Australians are not ready for a disaster such as a terrorist attack or spread of bird flu to humans and should undergo their own emergency training so as not to be reliant on authorities, experts say.Victoria's emergency services commissioner Bruce Esplin says the community should not rely solely on emergency services in a disaster.
Authorities had so capably handled emergencies in recent decades that the public had a false impression the work was best left to "the professionals", he said in a statement.
"Communities today should not be passive recipients of services, but should be active participants in determining their own safety outcomes," Mr Esplin said.
So MatesÂ…make sure your guns are locked and loaded. Oh thatÂ’s rightÂ…sorry about that.
"Being aware and alert by having personal plans in place can be the difference between experiencing a scare and being part of a tragedy."
Meanwhile, Western Australia's Fire and Emergency Services Authority director Kevin Cuneo said many emergency services had a lack of understanding of what they were dealing with when they were called out to emergencies.
In a statement, Mr Cuneo said the "fear of the unknown" was hampering emergency services personnel from doing the job properly when they were called out to incidents involving explosives, chemicals or biological agents.
"During responses to ... incidents, some emergency service personnel are unwilling to commit in times of uncertainty due to the lack of understanding of what they are dealing with and the recognition of acceptable risk.
"This has also been demonstrated a number of times during the national counter-terrorism exercise program.
"It is a major issue facing all of those involved in emergency response."
RMIT University science, engineering and technology lecturer Neville Betts said the government and private sectors were ill-prepared for a disaster such as a terror attack or bird flu, which could cost lives.
"Many of the areas where the public routinely assembles, such as trains, shipping and high-rise buildings, have not yet addressed the need to ensure that their organisational arrangements do not fall short of what is required by the Victorian DISPLAN (disaster plan) arrangements," he said.
"Most tend to rely on the emergency services to pick up the slack.
"The emergency services are generally well-prepared but local staff (private and government non-emergency services workers) are not always properly trained.
Just ask Ray NaginÂ…On second thought donÂ’t.
"That could lead to tragedy because the first few minutes before the emergency services arrive are vital."
Remember Brownies words as he testified before congress with a furrowed brow and perspiration on his upper-lip area. “Senator…after a disaster, if you think the government is going to be there with a sandwich and a bottle of water…your wrong.” (Dead Wrong)