N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-9.2

Current through Register Vol. 57, No. 1, January 6, 2025

Section 3A:55-9.2 - Plans for emergency evacuation and search and rescue

(a) The facility shall develop and maintain on file at the administrative office a written plan detailing procedures for emergency evacuation from any site used for adventure activities that is in a remote area or that is away from ordinary means of communication. This plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Guidelines on how to determine dangerous weather conditions, such as storms, and life-threatening environmental hazards, such as fires, polluted waters, flash floods or avalanches;

2. Guidelines on how to determine whether a victim can walk out on his or her own power;

3. Guidelines for evacuating all children and staff members; and

4. Name, address and telephone number of local rescue squads, law enforcement agencies and hospitals, and guidelines for contacting them.

(b) The facility shall develop and maintain on file at the administrative office a written plan detailing procedures for search and rescue for each adventure activity that takes place outside the facility's grounds. This plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Guidelines on how to conduct a search to determine that a child is missing, including a time limit for ending the search and starting a search beyond the area being used for the adventure activity;

2. Procedures for completing a full description of the missing person;

3. Procedures detailing how to deploy staff and children to scout specific areas;

4. Procedures detailing how to deploy a rescue team that shall include a staff member to seek outside help;

5. A policy that indicates when to call law enforcement agencies and telephone numbers of local law enforcement officials; and

6. Procedures for reviewing the incident with the person(s) who conducted the search.

(c) For adventure activities occurring outside the facility's grounds, the facility shall ensure that each staff member supervising an adventure activity:

1. Reviews the plan detailing the procedures for emergency evacuation;

2. Reviews the plan detailing the procedures for search and rescue; and

3. Brings a copy of these plans on each adventure activity.

(d) The director of the facility or his or her designee shall document and maintain on file at the administrative office that all emergency evacuation and search and rescue missions were reviewed within five days of the incident, and issue a statement to staff members indicating approval or recommendations for improving these practices, if applicable.

(e) For adventure activities occurring outside the facility's grounds, the facility shall ensure that at least one staff member has money or credit cards sufficient to cover reasonably anticipated emergency expenses.

N.J. Admin. Code § 3A:55-9.2

Administrative Change, 49 N.J.R. 98a.

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 285(a), effective 1/16/2018