It sounds unlikely—but it happens more often than you think.

Imagine this scenario:
The alarm sounds. Students and staff move calmly, following the evacuation maps exactly as they’ve been trained. But when they reach the designated exit, the gate is locked.

What was meant to be a smooth, well-practised evacuation has now turned into confusion, delay, and increased risk. In an emergency, every second counts—and a locked gate can compromise safety for hundreds of people.

Why Does This Happen?

Common causes include:

• Gates that require keys or security codes during school hours.

• Fencing changes or new construction that hasn’t been reflected on evacuation diagrams.

• Emergency drills that never tested secondary exits under real conditions.

• Assumptions that “someone else” will unlock gates during an emergency.

These oversights highlight a critical truth: having a plan is not enough. Testing that plan under real-world conditions is what keeps people safe.

Questions Every School Should Ask

To ensure your evacuation routes actually lead to safety, review these essential checks:

• ✅ Are your evacuation routes physically accessible at all times?

• ✅ Are gates unlocked during drills and real emergencies?

• ✅ Do your evacuation maps reflect recent changes like new fencing, building works, or landscaping?

• ✅ Have you tested all routes in realistic conditions—not just on paper?

Pro Tip: Test Under Real Conditions

During your next evacuation drill:

• Inspect each exit route and confirm gates or doors can be opened quickly.

• Identify any gates requiring keys or security cards.

• Assign responsibility for unlocking gates and test that process in the drill.

• Document any delays or obstructions and address them immediately.

Remember: an exit that doesn’t lead to safety isn’t an exit at all.

Why It Matters

Blocked or locked exits during an emergency can:

• Delay evacuation and increase exposure to danger.

• Cause panic among students and staff.

• Create legal and compliance risks for the school.

• Breach requirements under AS 3745:2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities, which mandates that evacuation routes remain accessible and functional during emergencies.

How Bounce Readiness Can Help

We help schools:

• Review and update Emergency Response Plans (ERP).

• Conduct evacuation drills that test real-world scenarios—not just theory.

• Provide Post-Incident Reviews to identify gaps and recommend improvements.

• Ensure compliance with Australian Standards and best practice safety protocols.

Final Thought

Would your school be ready if your primary evacuation route was suddenly blocked?
The time to find out is before an emergency happens.

For expert guidance on strengthening your school’s emergency response:

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