Emergency Preparedness in Child Care Centers

You cannot predict when a disaster might strike, but you can prepare! This slogan from the American Medical Association really says it all.

The following are the list of conditions that pose immediate threat to the life or well-being of a child in the care of a child care provider that may subject a child care center or child care home to emergency or temporary closure order:

(1) Building damage due to:

• earthquake;
• flooding or water damage;
• tornado;
• severe wind;
• ice storm;
• fire;
• lead contamination; or
• asbestos.

(2) Sewage problems as follows:

• Sewage backup.
• Toilets cannot be flushed or are overflowing.
• Sewage system is not operating properly.

(3) Inadequate or unsafe water supply as follows:

• Contaminated water supply.
• Water supply not functioning.

(4) No electricity in the building.

(5) Heating system problems.

(6) Gas, carbon monoxide, or other noxious gases leak.

(7) Filthy conditions.

(8) Rodent, roach, or vermin infestation.

(9) Building renovation occurring in a room or area occupied by children.

(10) Lack of supervision, which results in the death or serious injury of a child.

If an employee or agent of the division determines that a violation in subsection (a) exists, the division shall:

• issue an emergency or another temporary order under IC 4-21.5-4 requiring the licensee to immediately cease operations of the child care center or home; and
• contact the parent or guardian of each child enrolled in the child care center or child care home to inform the parent or guardian:
• that the division has issued an order to require the licensee to cease operations of the child care center or child care home; and
• the reason for the order to cease operation

PHASES OF EMERGENCY PLANNING

1. PREPAREDNESS : Is your program ready for emergencies?

Step 1: Form a Planning Committee

Step 2: Create your plan

Step 3: Practice your plan

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

1. Create a plan to address typical disasters that could occur in your area, such as fire, flood, threatening of parent or staff.
2. Contact local first responders (fire, police) to make them aware of your plan and seek guidance.
3. Provide training for all staff members regarding your plan and staff roles and responsibilities.
4. Ensure that families are aware of your plan.
5. Conduct monthly fire drills and discuss with staff afterward.
6. Conduct full-scale disaster drills at least quarterly and discuss with staff.
7. Document, in writing, the disaster drills and post-drill discussions.
8. Encourage and support families to be prepared at home.
9. Obtain a sufficient supply of master keys, plan for storage and access.

2. RESPONSE: What actions will you take to keep children and staff safe?

Responsibilities during the Incident:

1. Obtain supplies (disaster kits) and forms. Important records to have with you are your backup flash drive/CD-ROM with backup program records and a master copy of all staff and child emergency information as well as all signed parent/guardian permission forms.

2. Assign tasks as per your plan

3. Direct and coordinate disaster operations

a. Assess the type and scope of emergency.

b. Implement the response and emergency plans.

4. Determine the need for outside assistance, and request if necessary.

5. Interact with other emergency teams from the community (e.g., the fire

department).

6. Be ultimately responsible for the safety and accountability of all children and

volunteers present.

a. Give yourself frequent breaks; trade off with someone you have

trained to take your place as needed.

b. Plan regular breaks for yourself and volunteers.

c. Release staff as able, in accordance with licensing requirements for

supervision.

After the Incident:

1. When incident is resolved, discontinue operations.

a) Ensure any unfinished action items are completed.

b) Return reusable supplies to Logistics’ Supplies and Equipment Team.

c) Close out all logs.

2. Call licensing or your local Child Care Resource and Referral program to report the incident.

3. RECOVERY : How will you operate your child care business after a disaster?

1. Assess damage to facility and equipment and contact insurance company.
2. Locate temporary emergency child care space if program cannot continue in existing facility.
3. Notify families and keep updated.
4. Request volunteers.
5. Apply for Public Assistance for Child Care Services.
6. Notify Child Care Licensing regarding reopening or opening in new facility.
7. Apply for Disaster Assistance for labor costs, facility costs and supplies costs.
8. Contact the Child Development Bureau regarding billing and payment for children receiving child care scholarship.