Policies for Natural Disasters/Man Made Events

[Country Kids]

In our policy and procedures we now have to have a section for Natural Disasters/Man Made Events.

We have to show what we will do and also, how we will maintain and continue on childcare operations.

I'm an over thinker so I can't really simplify this in my mind no matter how hard I try. I can have the best laid plan written out but until anything happens, you don't know how you will handle it.

We have had no training on anything like this and like I said, I over think so I'm totally lost on this. I'm more worried about the after part and if parents can't get here what do I do, if children are hurt, I'm hurt, etc. There is so many variables that I think just having a five point procedure is not a reality.

Does anyone have this in their policy and procedure handbooks.

[Cat Herder]

Everything you need to know can be found here:https://www.fema.gov/media-library/a...documents/7877

[storybookending]

In our policy and procedures we now have to have a section for Natural Disasters/Man Made Events.

We have to show what we will do and also, how we will maintain and continue on childcare operations.

I'm an over thinker so I can't really simplify this in my mind no matter how hard I try. I can have the best laid plan written out but until anything happens, you don't know how you will handle it.

We have had no training on anything like this and like I said, I over think so I'm totally lost on this. I'm more worried about the after part and if parents can't get here what do I do, if children are hurt, I'm hurt, etc. There is so many variables that I think just having a five point procedure is not a reality.

Does anyone have this in their policy and procedure handbooks.

We just have to have evacuation plans posted by all exits and emergency numbers posted. At the center we had first aid kits that went everywhere with us and they also held a copy of each child’s emergency contact numbers so we always had it on the go, on field trips etc.

In my state we have to practice monthly fire drills and tornado drills in the warmer months as well. As far as having a disaster plan if you are required I would just not over think it and write it out. You can have the best laid out policy in the world on paper but nothing is going to fully prepare you for how you will react when disaster strikes.

[Country Kids]

Everything you need to know can be found here:https://www.fema.gov/media-library/a...documents/7877

Thank you! I did find some just for childcares and printing it out so I can really look it over.

They do suggest things that I'm not able to do though but good points to think about.

[Country Kids]

We just have to have evacuation plans posted by all exits and emergency numbers posted. At the center we had first aid kits that went everywhere with us and they also held a copy of each child’s emergency contact numbers so we always had it on the go, on field trips etc.

In my state we have to practice monthly fire drills and tornado drills in the warmer months as well. As far as having a disaster plan if you are required I would just not over think it and write it out. You can have the best laid out policy in the world on paper but nothing is going to fully prepare you for how you will react when disaster strikes.

I do have everything for my kiddo's on my phone for contacts. My worry is what if communication is down and we can't reach the parents? Our town has the interstate running right through it, and each way to my house from where my parents work, involves crossing a bridge which may not be there in the even of a disaster.

Yes, I just need to put it down on paper, have the parents look it over and be good with it.

[Cat Herder]

I do have everything for my kiddo's on my phone for contacts. My worry is what if communication is down and we can't reach the parents? Our town has the interstate running right through it, and each way to my house from where my parents work, involves crossing a bridge which may not be there in the even of a disaster.

Yes, I just need to put it down on paper, have the parents look it over and be good with it.

"In case of evacuation and cell phone blackout our primary meetup place will be _______. Secondary location is ______."

Mine is a local volunteer fire dept (with permission) then a library in the county over. I have a mini-van that will seat all the kids for evacuation, emergency transport, only. Get the kids there and shelter in place until all are picked up.

[storybookending]

I do have everything for my kiddo's on my phone for contacts. My worry is what if communication is down and we can't reach the parents? Our town has the interstate running right through it, and each way to my house from where my parents work, involves crossing a bridge which may not be there in the even of a disaster.

Yes, I just need to put it down on paper, have the parents look it over and be good with it.

I would also have a paper copy available of all contact numbers just incase you aren’t able to grab your phone or it gets lost in the hustle and bustle that an emergency event can bring about. I like CH’s idea of having a meeting spot be at a local fire or police department or library or a hospital even.

[Country Kids]

"In case of evacuation and cell phone blackout our primary meetup place will be _______. Secondary location is ______."

Mine is a local volunteer fire dept (with permission) then a library in the county over. Get the kids there and shelter in place until all are picked up.

I'm thinking of just keeping it to my house/yard. I'm not sure if I would be able to get everyone in my car, what the streets are like, etc. I don't know if I want to tell the parents a place and then possibly not be able to get there.

Do you have emergency packs for all the kiddo's? That was one of the suggestions and I'm like, I have no where to store that many?

So many variables and that is why I over think it.

[Cat Herder]

I'm thinking of just keeping it to my house/yard. I'm not sure if I would be able to get everyone in my car, what the streets are like, etc. I don't know if I want to tell the parents a place and then possibly not be able to get there.

Do you have emergency packs for all the kiddo's? That was one of the suggestions and I'm like, I have no where to store that many?

So many variables and that is why I over think it.

If your neighborhood is evacuated you will have no choice but to leave. They will "assist" you in leaving.

Having a meetup place makes it quicker to get the kids where they need to go and make you available to your own family. Having an alternate is well advised as with flooding/tornados you may need to evacuate out further.

Emergency packs are really easy to make, keep it simple. A few packs of ready to feed formula/bottles, jar of peanut butter (or sunflower/soy nut butter for nut allergy)/jelly, box of ritz crackers, container of raisins/craisins/dried roasted peas or green beans, small paper plates/napkins, sippy cups, bottled water, diapers/wipes/changing pad, clorox wipes/alcohol gel for hands, blankets, books, crayons, paper and legos.

Obviously if a kid has a special need they would need a substitution or a few extras.

[Annalee]

We had to come up with a place at least 3 miles away. We have been told transportation rules will not apply within an emergency...

[Sunchimes]

We had to come up with a place at least 3 miles away. We have been told transportation rules will not apply within an emergency...

Would that mean it is ok not to have car seats in an emergency?

[Cat Herder]

Would that mean it is ok not to have car seats in an emergency?

Yes. Use good judgement and do your best with what you have.

[LittleExplorers]

MN now requires a plan and the The DHS website has a fillable form as well as some information to help.

http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=dhs-289073

[flying_babyb]

Our daycare has a emergency bag for each room. Contact infromation for parents, emergency contacts and permission to treat go on laminated cards ( so we can change them with a simple swipe of the magic eraser), A bunch of granola bars (easy food), a large blanket, flashlight, wipes, a mini first aid kit, some books (enteraiment), bubbles, and a few trinkety toys. Toddlers include diapers. Most have a spare phone charger. Were three blocks from a school with a church so we can always go there.

[MarinaVanessa]

If you don't know what you need or where to start we (in CA) have a book that's helpful when planning your emergency disaster plan.

https://cchp.ucsf.edu/…/files/CA-ChildCare-Disaster-Plan.pdf