meeting spaces and 			              connectivity?

mortality and injury?
potential for psychological/emotional 			              trauma?
displacement?

culturally specific needs?
If required, implement outreach programs.
Ensure that displaced persons are connected and              able to re-engage with their ‘home’ communities.

loss of property?
loss of pets/companion animals?
isolation?
individuals or groups with special needs?
What are priority needs (for affected community and              recovery operations)?

Provide psychosocial support mechanisms.
Provide support and resources to enable people              to access services, including interpreters to cater for              cultural and linguistic diversity, resources for people              with mobility, vision and hearing impairment, and for              people with a cognitive disability.

safety?

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

16Consider the needs of tourists and persons from              interstate and overseas.
Ensure that planning and implementation of services              and activities maintain an awareness of cultural              implications for various groups.
If established, coordinate the management and              operation of recovery centres.
Monitor and manage public health advice, safety and              disease control.

LONG TERM (ONGOING)
Are food and water supply secured?
Is safety and security adequate?
Do all displaced persons have access to private, self              contained accommodation?
Are personal health and clinical services restored?
Are public health issues adequately managed?
Ensure that persons with special needs have not              been forgotten in planning processes.
Establish systems for ongoing psychological/              emotional support for affected persons.
Ensure the redevelopment of social networks and              connections.
Establish ongoing information provision.

17

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 13 - Built environment
This checklist corresponds to Section 4.2 Recovery of the built environment of the Community Recovery
Handbook.

COMPONENTS
Built environment can be classified broadly as:•

health and education authorities•

building control authorities•

professional bodies (e.g. architects, engineers,building surveyors)others as required (dependent on emergency eventand local needs).

•

infrastructure that supports essential services:••−− transport—roads, rail, bridges, ports, airports,
public transport−− energy—power, gas, fuel−− communications—telephone (fixed line and mobile),
internet and data, radio and television−− utilities—water, sewage, drainage, sanitation,
waste and recycling
rural infrastructure

Conduct immediate impact/needs assessment (0 to              3 days).

•−− rural—fencing, sheds and buildings, produce
handling, irrigation−− animal welfare—shelters, pounds, veterinary
facilities, stock containment
residential infrastructure•−− residential buildings—domestic homes, hotels/
motels, caravan parks
commercial/industrial infrastructure

water, food?

•−− distribution infrastructure—food and merchandise−− commercial and retail—shops, banks, food outlets,
hardware and building, fuel outlets, white goods,
pharmacies
public building and asset infrastructure−− public facilities—hospitals, doctors’ surgeries,
aged care, schools, police and emergency services
stations−− community buildings—halls, churches, cultural andhistoric, sporting clubs−− government administration—council andgovernment offices−− recovery infrastructure—evacuation, relief andrecovery centres, warehousing of donated goods.

communications?

COMMUNITY RECOVERY OPERATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
Immediate

What components/services are working/not              working?
What are priority needs (for affected 			              community and recovery operations)?
safety?
emergency accommodation?
transport links?
health?
power, gas?
recovery management centres?
public facilities?
animal management facilities?
What needs to be done to prevent further damage?
What hazards exist?

PARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS

Short to medium termPartners/stakeholders in the built environment include:

Conduct short- to medium-term impact/needs              assessment.

•

affected communities•

municipal councils•

road and rail authorities and operators•

public transport operators

food and material distribution infrastructure?

•energy suppliers and retailers

power, gas, communications?

•water and sewage authorities and retailers

drainage, sewage?

•

communication operators

What are evolving short- to medium-term needs?
transport, including public transport?

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

18temporary accommodation?
Can services be reinstated quickly?
What temporary solutions/‘work-arounds’ can be              implemented?
Complete ‘make safe’ operations.
Re-establish retail/commercial facilities essential for              community wellbeing or recovery activities.
Identify/re-establish community buildings/facilities              essential for recovery activities and social              connectivity.
Manage resourcing and ensure supply chains.
What additional resources will be required:by the affected communities?
by recovery operations?
Are supplies available—locally? regionally? nationally?
Are contractors available—locally? regionally?
              nationally?

Prioritise and re-establish transport:
roads, rail, bridges, ports, airports, public	              transport.
Ensure energy supplies and communications are              adequate and stable.
Reinstate utilities.
Re-establish commercial, retail and distribution              infrastructure.
Re-establish public facilities and community buildings.
Facilitate restoration of residential buildings.
Support the restoration of government administration              facilities.
Support the restoration of rural infrastructure and              animal welfare.
Review and establish long-term recovery              infrastructure where necessary; for example, long              term community hub.

Long term (ongoing)
Identify opportunities to improve infrastructure and              services during reinstatement.
Are damaged or destroyed services or	              facilities still relevant/appropriate to the	              community?
Are there opportunities to upgrade 			              infrastructure?
Are there opportunities to establish new	              facilities and services?
Where possible, restore services and	              infrastructure to be sustainable and more	              resilient to future events.

19

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Checklist 14 - Stages/key process elements inrecovering the built environment
This checklist corresponds to Section 4.2.2 The built environment—supporting recovery of the Community
Recovery Handbook.

The table1 describes the basic functions of recovery,
together with the major issues at each stage and thetasks that are normally undertaken. It can be used
at a number of different levels, and may be useful indirecting overall recovery, recovery of a single service(e.g. electricity) or even an aspect of a single service (e.g.
provision of drinking water standpipes).

1 Brunsdon D, Crimp R, Lauder M, Palmer R, Scott I, Brounts H & B
Shephard, 2004, ‘Key considerations for Lifeline utility recovery
planning’, Australian Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 19, no. 4 pp
37-43.

Table 1The process of starting a new or modified system
requires supervision and careful testing and may
require cooperation from other stakeholders. Where theopportunity for testing is low, generally a higher level ofsupervision is required.
The modified system of service delivery must be
monitored to ensure it can continue to meet its
objectives. This should occur at each stage describedin the table. Over time, if the nature of the communitychanges, or the system is not performing satisfactorily,
adjustments or changes to meet demands on the system
must be made.

Key recovery elements and associated issues and planning action points

Key recovery
stages/elements

Issues/challenges/

1. Understand whatneeds to be done
to recoverMoving from initial impact
assessment to the much moredetailed assessment requires achange in focus

Tasks/key drivers

Communicating, monitoring
and review

Undertake site assessment/
inspection

Establish and maintain
information and records
systems (e.g. timelines, logs, asconstructed drawings)

obstacles

Communicate with stakeholders
Establish the extent of the
problemEstablish who the relevant
stakeholders are

Is the hazard preventing us doing
our job on the site itself?

Establish the communications
network between site
deployment activity and relevant
stakeholders

Continually monitor andreassess the problem/ situation

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

20

Key recovery
stages/elements

Issues/challenges/

Tasks/key drivers

Communicating, monitoring
and review

2. Identify external
constraints

Safe access (physical damage,emergency services, cordons)

Establish the interdependency
relationships with other parties

Legislative, statutory andregulatory requirements

Establish a budget or source offunding/resourcing

Open up communication in ameaningful way with all the otherpeople who are involved

obstacles

Crime scene, coronial
complications

Continually monitor presenting
constraints and adjust own
actions/activities as necessary
Manage, monitor and review
financial status
Inform recovery committee ofcurrent status of works

Financial constraints

Establish a budget or source offunding/resourcing
Open accounts and lines ofcredit with suppliers (local where
possible)

3. Prioritise tasks

21

Logistical (material, labour)
constraints

Understand relevant
requirements and seek relevant
permissions/ exemptions whererequired

Environment (geographical,
topographical, meteorological)

Source information regarding
environment (maps, reports,
advices)

Identify and negotiate a safe
access route (road, rail, airborne,waterborne)

Establish additional resource
sources as necessary (material,
labour—e.g. volunteers,
Australian Defence Force, paid
volunteers, surge staff capacity,
other sources of additional
labour)Identify immediate constraints

Compromise, cooperate, setagreed priorities

Other stakeholders may haveconflicting priorities

Identify, and negotiate with,appropriate stakeholders (withthe authority to make thedecision) to assist with priority
setting

Retain focus on community
needs/requirements (end goal)

Identify opportunities for ‘quick
wins’

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Communicate agreed priorities
with own organisations and otherstakeholders (especially therecovery committee )Communicate immediate
successes

Monitor the priorities set by
the recovery committee andchange/adapt to those as
appropriate

Key recovery
stages/elements

Issues/challenges/

4. Put in placeshort-term/interim fixes

Tasks/key drivers

Communicating, monitoring
and review

Manage expectations(stakeholders)Identify stakeholder
requirements

Maintain operational and public
safety standards for interim/short-term fixes

Train and equip personnel (e.g.
personal protective equipment/
inductions)

Reinforce and continuallymonitor agreed priorities withown organisations and otherstakeholders (especially therecovery committee)

obstacles

Carry out immediate tidy-up
operations

5. Identify
the resource
and materials
requirements

Obtaining materials

Identify supply chains andmaterial providers

Waste management (e.g.
prescribed materials,
environmental, bio-hazards)

Collection and disposal of wastematerial

Contractor resources (own,
additional)

Consider accommodationand transport for staff andcontractors (including labour
hire)

Obtaining materials

Identify supply chains andmaterial providers
Access supply lines

Availability of appropriately
skilled resources

Train and equip personnel (e.g.
personal protective equipment/
inductions)

Conduct environmental scan
Report on changing dynamic of,and priorities in, the environment
Provide regular status reports torecovery committee

Consider accommodationand transport for staff andcontractors (including labour
hire)
Availability of key material

Maintain accessibility of
appropriate resources (skills,
material)

Financial/budget constraints

Plan for redundancy/
contingency

Incompatible industrial awards/
agreements
Changing dynamic of theenvironment

Adapt plans to accord with otherplayers in recovery effort

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

22

Key recovery
stages/elements

Issues/challenges/

6. Strategicplanning—including
longer-term
recovery outcomes

Review recovery goals andobjectives, and realign where
necessary

Tasks/key drivers

Communicating, monitoring
and review

Include all stakeholders in thelonger-term strategic planning
process

Provide appropriate advice
to recovery committee forliaison and engagement withthe community regarding theiraccommodation, service andcultural needs

obstacles

Liaise with essential service
peak providers and bodies toensure common goals andstandards
Project approval processes

Seek approval at appropriate
stages (e.g. permits, exemptions
etc)

There may be a market shift

Align the built environment planwith other parts of the recovery
effortPolitical /community priorities
and expectations

Engage with those in thepolitical/community environment(at all levels)

Relocation and repopulation ofcommunity
Major unplanned capital works
program for which special
funding needs to be obtained

Source funding and put a longterm budget in place

Strategic planning implications—repair versus replacement

Liaise with insurance companies(or representatives) to ensurecommon goals and standards

Insurance cover provisions (orlack of)
Legal issues
Build back; build back better;build back better plus
7. Matchinginternal priorities
with externalconsiderations

Seeking agreement on mattersof priority (noting that these may
well change over time from thoseinitially agreed)Work with local, regional andnational recovery managers

Vague delineation of
responsibility

Identify roles andaccountabilities of infrastructureadvisory groups/subject matter
experts

Priorities of other areas of therecovery effort and the recovery
manager on behalf of thecommunity

Identify interdependencies
between us and other parts of
the recovery effort

Staff fatigue/roster
management

Ensure safety standards areadhered to

Identify interdependencies
between us and other parts of
the recovery effort

Ensure time out and reflection
breaks are taken

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Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Conduct regular and ongoing
consultation with all partners to
the process
Report on changing dynamic of,and priorities in, the environment
Provide regular status reports
and advice to recovery
committee

Key recovery
stages/elements

Issues/challenges/

8. Formalising
works programs
and carrying out
design work

Planning approvals involve
regulatory considerations

9. Organisingand managing
contracts for thephysical works

Tasks/key drivers

obstacles

Communicating, monitoring
and review
Provide regular status reports
and advice to recovery
committee for liaison andengagement with the community
regarding their accommodation,
service and cultural needs

Resource consent needs to be
subsequently applied for if there
is an ongoing environmental
effectInclude scenarios andanticipated consequences withinorganisational recovery plans

Technical resources (especiallydesign consultants)

Provide access to technicalresources that can stay involved
over the period of the recovery
program/plan

Ongoing access to resources(materials, skills, and key/specialist items)

Secure appropriate stores ofkey/specialist items that arelikely to be difficult to source inquantity at short notice

Shortage and/or limited capacityof contractors (both specialist
and general building contractors)

Involve construction and related
contractors (who may not havestanding/ongoing contracts)
in planning to enable them toidentify and understand thedemands involved

Provide regular status reports
and advice to recovery
committee for liaison andengagement with the community
regarding their accommodation,
service and cultural needs

Assess tender applications andaward contracts

Communicate status reports
on contractual arrangements
and agreements to recovery
committee

Additional project management
capability may be required
Tender requirements andprocesses
Contractual/procurement
arrangements
Material supplies

Secure supply chains andmaterial providers

Staff resourcing

Consider accommodationand transport for staff andcontractors (including labourhire)Communicate the plan anddesignTrain and equip personnel (e.g.
personal protective equipment/
inductions)
Financial constraints
Security of staff and materials
10. Commission
works and finalise
programContinually assess vulnerabilities
and threats to recovery site
Obtain certificates for final use
of built things (e.g. occupancy
certificates)
HandoverHandbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

24Checklist 15 - Economic environment
This checklist corresponds to Section 4.3 Recovery of the economic
environment of the Community Recovery Handbook.
COMPONENTS
Each component may be directly or indirectly affected
and the impacts might be tangible or intangible. Economic
environment components include:•

residents and households•

public infrastructure, community facilities andthe natural environment (essential services suchas water and sanitation systems, electricity, gas,
telecommunications and transport)••

business enterprises and supply networks (retailers,
distributors, transporters, storage facilities andsuppliers that participate in the production anddelivery of a particular product); other networks
including peak bodies, not-for-profit sector etc
government.

identification and support to businesses and	              employers?
Establish arrangements for collection and              management of donated monies.

Short to medium term
What are evolving, short-term needs?
support with insurance claims?
access to employment?
renegotiation of loans?
assistance with grant applications?
support with rebuilding contracts?
support to small, medium business?

PARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS
Partners/stakeholders in the economic environment
include:Restore banking and other financial services as soon              as possible.
Reopen businesses and restore community services.
Establish arrangements for management and              distribution of donated monies.

•

affected communities•

local industry and businessSet up business assistance facilities as required.

•industry bodies (e.g. chambers of commerce, farmers’
federations, tourism associations, manufacturers)

Assess employment issues.

•

government agencies (Attorney-General’s
Department, Centrelink, Australian Taxation Office)Establish a communications strategy to support local              businesses to re-establish or remain open.

•

local government•

Insurance Council•

banking and finance operators

Work with the insurance sector to ensure              coordinated response by insurance companies and              address adequacy of cover for reconstruction.

•

charitable organisations•

others as required (dependent on emergency eventand local needs).

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Immediate
What are priority needs (for affected community andrecovery operations)?
emergency cash grants?
access to banking and finance?
facilitation of insurance claims?
management of appeals donations?
information?

25

Develop a fast-track insurance processing system              and address insurance issues.
Liaise with the recovery committee to develop a              strategy to maximise use of local resources during              reconstruction and establishment activities.
Identify transport and information technology/              communications needs and prioritise reconstruction              activities to meet community business and              manufacturing continuance requirements.
Facilitate, where required, new mutual aid agreements              between authorities and contracts with suppliers.
Support small to medium enterprise (e.g. advice,              referral to a business advisor etc).
Re-establish retail/commercial facilities essential for              community wellbeing or recovery activities.
Manage resourcing and ensure supply chains.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Long term (ongoing)
Identify opportunities to improve the local/regional
economy and services during restoration.
Are damaged or destroyed businesses still	              viable and appropriate to the community?
Are there opportunities to upgrade business	              infrastructure?
Are there opportunities to establish new	              businesses and services?
Where possible, restore business and	              infrastructure to be sustainable and more	              resilient to future events.
Prioritise and secure supply chains.
Re-establish commercial, retail and distribution              infrastructure.
Ensure the equitable, accurate and timely distribution              of donated monies.
Support the restoration of rural infrastructure.
Reassess employment and livelihood issues.
Explore need and opportunities for ongoing local              business support network.
Communicate planned actions to affected              communities, recovery management team,              stakeholder organisations.

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

26Checklist 16 - Natural environment
This checklist corresponds to Section 4.4 Recovery of the naturalenvironment of the Community Recovery Handbook.
COMPONENTS
Natural environment components include:
•

air

•

water

•

land and soil•

plants and animals.

ongoing care and management of	              endangered species and injured wildlife?
response operations damage restoration?
ecological impact assessments?
management of ongoing erosion?

PARTNERS/STAKEHOLDERS
Partners/stakeholders in the natural environment
include:•affected communities•

government agencies (parks, conservation and land
management, stream management, environmental
protection agencies)•

local government•

Landcare, ‘Friends of’ and environment groups•

wildlife rescue services•

catchment management authorities•

others as required (dependent on emergency eventand local needs).

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

prevention of further contamination—	              weeds invasion, fungal disease from 			              response/recovery operations?
restoration of social amenity?
recovery of damaged natural resources?
Restoration of social amenity elements essential for              community wellbeing.

Long term (ongoing)
Identify opportunities to improve the natural              environment during reinstatement.
Are there opportunities to improve/upgrade	              amenity and/or ecosystems from previously	              degraded conditions?
Are there opportunities to restore natural	              environment elements to be sustainable and	              more resilient to future events?

Immediate
Conduct risk management.
Make an immediate impact assessment.
What are priority needs for the natural environment?
containment of contaminants?
rescue of wildlife?
emergency erosion stabilisation?
emergency action for threatened species?
management of stormwater runoff?
restoration of habitat?

Short to medium-term
Ongoing risk management process with continuous              monitoring.
What are evolving short to medium-term needs?
clean up of contaminants?
rehabilitation of damaged areas?

27

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

Handbook 2 Toolkit 2-1 Community recovery checklists

28

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