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@ School
 Experience around the world has shown that where people
are aware of the risks around them and plan their response,
then
injuries, damage and subsequent trauma are significantly
reduced. The purpose of the planning process is therefore
to ensure
that the safety of students and staff is maintained as
far as possible in any emergency incident.
The aim of the Emergency
Planning Guidelines for Schools and Early Childhood Centres is
to provide an aid to the above planning process. As each
school has
unique circumstances it is strongly recommended that any
resultant plan be owned and implemented by the school, making
reference to its specific needs.
What is an emergency incident and how to plan?
An emergency incident can be described as a hazardous event
that threatens the safety of people or property. Incidents
range in size, nature, intensity and duration. They encompass
such things as:
- fires in school buildings
- bomb threats
- earthquakes
- storms
- injuries at school
- chemical spills.
When preparing an emergency plan the following assumptions
need to be considered:
- Schools, other organisations and individuals will need
to look after themselves in the initial stages of an emergency.
- Emergency services may not be able to respond for some
hours during the initial stages.
- Utilities such as water, electricity, communications
and transport could be unavailable or inoperative.
- Some buildings may suffer moderate to severe damage.
- Pupils and staff injured during the emergency will
need to be cared for within the school itself.
 Some suggested planning steps:
- Putting things in context - details
about your school and its surrounds (including a site map).
- Hazard identification and assessment - what are the
hazards that could affect the neighbourhood and your
school?
- Planning for the consequences of hazards - evacuation,
occupation and containment procedures.
- Who is responsible for doing what, when? - Staff
action plan, what should you do in the initial
stages?
- Recovery - identifying long term requirements.
- Reviewing your plan and advising parents/caregivers
and the local community.
To view the “Emergency Planning Guidelines – Schools
and Early Childhood Centres” compiled by the Auckland
City Council please click on the link below.
Emergency
Planning Guidelines – Schools
and Early Childhood Centres*
*=Source
Auckland City Council
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