Disaster can strike anyone, anywhere, at anytime. When one works with young children in a group setting, one must be prepared to handle any sort of crisis or emergency that might arise. Two disaster scenarios that I would like to focus on are fires and floods.
Living in the Northeast, with the unpredictable weather patterns that occur, flash floods can happen at anytime due to heavy rains or rapidly melting snow. The dangers posed by these floods can cause damage in many ways. One way, is that roads can flood in an instant, trapping cars and pedestrians. The other way which I will focus on, is in a childcare environment. If there is a flood watch or warning in the vicinity, floods could enter a childcare building causing damage to electrical and heating units, and unlocking the potential for a fire. In order to avoid this situation, one must assess the risks involved, and be prepared to handle the emergency. To assess the risks, a childcare worker should listen closely to the radio or television for flood updates. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon, in your area.
The same goes for FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS AND FLASH FLOOD WATCHES (www.redcross.org)
The Red Cross website (www.redcross.org), suggests the following measures to be taken to prepare for floods. (I have added extra precautions for childcare settings)
1. Know what to expect. You can do this by knowing the flood risks, listening to radio alerts for updates, and being alert to the possibility of a flood.
2. Reduce potential flood damage by raising the furnace, water heater and electrical panels above the ground, if possible, to avoid a fire. Know how to turn off utilities in the building.
3. Prepare a disaster plan. Have an emergency evacuation plan for the building. Keep documents, in a watertight container, and have children’s records and family contact information, in an area that is accessible, so they can be taken with you in an evacuation situation.
4. Have a safe area, away from water, preferably on high ground, that is designated for evacuation where everyone can meet, and if possible, parents can pick up their children.
Carry cell phones or walkie-talkies with you to contact each other.
One of the best ways to prepare for any emergency is to conduct regular drills. This allows the children to become familiar with the signs and sounds of an emergency, to avoid panic, and to know what to do. The childcare workers should not only conduct regular drills, but also incorporate the emergency into the curriculum. The more informed the children and families are, the less scary it becomes for them.
Preparing for a fire emergency, involves many of the same steps as in preparing for floods.
The first thing to develop is an emergency plan, along with policies, for exiting the building safely. The plan should include the following...
1. Have an emergency supply kit that contains the following...
First Aid kit with children's medications
Snacks
Emergency packet for each child that contains contact and personal information.
A map of the building, that includes exit doors and windows, where the fire extinguisher is
kept, the utility room, and the office where the records are kept.
Plan two different exits from the building and make sure that they are marked “FIRE EXIT”
Test smoke alarms once a month
Conduct monthly fire drills
Know how to use a fire extinguisher
Plan different exit strategies for infants and toddlers, this may involve the use of a fire crib
Teach the children to “stop, drop, and roll”
Familiarize the children with Firefighters, and include lessons in the curriculum
Have a designated safe spot where everyone can meet after evacuating. Involve the parents
to let them know where to pick up their children, and possibly designate a parent helper to assist with the evacuation procedures.
(Robertson, Cathie 2007)
Disaster can strike at any time, without warning. If one is prepared, and has conducted the
appropriate drills, the likelihood of everyone surviving an emergency is possible. The key is to try to remain calm, so that everyone involved gets out quickly and safely.
About Me
- Stephanie
- As a wife, mother and teacher of young children, I feel it is important to educate not only the adults that work with young children, but the children themselves, about the importance of good health and nutrition practices. In my blogs, I will discuss many ways that one can incorporate healthy food choices, movement and fun into their daily lives, for a lifetime of good health for themselves and the children they work with.
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I would have never thought to include a map of the building in an emergency bag. Now I think it is a great idea. That would help emergency personel greatly if they neede to know the layout for what ever reason. Great thinking!
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