Emergency evacuation centres and public health

Emergency evacuation centre guidelines

The Public Health Guideline for Emergency Evacuation Centres (PDF 4.5MB) aims to support local governments and agencies involved in establishing and operating evacuation centres.

The careful consideration of public health matters in the planning and operation of evacuation centres assists in maintaining the health of evacuees, volunteers and staff, and minimising the risk of a communicable disease outbreak.

The guideline is structured around 4 key principles:

Rapid public health assessment form

The Emergency Evacuation Centre Rapid Public Health Assessment Form (PDF 618 KB) can be used to assist evacuation centre operators and environmental health professionals to undertake a rapid assessment of evacuation centre facilities and conditions during an emergency.

Trial implementation – Invitation to collaborate

To ensure the guideline is practical and effective, it will be implemented on a trial basis over the upcoming high-threat season, through to 1 April 2026. This period presents a valuable opportunity for local governments and other relevant agencies to actively engage with the guideline, assess its relevance, and contribute to its refinement. The Department of Health and Department of Communities will work closely with local governments and partner agencies to monitor its application, gather feedback, and assess its impacts, particularly on the availability and suitability of evacuation centre locations.

Your insights will play a valuable role in helping to shape a practical and effective framework to ensure the protection of public health at evacuation centres.

You are encouraged to trial the guide and provide feedback on its practical application and any recommended amendments to our EH Emergency Management Unit by 1 April 2026.