· In 2010 the VRQA implemented Guidelines for all registered schools on bushfire preparedness. All independent schools listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) have provided a Statutory Declaration to VRQA attesting that the school was compliant with the VRQA Guidelines at that time.
· The VRQA Guidelines have now been revised to reflect recent developments, such as the implementation of Code Red days, and to clarify some Guideline requirements for registered schools regarding Emergency Management Plans and evacuation drills.
· The 2014 changes only apply to registered schools listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).
· The 2014 VRQA Guidelines have been developed by the VRQA in consultation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s Emergency Management Division, the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and Independent Schools Victoria (ISV).
What steps should registered schools on the BARR now take?
All schools listed on the BARR are required to review their Emergency Management Plan annually.
As the VRQA Guidelines for schools listed on the BARR have changed, it is important that the school now review its Emergency Management Plan (EMP) to ensure that the school’s EMP details the school’s response to managing bushfire risk including:
· arrangements for closure on days declared ‘Code Red’
· on non-Code Red days in the event of bushfire or elevated risk:
§ maintain a heightened state of readiness
§ ensure open lines of communication from local emergency services
§ be prepared/on standby to enact their EMP by:
o relocating students and staff to a nominated ‘shelter-in-place’ within the school site that is compliant with relevant regulations, and/or
o evacuating students and staff to an off-site safe area
· responding appropriately to instructions from emergency services.
As the VRQA Guidelines have now changed, principals of independent schools listed on the BARR are required to review their school’s EMP, complete the 2014 checklist and return the new Statutory Declaration to VRQA attesting that the school is compliant.
Why has the wording of the Guidelines changed regarding school evacuation drills?
Registered schools listed on the BARR are required to practice evacuation drills at least once per term during October to April. The 2014 Guidelines have been revised to make clear that these evacuation drills must involve all students and staff moving to either the school’s nominated ‘shelter-in-place’ facility or an off-site evacuation point as per the school’s EMP.
What does ‘shelter-in-place’ mean?
Shelter-in-place refers to sheltering inside a building or in some cases group of buildings selected as the most suitably sized, and situated on the site to withstand the predicted ember and smoke attack from a fire or other outdoor hazardous incident. A shelter-in-place location is for students and staff to retreat to in the event they are caught on-site and unable to evacuate when a fire front approaches. Buildings used for sheltering-in-place only offer a temporary protective measure during an outdoor hazardous incident. The shelter-in-place is to be used as a last resort.
The operation of a shelter-in-place could involve closing all doors and windows and turning off ventilation systems, provision of first aid, water, amenities and communications.
What building compliance is required for my ‘shelter-in-place’ location?
Every building on a school site must be compliant with the building regulations in place at the time the building was constructed.
Who can I contact for advice on the appropriateness of my school’s nominated ‘shelter-in-place’?
All Government schools will have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating and may use their BAL report to assist in identifying the most appropriate building on site in which to shelter-in-place as a last resort. Please note all buildings constructed after 2009 will have a BAL rating which may assist non-Government schools in identifying the most appropriate site.
When identifying an area of your school in which to ‘shelter-in-place’ if required, you may wish to seek advice or information from your local Country Fire Authority Regional Headquarters. To locate your nearest CFA regional headquarters, visit the CFA website.
The CFA may be able to provide general information and advice in relation to:
· how to identify off-site evacuation points and matters to be considered when identifying the most suitable location
· bushfire risk control measures and possible treatments in the risk assessment section of your Emergency Management Plan.
Where can I obtain further information regarding Emergency Management Plans and bushfire preparedness for schools?
Further information for schools regarding Emergency Management Plans is available at:
· DEECD’s website: www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/providers/support/Pages/emergency.aspx
· Fire Protection Association Australia provide a list of bushfire planning consultants who can be found on the FPA Australia website: http://www.fpaa.com.au/bpad.aspx Please note engaging such consultants will incur a charge.
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