Rationale:  To ensure that every term (quarterly) a fire evacuation drill and an earthquake drill is practiced and evidence of these drills are recorded in the fire/earthquake drill book.  This will ensure that in the event of a real earthquake or fire emergency staff and children know exactly what to do.

Procedure:

Fire Drill Procedure

The supervisor in charge of running the fire drill will operate the alarm box by using the key. If it is a real fire the person who discovers the fire will use the nearest switch to trigger the alarm.

Staff will ensure that everyone is evacuated from the building taking responsibility for the children nearest to them.  All children and staff will report to the assembly area which is located by the brick wall at rear end of the section.

The supervisor (Fire Warden) will ring 111 and ask for FIRE, requesting help to 68 Collins Rd, Melville, HAMILTON.  The supervisor (Fire Warden) will also then gather the roll book, walkie talkie and the enrolment folder and check that the building is clear, closing doors upon ensuring children have been evacuated from each room. The Inside Warden will ensure all children inside have been evacuated to the maunga/hill and the teacher on outside duty (Outside Warden) will ensure all outside children are safely gathered.

at the maunga/hill evacuation site. Supervisor (Fire Warden) will take a roll call and ensure that all staff and children are accounted for.  Children will remain seated in the assembly area until the all clear is given. The supervisor will send a staff member to wait at the front entrance to direct the fire brigade. Depending on the circumstance the Inside Warden may have to evacuate children to the front evacuation site located in the carpark but will ensure she/he takes a Walkie Talkie to communicate with the Supervisor (Fire Warden.)

Only if it is safe should attempts be made to put the fire out.

Earthquake Procedure

Staff member in charge of the earthquake drill will call out ‘Earthquake’ and blow whistle 3 times to signal the beginning of the earthquake drill. Staying away from the windows children and staff are to gather under the doorways and adopt the ‘turtle’ position (knees together, clasping hands firmly behind their heads, bury face in arms and eyes closed tightly.)  If outside, children will gather in sandpit area away from trees. In the event of a real earthquake remain in the building until the all clear is given by the supervisor. Supervisor will check for hazards and decide whether it is safe in the building or if there is a need to evacuate.  If there is a need to evacuate stay calm and assemble out in the grass area of the play ground. Supervisor will ensure enrolment folder, roll and emergency civil defence kit is taken upon evacuation. Assemble in the safe area and tune into radio station for further direction.

Staff will call ‘Tsunami / Flood' to signal the beginning of a Tsunami or Flood. Staff will calmly evacuate children to assembly area in the carpark. Supervisor will take the roll, emergency contact list and survival kit. Supervisor will check off the roll using a physical head count, and the centre roll. Once all children are accounted for, staff will walk listen to the radio for evacuation details. The evacuation site is the Wairoa Hospital Hill – 36 Kitchener Street, Wairoa. The supervisor will then carry out another roll check.

Volcanic Eruption and Ashfall Procedure:

Staff will call ‘volcano’ to signal the beginning of an eruption or ashfall. Staff will ensure that all doors and windows are kept closed.

Staff will listen for the Civil Defence Warning. Staff will keep children together and do their best to ensure calmness.  Staff will stay indoors and ensure children do also.  If there is need to go outside wear face mask and eye goggles. Management will ensure there are sufficient water supplies and used only as required. Management will listen to the radio for the Civil Defence Warning. Management will keep staff and children informed.

Management and staff will be ready to evacuate at short notice.

Tsunami / Flood Procedure

Staff will call ‘Tsunami / Flood' to signal the beginning of a Tsunami or Flood. Staff will calmly evacuate children to assembly area in the carpark. Supervisor will take the roll, emergency contact list and survival kit. Supervisor will check off the roll using a physical head count, and the centre roll. Once all children are accounted for, staff will walk listen to the radio for evacuation details. The evacuation site is the Wairoa Hospital Hill – 36 Kitchener Street, Wairoa.

The supervisor will then carry out another roll check.

Storm Procedure

Staff will gather children in the safest area of the building.  Staff will listen to the local radio station for information.  During a storm open a window on the side the building away from the wind (this will relieve pressure on the roof and help prevent lifting). Staff will close all curtains to slow down any flying glass and airborne objects. Stay away from doors and windows and all staff and children are to remain indoors unless absolute necessary. Management and Staff will use the Emergency Plan located in the Health and Safety Folder.  Each term alongside regular fire and earthquake drills the Health and Safety Officer will carry out one other hazard drill and document it on the hazard drill log.

In the event that staff and children will evacuate the service the supervisor will ensure a sign is placed on Front Door explaining where staff and children have evacuated to.  A contact number will also be placed on notice for family to contact.  Supervisor will take Enrolment Folder, Sign In Sheets, Civil Defence Kit and Supervisor will contact all parents using cell phone. All children to be signed out if parents are able to collect them.

Reference: Early Childhood Regulations 46 Criteria 46 HS7