Parents expect their kids to remain safe when dropped off at child care centers. That’s why your facility should have an emergency management plan in place, as outlined below, to protect everyone inside the facility from both natural and human threats. Being prepared for any situation that might arise will keep the children safe, keep the staff safe, and give parents and employees peace of mind.

3 Strategies for Your Child Care Facility’s Emergency Management Plan

1. Outline the Types of Emergencies that Could Arise

Not every situation calls for the same solution, so compile a list of potential threats and hazards that your child care center might encounter. This should include medical emergencies, severe storms, power outages, flooding, fires, and acts of violence. If someone ingests dangerous substances or falls, for example, there should be first-aid kits in each room.  Staff should be fully trained to manage most minor events that might occur.

The facility should be conducting routine emergency drills for Tornados, Fire, Emergency Evacuation, and Lockdown / Shelter in Place. Designated safe shelter locations should be identified throughout the facility. 

2. Practice Evacuation Drills

Whether a fire breaks out or a dangerous stranger enters the facility, kids are bound to be frightened while adults take steps to diffuse the situation. In a panic, little ones might break away from the group and get lost or injured. Children are comfortable with routine, so have faculty members practice evacuation drills. Staff should be trained to remain calm and in control. Panic should not be part of the process. Each child should be assigned a buddy to hold hands with and know how to line up and exit each room as well as where emergency signs and stairwells are located. You can also have police officers and firefighters come to class and share stories to reinforce why emergency management is important. 

3. Delegate Responsibilities

Handling an unexpected emergency can be challenging for employees. To make sure an event is properly dealt with swiftly, give staff members the necessary training to manage different responsibilities beforehand. Some can be responsible for taking head counts after everyone is relocated to safety, while others can contact parents. The entire staff should have first aid and CPR training to provide medical assistance if needed. 

Based in O'Fallon, MO, the professionals at Command Solutions will help create an effective emergency management and recovery plan for your child care facility in the St. Louis or Metro East area. Retired firefighters with homeland security certification, the team members are qualified to provide fire safety, rescue, hazardous material awareness, and evacuation training and other techniques to leave your faculty prepared to keep themselves and the kids in their care safe. To learn more about the emergency management programs, visit the company online or call (314) 803-7418. Become a Facebook follower for upcoming event information.