Extreme Weather Policy

 

Extreme Weather Policy 

 Approved by the Management Committee on 21/04/2024 

Introduction 

Absolutely, staying safe during bushfire season in Australia is paramount, especially for hikers and those venturing into the wilderness.  

It's important for participants to familiarise themselves with the specific weather policy of the organisation to exercise caution and good judgment when venturing into outdoor environments. 

Purpose of this policy is to create a framework for adaptive coaches and leaders to make quick decisions regarding planned hikes and rides going ahead in the event of extreme weather forecasts.  

This Extreme Weather Policy, considers the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, specifically relation to thermoregulation and/or communication. and make appropriate accommodations to ensure their safety and comfort during the bushwalk. 

Break the Boundary Responsibilities: 

The hiking or riding leaders or organisation body will assess the risk level based on the current and forecasted weather conditions. They will consider factors such as the weather (rain, storm, temperature, hail, lightning, strong wind), bushfire, terrain, elevation, distance from shelter, and the experience level of the participants. 

Procedures within Break the Boundary ask hiking and riding leaders to check the weather forecast and DFES for fire warnings the day before the scheduled service. Procedures also ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies, including first aid kits, communication devices, are readily available and appropriate for the expected weather conditions. 

Adaptive Leaders are trained to work with the participant, carers and companions to ensure that the participant is coping well throughout the hike or ride.  

If the risk level is high, either the appointment will be rescheduled or cancelled in consultation with the client and the carers. Any cancellations or rescheduling in line with the Extreme Weather Policy will be made by Break the Boundary, the leaders or coaches or the organisation.  

Throughout the duration of the hike or ride, Break the Boundary volunteers will continue to make assessments about the suitability of the environment to complete the hike or ride with the information available to them. Break the Boundary reserves the right to adapt or modify the planned route to maximise safety for the participant, carers, family and companions.  

 

Participant responsibility: 

All participants and carers / companions have the responsibility to assess their own fitness level and preparedness for the hike, as well as to follow safety instructions and communicate any concerns they may have about the weather or other conditions.  

 

Communication procedures: 

Any cancellations or rescheduling in line with the Extreme Weather Policy, hiking or riding leaders or the organisation body will contact the participants and their carers in a timely manner to reschedule or cancel any appointment. 

Receipt of cancelation must be acknowledged by the participant, or carer/ companion, and any other attending volunteers to avoid miscommunication. Break the Boundary will attempt to contact the participant 3 times in the form of phone call or text message if no acknowledgement of cancellation.  

No news is good news. As a participant, if you haven’t heard from the Break the Boundary team, assume the hike/ ride is going ahead.   

Cancellation of event: 

Break the Boundary may cancel or amend the program in consultation with the client In the event of:  

  • Strong winds  

  • Heavy rain, Flooding 

  • Hail 

  • Lightning 

  • Fire, Fire warnings  

  • Hot weather above 30 degrees Celsius 

  • Cooler temperatures lower than 15 degrees Celsius 

If Break the Boundary or any of it’s representatives cancel or reschedule a service in line with the Extreme Weather Policy, there is no financial penalty to the client.  

If the planned activity is cancelled by the participant, a cancellation fee may apply.  

Policy review and updates: 

The weather policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective. 

For more information: 

Department of Fire and Emergency Services: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/ 

Weather updates: http://www.bom.gov.au/ 

 

Approval: 

Approved by the Management Committee on 21/04/2024 

Next Review Date: 2026