Power Outages, No Heat, No Electricity - Do You Close?

[momma2girls]

Do you all close for power outages? Last week in Iowa we were without power at least one hr. and I was getting a little worried if it was going to come back on!! I only had one child that day, the rest were teachers- the worst thing about this, is the Dad was laid off a few weeks ago, and he was sitting at home doing nothing, and it is a neighbor of mine!!! It had been really icy out, icing about 4 hrs. prior to her coming!! The Mom called me and said her little girl was still coming but be very late, like 3 hr. late!! I told her, do you realize how icy it is out- and my light have been really flickering on and off- So needless to say, she was coming over regardless, and picking her up the same time as always!! I had to go out and salt all my driveway and my porch and long sidewalk up to my house, just for her coming!! So when she finally came I didn't even know what I was going to fix for dinner, since no electricity- finally came up with jelly sandwiches- she comes in right before dinner and said wow your electricity is off- I said yours is probably off as well- After an hr. I finally called the Dad and asked him if he was at home, he hestitated to tell me he was, I told him, if the power is off for quite some time, we are not going to be staying home, we have a little baby here as well, no heat- It already was starting to drop by then- The within 15 min. it came on- Thank God!! I have never had this happen before, and wondering what everyone else does for this!!!
I know have it written in my contract for new ones and next yr. in case of a power outage for several hrs. parents may be called!!!
WOW!!
TO make things worse I fell 3 times while trying to spread salt all over everything!! I still hurt from it!! I will probably need to go to the chiro for it as well!!! What a day!!!

[Chickenhauler]

If power outages are a serious safety issue because you're in "The Great White North", it may not be a bad idea to invest in a generator and have the wiring installed so that you can at least have the power to operate the blower or pump on the furnace (if you have a gas furnace).

This is also on my "to do" list...

[originalkat]

This is what I have in my handbook...

Inclement Weather

"When severe weather occurs, Green Gate Preschool usually remains open even when public schools are closed. However, in the event extreme severe weather occurs which prevents safe travel or has caused power outages or other problems which interrupt the safe and proper care of your child, we will close. You are always encouraged to follow your instincts and keep your child home if you feel conditions are not safe. In the event I would need to close due to the circumstances listed above, regular tuition will be required."

I have had my power go out during the day when the kids were here...twice. However, the weather was not bad and so I waited it out. I called the power company and said I had a home daycare and NEED power. It was on shortly after and she said it would be put on the urgent list.
If the power would have gone out and it was accompanied by severe weather, I would have called the parents to pick up.

I have thought about getting a generator...on our to do list as well.

[gbcc]

If the power goes out due to severe wheather conditions then yes, I would close. It's not worth the accident and potential harm to the child. Thankfully this has never happened. If I was already providing care when it happened I would wait it out unless we had no food, drinks, or heat if needed.

I would not go out in extreme weather just to salt everything!! LOL!! what good am I to them if I am sick for the rest of the week!

[momma2girls]

If the power goes out due to severe wheather conditions then yes, I would close. It's not worth the accident and potential harm to the child. Thankfully this has never happened. If I was already providing care when it happened I would wait it out unless we had no food, drinks, or heat if needed.

I would not go out in extreme weather just to salt everything!! LOL!! what good am I to them if I am sick for the rest of the week!

I had to salt everything, because I didn't want them to fall with the child, and then be sue happy, like some are!! I thought I better go out there, and do it for them. I even called them and explained to her how very icy it was out there, all she said was I know our driveway is icy also!! I know it is- but you are not walking on it, just backing out your van on it. I just don't want you to fall, I salted it, but it may still be icy out there!!

[gbcc]

I had to salt everything, because I didn't want them to fall with the child, and then be sue happy, like some are!! I thought I better go out there, and do it for them. I even called them and explained to her how very icy it was out there, all she said was I know our driveway is icy also!! I know it is- but you are not walking on it, just backing out your van on it. I just don't want you to fall, I salted it, but it may still be icy out there!!

Yes, I understood why you did it. I just wouldn't have. I would have told them I was closing is what I meant! I salt on other days.

[momma2girls]

Yes, I understood why you did it. I just wouldn't have. I would have told them I was closing is what I meant! I salt on other days.

I wish I could have said- I am not going to be open, but I never close!! I sure wish I would have that day though!! WOW!! I actually thought of it, but then I would have to refund their money, beings they pay on Mon. of the week! I really couldn't believe she even came, especially when Dad was sitting at home!! Just really erked me!!! Hopefully this will not happen again, on the day that she comes!!! If we ever lose power, heat and all, I will call and tell them I need to close!

[gbcc]

I just don't get it. It's not worth risking your child's life. Most places get sick time or the option to make up the hours.

I just recently gave myself a bonus! I get paid for all closings and holidays except for when I take vacation.

[momma2girls]

I just don't get it. It's not worth risking your child's life. Most places get sick time or the option to make up the hours.

I just recently gave myself a bonus! I get paid for all closings and holidays except for when I take vacation.

GOod for you!!

[tymaboy]

I have never had to deal with power outage or no water issues during daycare hours. If I were though I would probably call parents after about 30 minutes in the winter cuz without the furnace it will get cold fast in the house.

[Childminder]

I don't close they are going to go out anyway. I have a generator backup which most of the children do not, so they will be warmer here than at home.

[momma2girls]

I have never had to deal with power outage or no water issues during daycare hours. If I were though I would probably call parents after about 30 minutes in the winter cuz without the furnace it will get cold fast in the house.

I actually went over an hr. then called the Dad, and said if this continues for hrs. we will not be staying at home at all. It was about 15 or 20 degrees outside. Then they did come back on about 10 min. later. It did have me worried though.

[Janet]

Yup, I close!

I close if I lose power, no if's, and's, or buts about it. I have well water and a septic tank so if I lose power, then I have no water (except for what little is already in the reservoir thingie, which I don't want to waste) and I can't flush the toilet. Also, I live in a heavily wooded area and I don't have much natural lighting and I have no heat and no way to prepare food and no back up generator. If the power goes off after the kids get here, I give it about 15 minutes to see if it will come back on and if it doesn't, I call all the parents and give them a heads up that if the power is still out in 45 minutes, I will need them to come pick up right away. My house is very cold in winter and very hot in summer, so the electricity is a must.

[tymaboy]

I had a 1st yesterday. Not the power but plumbing issues. I had to have the kids picked up early cuz it was a sanitary issue.

[mac60]

I think the longest I have been without power was 3 hours, and we knew it was going to happen. I didn't close, we had an easy lunch and the kids napped and it all worked out. We have a gas fireplace so would at least stay comfortable, and we can flush the toilet on city water.