Emergency Evacuation Guide for Day Care Centres in Tasmania: Keeping Kids Safe, Reassuring Families

When you’re responsible for children, safety comes first. Emergencies can happen at any time, so having a clear, practical evacuation plan isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting the children in your care, supporting your team, and reassuring parents.

Why Emergency Planning Matters

Tasmanian day care centres must follow the Tasmanian Fire Service guidelines and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. This means:

• Having a written emergency and evacuation policy (reviewed regularly)

• Displaying clear, visible evacuation diagrams

• Training staff in fire, medical, and security emergency procedures

It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about being ready to act quickly and calmly when it counts.

Who Does What? Key Roles During an Evacuation

Nominated Supervisor:

Sounds the alarm, checks the situation, and leads the evacuation

Educators/Staff:

Gather children, check attendance, help anyone with special needs, and guide everyone to safety

First Aid Officer:

Brings the first aid kit and attends to any injuries

Communicator:

Calls emergency services and keeps parents informed

Step-by-Step: How to Evacuate Safely

1. Sound the alarm and announce the evacuation

2. Collect attendance lists, emergency contacts, and the first aid kit

3. Calmly gather children and staff, checking every room (bathrooms, play areas, outdoors)

4. Move to the assembly point—avoid lifts and hazards

5. Do a roll call and report any missing people to emergency services

6. Wait for the all-clear from authorities before returning

Communicating With Parents & Keeping Kids Safe

• Notify parents/guardians by phone, SMS, or app as soon as possible

• Keep a log of all children and staff at the assembly point

• Only release children to authorised guardians (check IDs if needed)

• Provide regular updates to families

Practice Makes Perfect: Drills & Improvements

• Run evacuation drills at least once per term, and after any big changes

• Debrief after each drill—what worked, what could be better?

• Update your evacuation plan every year, or after any incident

• Make sure all staff have up-to-date first aid and emergency training

Final Thoughts

A clear evacuation plan is more than a compliance document—it’s a commitment to the families who trust you. By following these steps, you show your dedication to safety, professionalism, and genuine care.