Emergencies can occur anytime, so knowing what to do if an emergency occurs during AND after-hours is vital.

So, what if an emergency takes place after hours? Here are seven steps to follow:

🟠 Assess the severity of the emergency to determine if immediate action is required or if it can wait until regular hours

🟠 If immediate action is required, call triple zero

🟠 Commence the escalation process as outlined in your Emergency Response Plan (ERP), including notification of those within the building/s and calling the after-hours contact person

🟠 Should the situation require an evacuation, follow the evacuation process in the ERP

🟠 Access the evacuation kit

🟠 Keep a log detailing the emergency and steps taken. This documentation will be helpful to keep track of what is happening, what has happened, and for emergency services

🟠 Using the log, document key learnings to be discussed in the debrief and updated in the ERP.

It is important to plan for after-hours responses and maintain consistency in normal and after-hours processes. However, the priorities may be more focused, and the team structure may shrink to suit reduced resources after-hours. You can read more on preparing for after-hours emergencies here: https://bouncereadiness.com.au/emergency-management-after-hours/