The fire alarm sounds. Staff move swiftly to guide students out. The evacuation is going to plan—except for one student who refuses to budge.

Whether due to fear, sensory overload, confusion, or deliberate defiance, non-compliance during evacuation is a serious risk—and a reality for many schools.

In these moments, the strength of your emergency planning is truly tested.

Why It Matters

Students who freeze or resist evacuation can create significant challenges for staff—dividing attention, delaying response, and increasing risk for all involved. This isn’t just a behavioural issue—it’s a safety and wellbeing issue.

According to AS 3745:2010, emergency procedures must be inclusive and account for the evacuation needs of all occupants. That includes scenarios where individuals cannot or will not comply.

How Should Schools Respond?

Here’s what an effective Emergency Response Plan should include:

✅ Stay Calm and Communicate Clearly

Use a calm, firm, and reassuring tone. Avoid showing panic or frustration. Clearly explain the nature of the emergency and the importance of moving to safety.

Language matters—especially with anxious or neurodiverse students. Use short, directive phrases like “I’m here to help you—we need to go together now.”

✅ Use a Buddy System

If possible, assign a familiar and trusted staff member or peer to support the student. Familiarity can help reduce anxiety and promote cooperation.

For known high-risk students, consider including a buddy strategy as part of their Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

✅ Avoid Physical Force

Unless the student is in immediate, life-threatening danger, avoid any physical intervention. Forced movement can escalate emotional responses and place both the student and staff member at risk.

Instead, continue verbal engagement and call for additional support if needed.

✅ Prioritise Group Safety

It’s critical that the broader evacuation continues uninterrupted. Assign another staff member to stay with the non-compliant student if needed, but do not allow one incident to endanger others.

This reinforces that while every individual matters, group safety remains paramount.

✅ Follow Up and Support

After the incident, meet with the student to explore the reason behind their refusal. This should be handled sensitively, involving wellbeing staff if appropriate.

Use the opportunity to:

• Revisit evacuation expectations

• Rebuild trust in the process

• Adjust support plans if needed

Early intervention and compassionate follow-up can prevent future incidents.

Proactive Planning Makes the Difference

Behavioural emergencies should never be left to chance. Schools that plan for non-compliance are better equipped to respond safely and effectively.

🔹 Include These Scenarios in Drills

Simulate non-compliance during your next evacuation drill. Ask:

• How do staff respond under pressure?

• Who makes the call to stay or move on?

• Is there a protocol for assigning someone to stay with the student?

🔹 Train Staff in De-escalation and Crisis Communication

Invest in training that equips staff to manage high-stress, high-emotion scenarios. This includes:

• Recognising early signs of distress

• Using non-confrontational language

• Responding to neurodiverse or trauma-impacted behaviours

🔹 Build Familiarity and Confidence

Students are more likely to comply in an emergency if they’re confident in what to do. Use visual aids, walk-throughs, social stories, and peer-led drills to demystify evacuation routines—especially for vulnerable learners.

How Bounce Readiness Can Help

We work with schools to build inclusive, practical, and regulation-aligned emergency plans. This includes:

• Developing PEEPs for students with additional needs

• Training staff in behavioural response strategies

• Facilitating scenario-based emergency drills

• Conducting post-incident reviews to drive continuous improvement

Your Emergency Management Plan should prepare you for more than fire alarms – it should equip your team for real-world challenges.

📞 Phone: +61 1300 650 954
📧 Email: info@bouncereadiness.com.au
🌐 Website: https://bouncereadiness.com.au