A structured year-end safety checklist helps you verify that the right equipment is on site, in good condition, and supported by clear procedures and training. This article walks through a practical checklist you can use before January to improve emergency readiness and support compliance with emergency management standards.

Why Year-End Is The Best Time To Review Evacuation Equipment

Many organizations already conduct year-end reviews of their safety programs, capital equipment, and regulatory requirements. Adding a focused evacuation equipment audit at this time helps you:

• Align purchases with upcoming budgets
• Prepare for surveyors and accreditation visits in the new year
• Update emergency operations plans to reflect current capacity and risks
• Identify gaps related to bariatric, pediatric, and non-ambulatory populations
• Plan staff training around the devices that are actually in use

Emergency preparedness experts and accrediting bodies encourage regular review of both emergency plans and supporting resources, including evacuation devices and medical evacuation equipment.¹²

Year-End Evacuation Equipment Safety Checklist

Use the checklist below to guide a systematic review of the evacuation equipment in your hospital, school, multistory office, or long-term care facility.

1. Confirm You Have The Right Categories Of Evacuation Equipment

Begin with an inventory by location and device type. At minimum, most facilities should review the presence and condition of:

• Evacuation chairs for hospitals and multistory buildings for moving non-ambulatory people down stairs when elevators are unavailable
• Emergency evacuation sleds and patient evacuation mattresses for horizontal and vertical movement on stairs and down corridors
• Infant evacuation devices and neonatal evacuation systems for NICUs, nurseries, and early childhood programs
• Pediatric evacuation solutions for schools, pediatric units, and children’s hospitals
• Bariatric evacuation equipment for residents and patients who require higher weight capacity and wider surfaces
• Soft stretchers and emergency transport devices for rapid movement in confined spaces and through stairwells
• Safe patient handling equipment such as transfer sheets and slide boards, that support both everyday mobility and emergency use

As you work through each unit, identify areas with vulnerable populations, such as critical care, behavioral health, long-term care wings, or special education classrooms, and confirm that appropriate devices are readily available.

2. Check Device Condition, Ratings, And Expiration Dates

Next, verify that your emergency evacuation products are safe to use and ready for deployment. For each device, confirm:

• Manufacturer labels are readable and include weight ratings and instructions
• Straps, buckles, and handles are intact, not frayed, and free of corrosion
• Sliding surfaces are smooth and free of cracks or sharp edges
• Wheels on evacuation chairs roll freely, and brakes function correctly
• Any disposable components are within their recommended lifespan
• Storage bags, cabinets, or wall mounts are secure and clearly labeled

If you discover damaged equipment or missing labels, tag those items as out of service and schedule repair or replacement before the new year.

3. Verify Coverage For High Risk Populations

Year-end is a good time to check that no one is left out of your evacuation planning. Ask the following questions for each unit or department:

• Do we have enough evacuation devices for all non-ambulatory patients or residents on the busiest shift?
• Are there dedicated infant evacuation devices for NICU, postpartum, or on-site childcare programs?
• Is bariatric evacuation equipment staged where it is most likely to be needed?
• Do pediatric areas have size-appropriate evacuation solutions?
• Are there clear plans for visitors or family members who may also need assistance?

Document any gaps so they can be addressed in the upcoming budget cycle and incorporated into your emergency operations plan.

4. Review Storage Locations And Signage

In an emergency, staff must be able to reach evacuation devices quickly. During your checklist review:

• Confirm evacuation chairs, rescue sleds, and patient evacuation mattresses are stored near stairwells and exit routes
• Ensure equipment is not blocked by carts, furniture, or stored materials
• Check that signage clearly identifies the location of evacuation equipment
• Update evacuation maps and staff reference materials with current storage locations

Consider labeling equipment by unit name or zone so that it is clear which area is responsible for each device.

5. Align Equipment With Policies, Procedures, And Drills

Accrediting bodies and regulators expect that emergency plans are supported by actual resources and staff training. During your year-end review, take time to align:

• The evacuation procedures in your Emergency Operations Plan, with the equipment that is currently on site
• Staff roles and responsibilities with the specific devices they will use during an evacuation
• Drill scenarios with the most likely risks for your facility, such as fire, severe weather, loss of power, or internal emergencies

After each drill, capture lessons learned related to evacuation equipment, such as hard-to-reach devices or unclear staging locations, and feed those insights back into your annual improvement plan.

6. Confirm Training And Competency For Staff

Even the best medical evacuation equipment is only effective when staff know how to use it safely. As part of your checklist:

• Review training records for clinical and non-clinical staff who may operate evacuation devices
• Identify units that have experienced significant turnover and may require refresher training
• Schedule hands-on practice with evacuation chairs for hospitals, evacuation sleds, and patient transfer devices
• Incorporate safe patient handling principles to reduce the risk of staff injury during evacuations

Consider integrating evacuation equipment practice into existing safety or orientation programs so that training is ongoing rather than one-time.

7. Plan For Budget, Replacement, And Growth

Finally, use your year-end findings to inform next year’s purchasing and planning. For each category of evacuation equipment, determine:

• Which devices need replacement due to age or wear
• Where additional units are required to meet your occupancy and acuity levels
• Whether new services, building expansions, or program changes will require additional evacuation aids
• How you will track equipment over time, including inspection dates and lifecycle replacement

This approach keeps hospital evacuation equipment, school safety evacuation tools, and other emergency evacuation products aligned with real-world needs.

Authoritative References For Emergency Preparedness Planning

• FEMA Planning Guides for Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness
  
• The Joint Commission Emergency Management Resource Center
  

Need Help Evaluating Your Evacuation Equipment Mix?

Advanced Egress Solutions partners with hospitals, schools, long-term care communities, and other organizations across the continental United States to identify the right mix of evacuation chairs, emergency evacuation sleds, pediatric evacuation solutions, infant evacuation devices, and bariatric evacuation equipment. Our focus is on practical, easy-to-use tools that support safe patient handling and effective emergency response.

Connect with us for guidance or product information:

• Email: sales@advancedegresssolutions.com
• Phone: 844-847-2387
• Website: https://advancedegresssolutions.com/

People Also Ask

What evacuation equipment should every hospital review at year-end?

Hospitals should review evacuation chairs, rescue sleds, patient evacuation mattresses, infant and pediatric evacuation devices, bariatric evacuation equipment, and related safe patient handling tools. Each device should be checked for condition, labeling, and accessibility.

How often should evacuation chairs and sleds be inspected?

Most facilities inspect evacuation chairs and sleds at least annually, with additional checks during safety rounds or after drills. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and document inspection dates, findings, and corrective actions.

Who is responsible for evacuation equipment in a hospital or school?

Responsibility is usually shared between emergency management, facilities, and clinical or administrative leadership. Each unit or department should know which evacuation devices it is responsible for and where they are located.

How can we tell if we have enough evacuation equipment?

Compare your bed count or student population, mobility needs, and building layout to the number and type of devices available. Plan for your busiest shift and consider surge scenarios or special events when occupancy may be higher than usual.

Can safe patient handling equipment be used during emergencies?

Yes. Many safe patient handling tools, such as transfer sheets and slide boards, also support safer movement during emergencies. They should be integrated into your evacuation procedures and staff training.

Advanced Egress Solutions. Helping you enter the new year with evacuation plans and equipment that support safety, compliance, and peace of mind.