Emergency Preparedness

Disasters, human-generated or natural are something that all childcare programs and providers, regardless of where they are located, are faced with. “One out of every four children experiences a significant traumatic event before reaching adulthood. While chance, geography and other variables determine risk, all of us are confronted with threats to wellbeing or even to life itself as we move across the life cycle” (Deep Center Publications, Miami University 2010). Understanding how important it is to establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment for young children as they grow is vital for professionals in the early childhood area. It is also important to understand that part of preparing for disasters is to gain information on which events are most likely to occur in our community and know what the specifics for each are. Two specific dangers or disaster scenarios that could threaten an early childhood environment in the area where I live are flash floods and winter storms, which both fall under natural/severe disaster.


In describing these two disaster scenarios; "floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss" (Pitter, 2010). Pitter also states that "as much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding droughts) is caused by floods and associated debris flows". (2010). In terms of winter storms, I can say that we have had storms which have started off somewhat moderately and all of a sudden, will change, over a few hours turning into a blizzard. "Many winter storms are accompanied by low temperatures and heavy and/or blowing snow, which can severely reduce visibility". (Pitter, 2010).

It is important for my colleagues and I to be prepared for disasters because preparation can help reduce the loss of lives when a disaster does occur. Being prepared can also reduce damage to our facility such as damage to equipment and supplies. "If the childcare community is prepared for different types of disaster, childcare businesses has a better chance of being preserved and/or restored to full service after a disaster occurs". (Office of Emergency Services: Livermore- Pleasanton Fire Department, 2009). Also "if the childcare business in our community is prepared for disasters, employees can return to work more quickly and help their employers return to productivity". (Office of Emergency Services: Livermore- Pleasanton Fire Department, 2009).

The first priority during an emergency is protecting the health and safety of everyone in the facility. Steps that you would take to develop plan in advance for these disasters would be, first to include all employees in the plan so that if, and when a disaster occur there would be a smooth transition into what everyone must be do, this means that we would have to discuss what each staff person will do and in what order immediately after a disaster. A my childcare facility, there is in place a facility floor plan with the location of the evacuation routes, shelter, areas, fire alarms, and fire equipment and extinguishers. Included in this floor plan is an emergency assembly area and these are post throughout the day care. Parents are included and are asked if they will be able to pick their children up soon after the disaster. So in other words the plan should be developed in a way that meets each potential disaster thereby reflecting the parents’ role in recovering their children. If a flood occurs we should be prepared to close center early, if possible; when the disaster has occurred we should be checking for injuries; protecting the children and self from further danger; keep listening to local radio for information; avoid loose or dangling power lines. Other steps our facility can take are to learn about our area’s flood risk. We can also contact our local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, local National Weather Service office, or planning and zoning department. If a winter storm occurs we should be prepared to close center early, if possible; make sure all children and staff has several layers of warm and dry clothing; keep warm by having blankets on hand; having flashlights on hand; tune radio to appropriate radio station for weather updates; stay indoors and avoid electrical appliances and plumbing. Other steps our childcare facility can take is to learn about our area’s winter storm risk and contact places like the local Red Cross chapter, and the emergency management office for our area’s winter storm risk.

In all childcare setting, it is very important that facility post a disaster plan that determines steps to prevent and cope with any dangerous situation. With a plan in place child care providers should regularly and practice it with the children in their care. I believe it is also important for this plan to include the know how on when to evacuate and when to stay put. The facility should always maintain emergency contact information, which will be necessary in case of disaster.

























Reference:

Deep Center Publications, Miami University (2010). Children: Stress, Trauma and

Disasters. Retrieved on June 18, 2010 from http://www.deep.med.miami.edu/x466.xml

Office of Emergency Services, Livermore- Pleasanton Fire Department (2009). Family



Disaster Preparedness Guide. Retrieved on June17th from



www.ci.livermore.ca.us/Livermore_Recovery.../ANNEX-J-FamDisaster.pdf



Pitter, T. (2010). Family Readiness Kit. Retrieved on June 19, 2010 from



www.aap.org/family/frk/aapfrkfull.pdf -