In an actual emergency, every second counts. But what if, in a moment of an emergency, a student’s Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is nowhere to be found?

Whether due to a power outage, network failure, or the absence of key staff, the inability to access essential evacuation or lockdown details can put students with disabilities, health conditions, or access needs at serious risk. It’s a scenario that highlights the critical importance of planning not just for known variables—but for the unexpected ones too.

Why PEEPs Matter in School Emergency Management

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a tailored document that outlines the support a student or staff member with additional needs requires to evacuate or lockdown safely in an emergency. These are vital components of an inclusive Emergency Response Plan and are often required under disability legislation and duty-of-care obligations.

But even the most robust plan is ineffective if it’s not accessible when needed.

This is where proactive, inclusive, and redundant planning becomes essential – ensuring that the absence of a document doesn’t equate to an absence of action.

Risks of Inaccessible PEEPs

• Delayed Evacuation – Without guidance, staff may hesitate or make incorrect assumptions, delaying evacuation.

• Increased Vulnerability – Students and staff with mobility challenges or sensory needs may be exposed to unsafe conditions.

• Legal and Compliance Breaches – Failing to enact agreed support measures can result in significant compliance risks.

• Emotional Distress – For students or staff relying on consistent support, the failure of systems can cause confusion, fear, or trauma.

How Schools Can Prepare for PEEP Failures

To uphold safety, dignity, and inclusion in emergencies, schools must embed redundancy and readiness into their emergency response procedures. Here’s how:

✅ Build Redundancy Into Your Emergency Response Plan

Your school’s Emergency Response Plan must include contingencies for when those that are mobility impaired require assistance during an emergency. This includes maintaining hard copy backups in key locations (e.g., evacuation kits), having emergency cheat sheets for designated staff. You can develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) yourself to include in your Emergency Response Plan using our DIY tool here.

✅ Know Your Students and Staff

Designated wardens and staff should be familiar with students and staff who have PEEPs and the support required. This shouldn’t be confined to a single staff member—knowledge should be shared within the Emergency Control Organisation to ensure those needing support receive it, and to ensure a smooth flow of all persons during an evacuation or lockdown.

✅ Assign Assistance Ahead of Time

Pre-assign staff to support individual students or staff in an emergency. These individuals should be trained, confident, and known to the student / staff member. This promotes trust and reduces confusion during evacuations and lockdowns.

✅ Communicate Without Technology

Use verbal instructions, colour-coded cards, or simple visual cues when documentation or systems fail. Having low-tech solutions as part of your emergency kit ensures readiness even in the absence of power or connectivity.

✅ Simulate Real-World Scenarios

Include PEEP-failure situations in emergency exercises. These drills allow your team to build competence and confidence in supporting students with additional needs – even without a PEEP in hand. Exercises aligned with Australian Standard AS 3745-2010 should address inclusive evacuation planning.

✅ Review, Reflect, and Improve

Every emergency and drill should include a post-incident review (PIR) that specifically evaluates how students and staff with PEEPs were supported. Use findings to strengthen your inclusive emergency planning and business continuity planning.

Inclusive Emergency Management Is More Than a Checklist

Having a PEEP isn’t enough. Schools must build a culture of readiness where inclusion is operationalised—not just documented. This means treating inclusive planning as part of your emergency management, incident response, and business continuity strategies.

At Bounce Readiness, we help schools develop and implement inclusive, practical, and legally compliant emergency response plans that work—especially when the unexpected happens.

Need Help Strengthening Your School’s Inclusive Emergency Planning?

Bounce Readiness provides tailored solutions in emergency management planning, incident management, and post-incident reviews. Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your school.

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