Gulf Insider, 20 January 2025: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued a stern warning to early childhood education institutions, emphasising the importance of complying to its newly established Emergency Management Policy.

This policy, which must be fully implemented by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, outlines a comprehensive framework for emergency preparedness and response, ensuring that all facilities and transportation vehicles are equipped with the necessary emergency signage and equipment.

The policy is designed to standardise emergency response processes across early childhood education institutions, addressing critical areas such as evacuation plans, initial safety measures, and communication protocols.

By doing so, it ensures that all stakeholders, including management, staff, parents, regulators, and service providers, are well-prepared and aware of their roles and responsibilities during emergencies.

Institutions are required to establish and implement an emergency policy that complies with applicable laws and guidelines.

This includes comprehensive planning and preparation for various emergencies, such as medical incidents, evacuations, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place scenarios.

Clear communication protocols and defined roles and responsibilities for all involved parties are also mandated.

Staff training is a crucial component of the policy, with institutions required to conduct regular training sessions on incident management, first aid, and emergency procedures.

Accurate and secure documentation of incidents must be maintained in compliance with the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework (OSHAD).

Parents must be informed of any physical injuries or health issues caused by institutional or staff negligence, serious injuries due to hazards, incidents requiring intervention from authorities, or service disruptions.

Failure to comply with these requirements, including incident reporting and compliance to investigation outcomes, will result in penalties, fines, or potential closure, depending on the severity of the violation.

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