EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN POLICY Rationale This policy aims to ensure the safety of all children, educators, families and other visitors at CELC in the event of a threat or emergency. In the event that the service needs to be evacuated or follow a lockdown procedure, we aim to conduct this in a rehearsed, timely, calm and safe manner to secure the safety of each person using the service. The safety and wellbeing of each child, educator and person using the service is paramount above any other consideration in the time of an emergency, evacuation or lockdown. Any other procedures will be carried out only if it is safe to do so. Evacuation An evacuation may be necessary in the event of: Fire Chemical spill Bomb scare Natural disaster, such as flood, earthquake, storm etc...in the local community Siege Loss of power or water Traffic accident in close proximity to the service An intruder or trespasser (human or animal) Lockdown A lockdown may be necessary in the event of: Death of a child at the service or on an excursion Children/educators being taken hostage A siege of service property A disaster or threat in the local community Unusual amounts of media attention An intruder or trespasser (human or animal) Policy Guidelines Emergency Evacuation/Lockdown Procedures (see Appendices A and B) Emergency evacuation procedures that are based on the service s floor plans will be prominently displayed in each room. Emergency telephone numbers will be displayed prominently throughout the service above all telephones. CELC will maintain an up-to-date and compact register of emergency telephone numbers. This will include family contact details and is to be kept in the following locations o In the Kindergarten room - a backpack hanging near the door to the outside yard. o In the Toddler room a backpack hanging near the door to the outside yard. The service will ensure educators are provided with training on how to use fire extinguishers, located in the following places: o Fire Hydrants: Kindergarten room, Kindi room, Baby room, outside the Kitchen door. Fire extinguishers, fire blankets and other emergency equipment will be tested as recommended by the manufacturer by recognised authorities. All tests must be documented. 274-276 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon, 3136 Page 1
Emergency procedures and this policy will be made available for families to read. The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all educators, including relief educators and staff members, are aware of the service s policy and procedures relating to Emergency Management, Evacuation and Lockdown. Informal games and discussions will be used to familiarise children with the service s evacuation, lockdown and emergency procedures. Our Emergency Management Plan will be reviewed every 12 months, or after an emergency at the service if necessary. Emergency Backpack CELC has two emergency backpacks, kept in the following locations: o In the 4 year old bathroom, next to the back door o In the Toddler/Baby back door entrance area Each backpack contains: a rope (to be used to assist in the evacuation of the children if necessary) a current list of emergency telephone numbers a current list of family contact numbers two keys one in the 3-5 year old yard for the exit gate to Turner Street, and one for the side gate in the Baby/Toddler yard exit to the carpark Rehearsal Evacuation and Lockdown Drill CELC will conduct rehearsal evacuation/lockdown drills every three months. All persons present at the service during the evacuation/lockdown drill must participate accordingly. Rehearsal evacuation/lockdown drills must be documented. Lockdown Procedure see Appendix A Evacuation Procedure see Appendix B CELC s emergency and evacuation safe area is located at: o The 3 and 4 year old play area children to assemble in front of coloured sleepers in front of the swings. There is a locked exit gate to Turner Street, which may be used if further evacuation is necessary. In the event of needing to further evacuate the premises, the person in charge will nominate a designated area within the surrounding community. Emergency Communication The service has a fixed telephone line available at the following locations: o In the Office, Baby Room and Toddler Room There is a cordless telephone available in the following locations: o Office, 3 year old room If there is a complete loss of electricity and the telephones at the service are not available, a mobile phone will be provided and ready to use at all times to ensure educators can use it to make emergency contact. Maintenance of Fire Equipment All fire equipment at our service will be maintained as per the legal standards. 274-276 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon, 3136 Page 2
Links National Regulations 168, 168(2)e, 97. NQS Quality Area 2: Children s health and safety (2.3.3) EYLF & VEYLDF Learning Outcome 3: Wellbeing Sources Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 Education and Care Services National Law 2011 National Quality Framework Australian Standards 1851-2005 Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Review The policy will be reviewed annually. The review will be conducted by Management, Employees, Families and other Interested Parties. Version Action Date Emergency Management, Evacuation and Lockdown Policy v2 Fully revised with lots of changes July 2013 Next review due July 2014 274-276 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon, 3136 Page 3
APPENDIX A Evacuation Procedure EVACUATION PROCEDURE Upon instance of a fire or other emergency that requires an evacuation from the building Person who notices the fire/emergency: Blow whistle 3 times loudly in each room and notify others of the nature of the emergency Phone 000 Attack fire if safe to do so Meet at the assembly area Educators: Evacuate all children to the nearest exit point away from the emergency Collect evacuation bag from exit door to the yard Collect sign-in folder if safe to do so Assemble in front of the swings in the 3-5 year old yard Check sign-in sheet and ensure all children are accounted for Nominated Supervisor/Office Staff: Collect staff/visitor sign in sheet If safe to enter, check staff room, laundry, adult toilet and staff outdoor area If safe to enter, check that no children or adults are left in the rest of the building Close all doors and windows Take mobile phone to assembly point Check numbers of children and adults in attendance Make arrangements to inform families as soon as possible (For drills, put sign on front door) The Cook/Kitchen Staff: Turn off stove/oven and appliances Check kitchen and close door when leaving area Assist Babies Room with evacuation Wait for further instruction from the Nominated Supervisor or appropriate authorities. 274-276 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon, 3136 Page 4
APPENDIX B Lockdown Procedure LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE In case of bad weather, toxic spills, dangerous person or emergency in the local community etc where children and staff need to be secure within the building. Person who notices or learns of the threat: immediately inform Nominated Supervisor, Office Staff or Person in Charge communicate to all rooms that we are in Lockdown Person in Charge: contact police with as much information as possible advise staff members as to the nature of the threat or emergency avoid making any other phone calls except for a medical emergency Educators: move children inside the building to their room or designated safe place immediately close and lock all doors and windows in the room collect sign-in sheets keep children away from windows keep children calm do not answer or open the front door wait for further instructions or the all clear announcement from the person in charge Potential Threats Intruder, violent or aggressive person try to calm the person try to move/direct the person away from the children other educators/staff to usher the children away from danger and alert Person in Charge notify the police and record any details of the incident Severe weather or storms keep children inside the building, close all doors and windows move children to the safest rooms take necessary precautions to protect children and adults (eg: move furniture) listen to local radio for news contact emergency services if necessary (eg: fallen trees, roof damage etc ) Bomb Threat try to note down what the person says notify person in charge immediately do not create panic by telling anyone other than staff advise Police (000) evacuate the building 274-276 Mt Dandenong Rd, Croydon, 3136 Page 5