Emergency situations can become more complex if a parent demands to take their child during a school evacuation or lockdown.

So, what if a parent arrives demanding to take their child during an evacuation or lockdown?

🟠 Have a reunification plan included in the emergency response plan for reuniting students with their parents after an evacuation or lockdown. This plan should include designated meeting points and procedures for verifying the identity of parents or authorised guardians

🟠 Assess the situation carefully, considering factors such as the nature of the emergency, the safety of the evacuation route, and the parent’s ability to safely transport their child. In some cases, it may be safer for the child to remain with the school until the situation stabilises

🟠 Communicate clearly with parents about the evacuation procedures and expectations, including where the students will be taken and how they can be reunited with parents

🟠 Keep parents informed about the status of the evacuation and any instructions they should follow

🟠 Ensure wardens are equipped with adequate key messages so all communication to parents is well-considered and consistent