The Chief Warden plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating emergency responses, whether it be an evacuation, lockdown, shelter in place or other emergency process. However, if unforeseen circumstances arise and the Chief Warden becomes incapacitated or is unavailable during an emergency, the following steps should be taken:

– Prior to an emergency, determine who will take on the Chief Warden role. Some schools/organisations will have a roster of Chief Wardens, with someone nominated to stand up when the Chief Warden is unavailable. Other organisations will have a process whereby another member of the Emergency Control Organisation will step up at the time of the emergency.

– At the time of the emergency:

🟠 The Chief Warden stepping up is to manage the emergency response process.

🟠 Contact emergency services for assistance, if needed

🟠 Communicate the change in roles and provide regular updates on the situation

🟠 Activate the escalation process by notifying senior management (if required) of the situation

🟠 If the Chief Warden has been injured, follow the medical emergency protocols per the Emergency Response Plan, including moving the Chief Warden to a safe place, if there is immediate danger and if it is safe to do so

🟠 Always refer to the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and follow the outlined process as documented and as used in training drills

🟠 Keep a written log of the emergency, using key learnings to update the Emergency Response Plan

Note: whoever may be stepping up as Chief Warden should receive training in that role and act as Chief Warden in emergency drills to build confidence and capability in undertaking their role as Chief Warden.