Commitment to Emergency Management and Evacuation Statement

TG's Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy

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At TG’s Child Care, the safety and well-being of every child is paramount. Our Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy is designed to ensure that in the event of an emergency, all children, educators, and visitors are safely evacuated or managed according to rehearsed, systematic procedures. We believe that a calm, well-practiced response to emergencies not only ensures safety but also empowers our team and the children in our care to remain secure in unpredictable situations. This policy reflects our commitment to ensuring that our procedures are in line with the National Quality Standards (NQS), National Regulations, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and TG's Way.

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Our Philosophy on Emergency Management

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We recognise that emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively is vital. At TG's, we do not see emergency management as a set of reactive measures, but as an integral part of our day-to-day practice. Our proactive approach involves regular drills, continuous staff training, and collaboration with local emergency services to ensure that we are prepared for a variety of emergency scenarios. This process helps instill a sense of security in our children, families, and staff, ensuring that everyone knows their role in a time of crisis.

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Aims of Our Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy

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• Safety and Well-Being: The primary aim is to ensure the immediate safety of all children, educators, and visitors in our service during an emergency or evacuation situation.

• Effective Risk Management: We aim to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks through regular risk assessments, planning, and preparedness drills.

• Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Every staff member has a clear understanding of their role during an emergency. This clarity supports quick decision-making and efficient evacuation processes.

• Training and Preparedness: All educators and staff will be thoroughly trained in emergency protocols and participate in regular evacuation drills to ensure everyone is well-prepared for a range of emergency scenarios.

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Key Responsibilities and Tasks

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TG's Management Team:

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• Develop and Review Emergency Plans: The Centre Manager and Nominated Supervisor are responsible for ensuring the development, implementation, and regular review of the Emergency Management Plan (EMP). This includes consultation with local emergency services and addressing specific risks based on the service’s location.

• Emergency Contact Management: The management team ensures that up-to-date emergency contact information is readily available for all children, staff, and visitors in case of an emergency.

• Collaboration with Emergency Services: In the event of an emergency, management will liaise with local fire, police, and ambulance services to ensure the situation is handled swiftly and according to the highest safety standards.

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Educators and Staff:

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• Follow Emergency Procedures: Educators are responsible for executing evacuation procedures, ensuring children are safely escorted to designated assembly areas, and that all steps of the emergency plan are followed meticulously.

• Engage in Drills and Training: Educators must participate in regular emergency drills, where they will practice roles such as evacuation, lockdown, and relocation procedures. This ensures readiness during a real emergency situation.

• Ensure Child Safety: Educators must remain vigilant and ensure that children are accounted for, comforted, and reassured during evacuations or emergency scenarios.

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Emergency Scenarios and Procedures

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Emergencies can range from natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, to fire threats or medical emergencies. The Emergency Management Plan (EMP) is designed to address a variety of situations, including but not limited to:

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• Fire Emergencies: Immediate activation of alarms, followed by evacuation to a designated assembly area.

• Natural Disasters: Procedures for severe weather events, such as cyclones, storms, and bushfires, including securing the environment and evacuating if necessary.

• Lockdown Procedures: In case of a potential threat, the service will initiate lockdown measures to secure the building until the threat is resolved.

• Evacuation Routes: Clearly marked and rehearsed evacuation routes ensure that all children and staff can safely exit the building.

• Medical and Health Emergencies: Immediate action will be taken to address medical situations, including calling emergency services if needed, and managing the situation according to first aid procedures.

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Communication During Emergencies

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Clear communication is vital during an emergency. TG’s will ensure that families are notified of any emergency situations through various channels, including:

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• SMS and Email Notifications: Families will be updated with information regarding the emergency and any required actions, such as collecting children from the service.

• Social Media and Website: In addition to direct communication, updates will be posted on the service's social media platforms and website.

• Post-Incident Communication: After an emergency, TG’s will send a detailed communication outlining the event, the actions taken, and any relevant follow-up information.

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Continuous Improvement and Review

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TG’s Emergency Management and Evacuation Policy is reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur (e.g., renovations, staffing changes). Feedback from families, educators, and external agencies will be taken into account during the review process to ensure that our emergency response procedures remain effective and aligned with best practices. This commitment to continuous improvement helps us meet the evolving needs of our children and community while ensuring that TG's maintains a high standard of safety.

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If you have any questions about this policy on Emergency Management and Evacuation at TG’s, please reach out to the Centre Manager.

Contact TG's Child Care

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Review Date: March 2025
Created: March 2024

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All TG’s Child Care Policies are reviewed annually to ensure it aligns with current legislation, as well as the National Quality Standards (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and TG's Way. This ongoing review process allows us to meet the evolving needs of our families while maintaining our commitment to continuous improvement. By actively seeking feedback from families, educators, and management, we ensure that our policies not only comply with regulations but also support the high standards that have earned TG's Centres their proud meeting or exceeding NQS ratings.