Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

Being prepared is key in any situation, especially during extreme conditions. The Director or the person left in charge should advice staff on current conditions. This helps all the staff understand what is being expected if cautions has to be taken. Safety procedures should be posted near an exit and/or information board. Practice is another important factor in being prepared. The procedures should be practice and discussed to make the transition easier if an extreme condition does appear. Not being prepared can cause injuries and even death.

           Tornado Warning- The local news just interrupted the song on the radio in the lobby stating a tornado warning has been issued in my area

·        -            STAY CALM, KEEP CHILDREN CALM AND ENSURE THEM THAT ALL IS WELL

·         -     Grab class roster and emergency tote containing contact information file, first aid kit, flashlight, pencil and paper, books to read the children  
·         -    Take the children away from all windows

·         Management must check all  classrooms and restrooms for children and staff

·         Once in designated area and way from danger attendance check is necessary to ensure that all children and staff are accounted for

·         Children and staff are not to return to the classroom until instructed by a member of management

·         Once approved to return to class another attendance check must be conducted to make sure all children and staff has returned to class safely

During emergency situations potential complications like  power outage, falling trees or other big and tall object like light or flag poles. This too can create an extremely dangerous condition making the situation worse. Teacher should discuss precautions and possible conditions with the students and their families.

Fire and/or Evacuation- The fire alarm goes off while the children are at play during center time

·         STAY CALM, KEEP CHILDREN CALM AND ENSURE THEM THAT ALL IS WELL

·         Grab class roster and emergency tote containing contact information file,  first aid kit, flashlight, pencil and paper, books to read the children

·         All children and staff are to leave the building immediately

·         Management must check all classrooms and restrooms for children and staff

·         Once in designated area and way from danger attendance check is necessary to ensure that all children and staff are accounted for

·         Children and staff are not to return to the classroom until instructed by a member of management

·         Once approved to return to class another attendance check must be conducted to make sure all children and staff has returned to class safely

·         If the children and staff are not allowed to return to the building they will be taken to a designated off site location, where they will remain until they parents arrive or access to the school is granted