Why a Specific Evacuation Plan is Essential
Children in early childhood settings are vulnerable and often unable to read or interpret emergency signals. A multistorey environment adds complexity: elevators, stairwells, and varied exit routes increase the risk of confusion and bottlenecks. A clear, rehearsed plan protects children, staff, and visitors while complying with legislation such as the National Quality Framework (NQF) and local fire safety codes.
Key Elements of the Evacuation Procedure
1. Risk Assessment & Planning
- Identify hazards (fire, gas leak, seismic event, power failure).
- Map every floor, noting primary and secondary exits, fire doors, stairwell capacities, and refuge areas.
- Determine the maximum number of children and staff on each floor at any time.
- Develop a floorbyfloor action sheet that includes:
- Who sounds the alarm?
- Who checks rooms for remaining children?
- Roles for staff assisting children with disabilities.
2. Communication Systems
- Install audible alarms (85 dB) and visual strobes in each classroom.
- Maintain a twoway intercom between the ground floor control centre and each level.
- Provide handheld radios for key staff members during a crisis.
3. Staffing Ratios & Responsibilities
Maintain the required educatortochild ratios while also assigning specific evacuation duties:
- Primary Evacuator: Triggers alarm and leads the nearest stairwell.
- Room Sweepers: Conduct systematic sweep of their room, using a checklist, and escort children to the assembly point.
- Special Needs Champion: Responsible for children with mobility, sensory or medical needs, ensuring they have appropriate assistive devices.
- RollCall Officer: Takes attendance at the assembly point using the preprinted roster.
- First Aid Officer: Provides immediate medical aid and reports injuries to emergency services.
4. Evacuation Routes & Assembly Points
- Primary routes: welllit stairwells, clearly signed, kept clear of storage.
- Secondary routes: alternative stairwell or external fireescape if primary is compromised.
- Never use elevators during a fire or smoke emergency.
- Designate a safe assembly area at least 30m from the building, free of vehicular traffic.
5. Evacuation Drills
Conduct drills at least once every term, varying the time of day and type of emergency (fire, gas leak, lockdown). Include staff, children, and any visiting families. After each drill, hold a debrief to note bottlenecks and improve the plan.
6. Documentation & RecordKeeping
- Evacuation plan (hard copy on each floor, digital copy accessible via the intranet).
- Daily signin sheet used for rollcall after evacuation.
- Incident log for any actual evacuation or drill.
StepbyStep Evacuation Procedure
When the Alarm Sounds
- Stay Calm. The primary evacuator immediately confirms the alarm source.
- Secure the Area. Close doors behind you to contain fire/smoke.
- Assist Children. Room sweepers grab the classroom checklist, gather children, and line them up.
- Check for Special Needs. Verify that any child who requires a wheelchair, hoist, or medication is with the specialist staff.
Moving to the Exit
- Proceed down the nearest stairwell, keeping to the left side to allow emergency responders to pass.
- Maintain a slow, steady pace; do not run.
- If smoke is present, stay low (crouch) and cover nose/mouth with a damp cloth.
- Do not open any doors that are hot to the touch this may indicate fire on the other side.
At the Assembly Point
- RollCall Officer calls each childs name using the roster.
- Mark any missing persons immediately; inform emergency services.
- First Aid Officer treats any injuries, then reassesses the safety of reentry.
- Only authorized personnel may allow anyone back inside.
Important: If a child becomes separated, do not leave the assembly area. Assign a staff member to stay with the child while another searches safely, using the nearest exit route.
Special Considerations for MultiStorey Settings
- Stairwell Capacity: Keep a maximum of 20persons per stairwell width (approximately 0.75m). If capacity is exceeded, direct excess people to the secondary stairwell.
- Fire Doors: Ensure all fire doors selfclose and are not propped open.
- Refuge Areas: If a floor is unsafe to evacuate (e.g., fire on the stairwell), use a predesignated refuge room with a firerated door and a communication line to the control centre.
- Elevator Use: Only for evacuation of children with severe mobility impairments when the fire department confirms it is safe.
- Parent/Visitor Management: During evacuation, staff must account for any nonregular occupants and guide them to the assembly point.
Training & Ongoing Review
All staff must complete an initial training module covering:
- Understanding the alarm sounds and visual signals.
- Roles and responsibilities during an evacuation.
- Use of fire extinguishers (for trained staff only).
- Firstaid basics and emergency contact procedures.
Refreshers are required annually, and any new employee must be inducted within their first week.
The management team should review the evacuation plan after:
- Any actual emergency.
- Changes to building layout or occupancy.
- Annual safety audit results.
