Excerpt: This practical guide shows managers, residents, and responders how to build a caravan park emergency plan that works under pressure. It blends Australian best practice with simple steps you can deploy today across Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
Last updated: 13 August 2025
Australia’s weather can swing from blue skies to violent cells in minutes. If you run or live in a caravan park, a tested caravan park emergency plan is your best safety net. This guide integrates police, fire, ambulance, and SES coordination with simple, do‑able actions for parks in cities, regions, and coastal floodplains.
Prevention — Know Your Risks, Shape Your Site
Prevention reduces the chance that a storm becomes a crisis. Start with a risk map: creeks, drains, low‑lying lots, single‑lane access roads, and spots where debris blocks flow. Overlay council flood overlays and historic inundation lines. Mark “last‑resort refuges” (solid buildings on higher ground) and potential “no‑build” or “no‑stay” zones when warnings escalate.
Stormwater is a system: gutters, swales, pits, and culverts must move water without choking. Keep vegetation trimmed and leaf litter cleared before storm season. Fit backflow flaps to key drains. Where safe and permitted, create overflow paths that guide water away from residences and critical assets (switchboards, gas cages, fuel stores).
Electrical and gas hazards multiply in heavy rain. Lift switchboards above known flood levels. Use lockable, weather‑rated enclosures; label isolators clearly for emergency services. Bolt gas cages, separate cylinders from ignition sources, and anchor BBQs and LPG bottles so they don’t float or topple.
Apply the hierarchy of control. Eliminate exposure (close vulnerable lots under a Major Flood Warning), substitute safer locations (move long‑stay vans to higher pads), engineer controls (bunds, raised slabs), and enforce administrative rules (storm closures, “no overnight stay” in red zones). Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff who inspect drains and site perimeters.
Duty of care matters. Australian WHS law expects “reasonably practicable” steps. Document your periodic inspections, maintenance, and decisions. Align to AS 3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities principles—adapted for open‑air sites—and ensure signage, lighting, and muster points meet local planning and building requirements.
Preparedness — Build the System Before the Clouds Build
Preparedness turns knowledge into capability. Assign roles: Incident Controller (usually the manager), Deputy, Wardens for each park zone, and a Comms Officer. Maintain a laminated quick‑ref guide at reception with trigger points: “Severe Weather Warning issued → brief wardens,” “Flash Flood Warning → move residents from Zones A & B to Hilltop Amenities,” “Evacuation Directive → activate siren and SMS group.”
Communication multiplies safety. Publish a one‑page visitor handout at check‑in with the map, siren tones, and plain‑language actions. Set up SMS groups (permanent residents, short‑stay guests, staff) and a backup method (UHF channel, door‑knock teams). Keep spare battery packs for phones and a paper roll with lot numbers and mobility needs.
Train twice a year. Run a 20‑minute desktop drill (decision games with maps) and a short walk‑through: check routes, open gates, test the siren, simulate a power cut. Rotate scenarios—overnight storm, mid‑morning flash flood, blocked gate. Capture lessons and update the plan that day, not “when there’s time”.
Stock and stage: waterproof torches, headlamps, first‑aid kits, absorbent mats, traffic cones, barrier tape, hi‑vis vests, bolt cutters, gloves, pry bars, tarps, sandbags, and a wet‑area cleanup kit. Pre‑pack evacuation tubs (clipboards, markers, spare maps, pens, batteries) at reception and in the hilltop amenities block.
Build relationships before you need them. Register your plan with your local council and brief the nearest SES unit and fire brigade on your layout, hydrants, and refuge buildings. Save quick‑dial numbers and choose a public information point (noticeboard or glass entry) for hand‑written updates if power/internet fail.
Preparedness in 5 Minutes (Do This Now):
- Save BOM, SES, and VicEmergency/State apps on your phone.
- Print a one‑page park map with safe routes and post it at reception.
- Charge portable radios; label a primary and backup channel.
- Create an SMS group for long‑stay residents and one for staff.
- Stage a tub with torches, clipboards, markers, and spare batteries.
Response — Clear Triggers, Calm Actions, Clean Handover
Response is where clarity wins. Use triggers tied to official warnings and local observations. Example: “Water entering drains on Riverside Row + Flash Flood Warning = move residents uphill now.” Sound the alert (siren/PA), broadcast the message three times, then start door‑knocks for residents without phones or with limited hearing.
Safety first: no one enters fast‑moving water. Keep staff out of culverts, pits, and submerged paths. Assume downed lines are live; isolate power at the main switchboard if it is safe and trained personnel are present. Assign a spotter to any team near water or moving vehicles.
Use an adapted wildfire principle—LACES: Lookouts (warden on high ground), Awareness (weather radar and river gauges), Communications (radios/SMS), Escape routes (two viable paths), Safety zones (solid buildings above flood level). Confirm these every 15 minutes during the peak.
Triage tasks: 1) life safety and evacuations, 2) hazard control (gas/electric isolation), 3) access for emergency vehicles (clear gates), 4) information (whiteboard update at reception). Keep a running log: times, decisions, who is where. When police, fire, ambulance, or SES arrive, hand over with your log, site map, and any residents requiring assistance.
For partial evacuations, move vehicles first to keep roads clear for ambulances and appliances. Allocate a marshaller in hi‑vis at each choke point. If roads are cut, consolidate at your refuge building, account for people, and communicate needs to SES (medications, power for oxygen, mobility aids).
Recovery — Safe Return, Human Support, Learning Fast
Only re‑enter areas after authorities deem it safe. Treat floodwater as contaminated: wear gloves, boots, and P2 masks when cleaning. Ventilate enclosed areas; discard porous items that have absorbed water (mattresses, carpets) unless professionally restored. Photograph damage before moving items and document serial numbers for insurance.
Health matters continue after the rain. Encourage tetanus checks if cut/abraded; provide information about mould exposure. Offer a quiet room, tea, and phone charging—small comforts stabilise people. Display mental health contacts (Beyond Blue, Lifeline) and emphasise that stress reactions are normal.
Administration: log costs, hours, and contractor details. Notify insurers early and obtain dangerous goods disposal advice for damaged LPG, fuels, or chemicals. Debrief within 72 hours: what were our best decisions, where did confusion creep in, what will we change before the next storm? Update maps, triggers, and training from these insights.
How It Works — The Operational Science in Plain English
Flash floods happen when intense rainfall exceeds the ground and drainage capacity. Hardstand areas—roads, pads—speed runoff. If creeks are already high from earlier rain, less new water is needed to spill banks. Debris can jam a culvert and suddenly divert flow through lots never previously flooded.
Radar “hook” echoes and slow‑moving storm cells concentrate rainfall. In coastal parks, spring tides stack with rainfall to slow river discharge. A 10–20 cm rise at a choke point can turn a shallow ford into a barrier for ambulances. That’s why early relocation—while access remains—is critical.
Human factors drive outcomes: clear triggers, rehearsed roles, and concise comms reduce hesitation. People obey plans they recognise, so the same phrases must appear on the map, the PA script, and the SMS template. Keep it boringly consistent.
Roles & Coordination — Police, Fire, Ambulance, SES, and You
On‑site, the Manager or delegated Incident Controller runs initial actions and hands over smoothly on arrival of emergency services. Police manage road closures, evacuations by direction, and scene control. Fire services manage fire, rescue, and hazard mitigation (including gas/electric safety). Ambulance focuses on triage, treatment, and transport. SES is lead for storm and flood operations, including sandbagging and flood intelligence.
Use an ICS‑style structure: Controller, Operations (wardens), Planning/Intel (weather/river data), Logistics (gear & transport), and Comms (public and agency). Even with three people, naming roles reduces duplication.
Interoperability tips: share a single map with plain‑English zone names; keep gate keys and hydrant spanners in a marked cabinet; display radio channel/frequency lists. Nominate a liaison to remain at the reception board with the log, freeing wardens to act.
Equipment & Tools — Reliable, Labelled, and Ready
Park managers should maintain an “orange tub” kit: hi‑vis vests, headlamps, flashlights, batteries, multi‑tools, tape, cable ties, waterproof markers, laminated maps, spare radios, first‑aid, gloves, and P2 masks. Add a bolt cutter for padlocks, caution tape for cordons, and pry bars for jammed gates.
Power resiliency: if using generators, site them above historical flood levels, store fresh fuel safely, and test monthly under load with transfer switches installed by licensed electricians. Label circuits: “Reception lights, Siren, Radio Charger, Refuge Block” to prioritise power during blackouts.
Water control: pre‑fill sandbags; keep shovels, scoops, and tarps at two points. Consider portable water‑blocking barriers for doorways in low‑lying amenities. After the event, disinfect tools and PPE; dry and restock within 48 hours to prevent mould.
Field Scenarios — Realistic Cases, Practical Lessons
1) Midnight Cell over Riverbend Park
A slow‑moving thunderstorm drops 70 mm in 90 minutes. The creek surges; culvert debris diverts water into lower lots. The manager triggers relocation using the map’s orange route. A warden spots a resident packing personal items—response team assists, keeping access clear. Outcome: zero injuries. Lesson: practise “leave now, collect later”.
2) Coastal Surge + High Tide
A deep low pushes ocean levels above predicted tide; heavy rain follows. SES warns of compound flooding. The park closes two beach‑side rows pre‑emptively and moves long‑stays uphill in daylight. Outcome: some property damage, but the refuge block remains powered. Lesson: early prevention beats late reaction.
3) Access Road Cut by Water
A single entry road goes under. Police close it; ambulance is en route for a resident on oxygen. The team isolates non‑critical power, consolidates at the amenities refuge with back‑up power, and provides charging for medical devices. Outcome: patient stable, later transported by SES. Lesson: have a refuge plan for when roads close.
Caravan Park Emergency Plan — Checklists
Use these focused lists to keep actions crisp under pressure. Print them, laminate them, and store in your evacuation tubs and reception.
Household/Resident (Short‑Stay & Long‑Stay)
- Know the park’s siren tones, evacuation map, and refuge location.
- Keep medicines, scripts, and a small “go bag” ready during storm season.
- Move vehicles early to high ground; don’t block ambulance/police access.
- Unplug non‑essential appliances; lift power cords off the floor.
- Leash pets and crate if advised; pack food, bowls, and meds.
Business/Managers
- Issue the one‑page visitor handout at check‑in; verify understanding.
- Test siren/PA monthly; log outcomes and maintenance.
- Check drains/culverts weekly in storm season; remove debris.
- Stage sandbags, tarps, and barriers at two elevated stores.
- Keep a current contact sheet for SES, council, police, fire, ambulance.
Responders/Wardens
- Confirm LACES: lookout, awareness, comms, escape routes, safety zones.
- Assign marshallers at choke points; keep lanes open for appliances.
- Log times, triggers, actions, and handover notes.
- Account for residents at the refuge; report missing/vulnerable persons.
- Post updates every 20 minutes to the noticeboard/whiteboard.
Focused Keyword Tip
Build your caravan park emergency plan around clear, rehearsed triggers tied to official warnings and local flood behaviour. Short phrases and consistent maps save seconds when it counts.
Accessibility & Inclusion — Everyone Safe, No One Left Behind
Emergency plans work when they include everyone. Keep a confidential needs register (voluntary) noting mobility, hearing, vision, neurodiversity, language, and medical devices. Assign buddy systems for door‑knocks. Provide large‑print maps and pictograms, and consider QR codes linking to plain‑language pages.
- Children: give them a simple task (pack a toy, hold a torch) to reduce anxiety.
- Older adults: minimise stairs; pre‑position chairs/walkers at refuge points.
- Disability: use vibrating alerts or door‑knocks for the hearing‑impaired; clear, high‑contrast signage for low vision.
- Pets: pre‑position spare leads, crates, and litter; identify pet‑friendly refuge rooms.
- Languages: keep template SMS in common languages; use universally recognised icons.
FAQs
How often should we test our plan?
Run a short drill twice a year and a map walk‑through before storm season. Update the plan immediately after each drill.
What siren or alert tone should we use?
Consistency matters more than the tone. Use a distinct pattern (e.g., three long blasts), explained on the map and handout.
Should we evacuate the whole park at once?
Not always. Use zones and triggers. Move low‑lying rows first while roads are open. Full evacuation if directed by authorities.
Who can turn off the power or gas?
Only trained staff should isolate power/gas using clearly labelled, accessible switchgear. If unsafe, wait for fire services or qualified trades.
How do we include short‑stay visitors who missed the briefing?
Provide the handout at check‑in, display a large map at reception, and use SMS/PA repeats every 10–20 minutes during events.
What about insurance and liability?
Document maintenance, decisions, and warnings. Notify insurers early; follow their evidence requirements (photos, serials, logs).
How can we keep communications going during a blackout?
Battery radios, power banks, and a small generator with a transfer switch for essential circuits (lighting, radios, reception) are key.
Do we need a formal caravan park emergency plan document?
Yes—keep it concise: roles, triggers, maps, contact sheet, and checklists. Train to it so people recognise phrases and routes instantly.
Links & Hotlines (Australia)
- Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) — forecasts, rain radar, river heights
- VicEmergency / your state’s emergency site — warnings, incidents
- State Emergency Service (SES) — storm & flood help
- Healthdirect — health advice, after‑hours options
- ABC Emergency — emergency information & broadcasts
- Life‑threatening emergency: call 000 (Triple Zero)
Note: External resources may vary by state/territory; check your local agencies.
Emergency Contacts Quick List
- Triple Zero (000): Police, Fire, Ambulance
- SES (Flood/Storm): see your state SES website or app
- Non‑emergency Police: local station (state specific)
- Poisons Information: 13 11 26
- Mental Health Support: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Credits & Review Notes
Prepared for Australian caravan park operators, residents, and first responders. Reviewed against common PPRR principles and ICS basics. Last content review on 13 August 2025. Suggestions or corrections? Share with your local emergency services liaison and update your on‑site plan.
Preparedness in 5 Minutes (Pocket Card)
- Save warnings apps (BOM + state).
- Check drains at low points.
- Test siren/PA and radios.
- Print one‑page map for guests.
- Confirm SMS groups & scripts.
For Crew Leaders (90‑Second Brief)
SMEACS: Situation (weather, water), Mission (protect life), Execution (routes, zones), Admin/Log (gear, welfare), Comms (channels, updates), Safety (LACES).
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