Emergency and evacuation policy.
How we prepare for, respond to, and manage emergency and evacuation situations to keep children, families, and staff safe.
Introduction
Emergency and evacuation situations in an education and care service can arise in a number of circumstances for a variety of reasons. In the event of an emergency or evacuation situation, the safety and wellbeing of all the educators, children, families, and visitors to the centre are paramount and as such, our centre is committed to identifying risks and hazards of emergency and evacuation situations, and planning for their reduction or minimisation, and ongoing review of planned actions around handling these situations.
In the event of an emergency at the service, we aim to manage the situation in a rehearsed, timely, calm and safe manner to secure the safety of each person at the service. Emergencies may require us to evacuate or lock down the premises. The safety and wellbeing of each child and adult at the service is paramount above any other consideration in the time of an emergency or evacuation. Any other procedures will be carried out only if it is safe to do so.
Goals
Our centre will conduct ongoing risk assessments and reviews of potential emergency and evacuation situations.
Our centre will ensure that regular rehearsal and evaluation of emergency and evacuation procedures happens at a minimum of at least every 3 months with all children, educators, volunteers, and Nominated Supervisor. These rehearsals must be documented and evaluated.
Our service has strict measures and procedures in place to ensure the safety, health and well-being of children, staff and visitors during emergencies and evacuations. Specifically, we:
Conduct thorough risk assessments in line with the National Regulations
Follow best practice emergency planning and management, namely the Australian Standard AS3745:2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities, as well as guidance from ACECQA and regulatory authorities
Have a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan that includes clear procedures for dealing with a range of emergencies
Have an Emergency Communication Plan
Conduct quarterly emergency drills for evacuations and other emergencies which include all children and educators
Have defined roles and responsibilities for staff, volunteers, students and families
Train staff, volunteers and students on our policies and procedures, both at induction and at regular intervals
Communicate our emergency policies and procedures to the children and families
Ensure that our emergency equipment – such as fire extinguishers, blankets, Emergency Kits – are maintained and tested according to instructions
Monitor and audit compliance and strive for continual improvements to our practices.
STRATEGIES
Risk management approach to emergency and evacuation situations
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will:
Work together with educators to identify potential emergency and evacuation situations that may arise at our centre to identify all risks associated with such situations. This risk assessment will be kept in the risk assessment folder.
Work together with educators to develop procedures to manage all risks associated with emergency and evacuation situations.
Ensure the development of an emergency evacuation floor plan. This floor plan will be attached to this policy and displayed in a prominent position near each exit at the centre.
Ensure educators have ready access to an operating telephone or similar means of communication and that emergency telephone numbers are displayed near telephones.
Ensure educators have ready access to emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
Ensure that emergency equipment is tested as recommended by recognised authorities.
Ensure that up to date portable emergency contact lists are held in each room within the centre and that evacuation procedures include the carrying of this list by the room leader at the point of evacuation.
Educators will
Assist the Nominated Supervisor in identifying risks and potential emergency situations.
Assist the Nominated Supervisor in developing procedures to lessen the risks associated with emergency situations.
Ensure they are aware of the placement of operating communications equipment (telephone) and emergency equipment.
Risk assessments
We will conduct a risk assessment of potential emergencies that are relevant to our service at least once every 12 months and soon as practicable after becoming aware of any circumstances that may affect the safe evacuation of children from our service. A record of each risk assessment conducted will be kept, in line with our regulatory obligations.
We will ensure that children are protected from risks, and that any newly identified risks are communicated to the nominated supervisor and approved provider as soon as practicable. The approved provider must ensure that any necessary updates are made to this Policy and Procedure.
Risk assessment areas to consider
Risk assessments must identify and assess the risks of potential emergencies and specify how the risks will be minimised and managed.
Possible emergencies including:
Natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, bush fire, extreme weather and storms
Personal injuries and threats, suspicious mail, siege, bomb scare
Chemical spills, biohazards, fire, gas leak, explosion.
Potential hazard during emergencies including:
Heavy items falling particularly if they are stored high
Hazardous materials leaking
Communication/power outages or live wires
Debris blocking preventing safe evacuation
Structural damage to buildings.
Normanhurst Child Care Centre – Head Office located on level 1 above the early childhood centre will evacuate down the stairwell and wait until all children have been safely evacuated from the building. The children and educators attending Normanhurst Child Care Centre are located on the ground floor and have a direct egress to the evacuation assembly point.
Emergency Management Plan
Our Emergency Management Plan will be based on all identified risks and includes appropriate responses including evacuation, lockdown, and drill and training schedules. Where appropriate, we will consult with local emergency services (e.g., fire, police, ambulance), local government, community leaders and other relevant agencies for advice about issues like evacuation routes, assembly points and accessibility for adults or children with special needs.
Communication and display of emergency and evacuation procedures.
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will
Ensure the emergency and evacuation procedures and floor plans are displayed in a prominent position near each exit and that all educators are aware of these.
Ensure that all educators are trained in the emergency evacuation procedures.
Ensure that all educators are aware of emergency evacuation points.
Ensure that all families are regularly reminded of the emergency procedures at the centre.
Educators will
Contribute to the development of emergency and evacuation procedures.
Ensure they are aware of the emergency and evacuation procedures.
Ensure the emergency and evacuation procedures and floor plan are displayed.
Scheduled and spontaneous rehearsals of responses to emergency situations
Rehearsals will take place at various times of the day and week to ensure all children and educators have an opportunity to rehearse.
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will
Provide educators with specific procedures around potential emergency situations.
Ensure that evacuation procedures are in accordance with the evacuation floor plan.
Ensure that rehearsals of evacuation procedures are regularly scheduled, every 3 months as a minimum, and that the schedule includes all children and educators participating in the procedures.
Ensure that educators are aware of when scheduled emergency evacuation drills are to take place.
Ensure that spontaneous rehearsals also take place to ensure educators participate in the simulation of an unplanned, emergency evacuation event.
Educators will
Be aware of upcoming scheduled emergency evacuations and be ready in the event of a spontaneous simulated evacuation.
Will provide children with learning opportunities about emergency evacuation procedures.
Be alert to the immediate needs of all children throughout the scheduled and spontaneous evacuation drills.
Documentation and record keeping
The Approved Provider and Nominated Supervisor will
Ensure all scheduled, spontaneous, and actual evacuations or lock downs are documented, evaluated, and reviewed.
Ensure all emergency contact list are updated as required.
Displaying information from the Emergency Management Plan
Relevant information from the Emergency Management Plan is displayed prominently at our service to ensure it can be easily identified and is accessible to all educators, staff, visitors, volunteers and families. Relevant information includes:
Evacuation procedures and diagrams which will be displayed near each exit.
Emergency service telephone numbers which will be displayed near telephones
*Emergency and Evacuation Procedures have been reviewed in consultation with Comsafe Training Service, Fire NSW.
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
Staff, volunteers and students will implement the Emergency Evacuation Procedures during an emergency to protect children, each other and visitors to our service, and to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Emergency Communication
The approved provider will ensure there is access to reliable communication channels in the event of an emergency by maintaining access to a telephone (such as fixed-line telephone, mobile phone) at all times.
Emergency Kit
An emergency evacuation bag will be kept in case of the need to evacuate the premises. The nominated supervisor will ensure an Emergency Kit includes:
A torch and batteries
A portable radio and batteries
A First Aid kit
Nappies and wipes (where needed)
Alcohol based hand sanitiser
Tissues
Gloves
Water
Pencils and paper
Sunscreen
Current emergency contact details for each child
Employee and next of kin contact details.
All supplies will be checked regularly.
The nominated supervisor will ensure the Kit contains a list of items that must be added at the last minute in an emergency. Items will include:
Attendance registers for children, staff and volunteers
Medications for staff and children
Emergency and evacuation rehearsals
The service will add to each child’s sense of security, predictability and safety, and ensure all educators and staff are familiar with our emergency procedures, by conducting evacuation drills at least every three months.
If necessary, the nominated supervisor will prepare a risk assessment to identify and manage risks that may arise in emergency drills and evacuation points.
The nominated supervisor will develop a schedule for conducting drills for the different types of emergencies identified in the Emergency Management Plan and will diarise to ensure these are completed. All rehearsals and drills will be recorded and available for inspection.
The drills will:
Take place at various times of the day and week to ensure all children and staff members get the opportunity to rehearse. Rehearsals may also be conducted when families are present to help them become familiar with the emergency procedures. All persons present at the service during the evacuation drill must participate
Be documented and assessed against specific outcomes
Reviewed to identify any improvements that may be made. Any training needs will be identified, and action will be taken to implement the relevant training
Information sharing, training and monitoring
The nominated supervisor will include the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures in staff inductions and ensure staff, volunteers and students receive practical training in relation to the requirements, including how to identify and manage risks.
At orientation, parents will be provided with the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures. Staff and family can access the risk assessments we conduct. Where appropriate, visitors will also be made aware of the emergency response procedures.
Our Emergency Management Plan will be tested every quarter and reviewed at least annually and as soon as practicable after an emergency event. We will use informal games and discussions to familiarise children with our evacuation and emergency procedures as well as regular rehearsals.
The approved provider and nominated supervisor will monitor staff to ensure they are following our policies and procedures for emergencies and evacuations. They will act quickly to fix any issues and will give staff any extra support or training they need to comply. Volunteers and students are also required to comply with all service policies and procedures.
We will keep a record of all actual and rehearse emergencies, training and risk assessments, which can be accessed by staff, volunteers and families.
Roles and responsibilities
| Responsibilities | Role |
|---|---|
| Ensure our service meets its obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, including to take every reasonable precaution to protect children from harm and hazards likely to cause injury and ensure children are adequately supervised at all times. | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor |
| Approved Provider |
Take reasonable steps to ensure that nominated supervisors, staff and volunteers follow, and can easily access, the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures, including by:
The Policy must also be available for inspection. | Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
Notify families at least 14 days before changing Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures if the changes will:
| Approved Provider |
| Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure that procedures are appropriate in practice to our service, identify risks and hazards, and any potential improvements to make to the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures. Report any issues to the appropriate staff member (either approved provider, nominated supervisor, or educators). | Approved Provider Nominated Supervisor Educators and Families |
| Implement the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures. | Nominated Supervisor |
| Be aware of legal obligations, and understand and follow the Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures. | Educators and other staff Volunteers |
| Be aware of Emergency Evacuation Policy and Procedures and follow the directions of staff if present during a rehearsal or real emergency or evacuation | Families |
| Ensure that a copy of the Emergency Management Plan and Evacuation Diagram and instructions are displayed in a prominent position near each exit at our premises. | Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Ensure emergency equipment is maintained and tested according to instructions and easily accessible | Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Keep up-to-to date emergency contact lists in each room in our service | Nominated Supervisor |
| Provide up-to-date contact details and emergency contact details | Families |
| Approved Provider (ultimate responsibility) Nominated Supervisor |
| Participate in emergency and evacuation procedures if present at the service when they are occurring. | Nominated supervisor Educators and other staff Families Visitors |
| Communicate the emergency procedures with children and families. | Nominated Supervisor Educators and other staff Volunteers |
| Complete attendance records when delivering or collecting child | Families |
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard
Fact Sheet Emergency Plans – Safe Work Australia
Community Early Learning Australia (CELA)
Centre Support
ACECQA - Emergency and Evacuation Policy Guidelines
ACECQA – Multi-Storey Buildings: Evacuations and Approvals
(West Ryde Long Day Care Centre)
Sound alarm using whistle.
Remain calm.
Evacuate classrooms.
0-2 ROOM
If fire is in the kitchen or laundry:
move children through into the 4-5 year old room and through exit door leading to verandah.
take children along the verandah and around the side of the building to the big gum tree.
If fire is at rear of the building:
move children through into corridor and into front foyer.
children to assemble in handicap parking spot.
Educator Responsibilities ̶ collect iPad and any medications
check outdoor area and sand pit
assist with fire cot
mark roll on App
place non-mobile children in fire cot
take fire cot through exit door and around to assembly area
take mobile children through exit door and to assembly area
close all doors and windows
turn off all power points and lights
check storeroom
assist with moving mobile children outside.
2-3 ROOM
If fire is in the kitchen or laundry:
move children through exit door leading to outdoor area and move children around to the assembly area near the big gum tree.
If fire is at rear of the building:
move children through into corridor and into front foyer
children to assemble in handicap parking spot.
Educator Responsibilities - collect iPad
collect any medications
mark roll on App
take children through exit door and around to assembly area
check storeroom and bathroom
shut doors and windows
turn off any lights and power points.
3-4 ROOM & 4-5 ROOM
If fire is in the kitchen or laundry:
move children through exit door leading to outdoor area and move children around to the assembly area near the big gum tree.
If fire is at rear of the building:
move children through into corridor and into front foyer
children to assemble in handicap parking spot.
Educator Responsibilities - check storeroom and bathroom
collect iPad
collect any medications
shut doors and windows
turn off any lights and power points.
mark roll on App
take children through exit door and around to assembly area.
OFFICE
Director/ Responsible Person - phone 000, fire brigade
check office, staffroom, staffroom bathroom and foyer storeroom
collect keys, iPad, phone & child records
turn off power points and lights
KITCHEN
Cook - check kitchen, turn off stove
check laundry, turn off washing machine & dryer
shut doors and windows
turn off power points and lights
assist with helping 0-2 year old room exit
Wait in assembly area until the fire brigade arrives.
Stay calm support each other
Reassure the children
REMEMBER CHILDREN’S SAFETY FIRST
ST. IVES CHASE KINDERGARTEN
120 Warrimoo Ave
ST. IVES. 2075
Telephone: 9449.8829
1. DON’T PANIC, REMAIN CALM
SOUND ALARM using whistle, (located in main kitchen).
3. INFORM DIRECTOR.
4. EVACUATE CLASSROOMS, to concrete area at side of building.
5. Walk children to emergency location.
Educators x 2
- To take children from classroom outside area to evacuation point at front of Kindergarten.
Downstairs - exit through sliding door and upstairs through gates.
Upstairs - out sliding door and front gate.
TEACHER UPSTAIRS
- To make sure everybody is safely out of upstairs classroom.
- Check storerooms, kitchen, office, and bathrooms.
- Close doors and windows / turn off lights.
- Collect iPad/ enrolment forms and mobile phone.
- Exit through sliding door, close door, move to evacuation point in front of centre - mark roll.
TEACHER DOWNSTAIRS
- To make sure everybody is safely out of downstairs classroom.
- Check storerooms, bathroom, and laundry.
- Close doors and windows, turn off lights.
- Collect iPad.
- RING FIRE BRIGADE - 000.
- Exit and close sliding door.
- Move to evacuation point at front of Kindergarten.
Sit children in lines at evacuation point, mark roll.
Director at start of line, teacher at end of line, educators in middle.
Walk children down to Toolong oval.
Wait in park until Fire Brigade arrive.
Stay calm, support each other.
Reassure children.
Please note: Extra staff, students, parents to assist other staff members in taking children to front of building. If a staff member is away, the replacement staff member takes on their role.
REMEMBER CHILDREN'S SAFETY FIRST.
ROSEVILLE KINDERGARTEN
15 Shirley Road
Roseville. 2069
Telephone: 9416.3002
1. SOUND ALARM using whistle/bell. (In kitchen, room 1 and room 2)
2. REMAIN CALM.
3. EVACUATE CLASSROOMS.
ASSISTANT (Room One) - To take children from classroom to the front
fence.
- Keep calm.
ASSISTANT (Room Two) - Collect Fire Drill/Evacuation bag from under
sign in bench.
- To take children from classroom to the front
fence.
- Keep calm.
DIRECTOR/TEACHER (Room One) - To make sure everybody is safely out of the
front classroom.
- Check storeroom and office.
- Collect enrolment folders.
- Take mobile or portable phone with you.
- Ring 000.
- Move to front fence and mark roll.
TEACHER (Room Two) - To make sure everybody is safely out of the back classroom.
- Check bathroom and kitchen areas closing doors behind you.
- Collect sign in/out book.
- Close front door.
- Move to front fence - Mark Roll.
4. Taking into consideration fire and smoke, if necessary we will continue to an
off-site location. 9 Shirley Road, Roseville (inside fenced front yard) where we will begin to contact parents/carers.
REMEMBER CHILDREN'S SAFETY FIRST.
Normanhurst Child Care Centre
DON’T PANIC
ALERT STAFF TO FIRE / GAS LEAK / BOMB THREAT ETC. - SMOKE DETECTOR / BLOW WHISTLE (located around centre)
INFORM DIRECTOR
Evacuate centre to car park then across to park
Depending on the location of the threat, staff to assess if it is safer to follow Route 1 (Front Exit) or Route 2 (Back Exit)
PRESCHOOL ROOM - Exit via route 1 or route 2 and out to car park (assembly point 1)
Educator
- take children to car park - shut door
- mark roll
Room Leader
- call FIRE BRIGADE 000
- collect sign in/out sheets and Enrolment Forms/ iPad
- check foyer, office, staff room/toilet
- shut all doors and windows / turn off lights
- exit through front door, close door after exiting
TODDLER ROOM - Exit via route 1 or route 2 and out to car park (assembly point 1)
Room Leader
take children to car park
close toddler room door after last child
mark roll
Educator 1
check storage room, laundry, change room and turn off lights
exit with children assist to move children to car park
help move babies to car park
Educator 2
check children’s bathroom and exit through bathroom door (Route 2) and close door behind you
assist to move toddlers to car park
(If route 1 close bathroom door and exit through classroom door)
BABIES ROOM - Exit via route 1 or route 2 and out to car park
Room Leader
put sleeping babies in one cot per room (put evacuation bags in cots)
wheel cots to door & move babies to exit point
when all areas are clear, as you exit help to move babies to car park
Educator 1
help move babies to exit area
take babies out to car park
mark roll
Educator 2
check storeroom / kitchen / nappy change / toilet areas
shut all windows and doors / turn off lights
help move babies to car park
KITCHEN AREA Cook - Exit via route 1 or route 2 assisting pre-schoolers
check kitchen, turn off stove, electrical appliances and lights
check preschool store door
shut windows in preschool room - help move pre-schoolers
exit with children to the car park
stand at bottom of driveway in car park and make sure no one enters or exits the driveway
In event of real emergency, children will be taken off-site to Davidson Park (directly across the road from the centre) where we will begin to contact parents/carers.
**Sit children in car parking space furthest from the building**
** Staff to make a line in front of driveway, 2 staff to stop traffic,
other staff to help children across the road to the park**
Wait in park until fire brigade arrive
Stay calm, support each other
Reassure the children
REMEMBER CHILDREN’S SAFETY FIRST
Sources
- Australian Standard 3745-2010 Planning for Emergencies in facilities
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
*This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.