Emergency PreparednessEmergency PlanningDisasters are often very unexpected and require quick thinking and action. Keep your emergency plan simple, detailed, and easy to follow. Practicing your plan can help identify needed changes.

DHS requires a minimum of monthly fire and tornado drills.

ESSENTIALS: MODULE 2

DHS REQUIRED EMERGENCY PLANS

EvacuationEvacuate the building due to fire, flood, gas leak, power outage, etc. Post exit signs, identify meeting locations, and plan evacuation strategies that account for everyone.

Relocation

Plan for 3 temporary shelter sites in case of disaster: 1) Neighborhood 2) Out-of-neighborhood 3) Out-of-town. Prepare transportation arrangements. Get to know your neighbors and community partners because they may be the first ones able to respond during an emergency.

Shelter-in-Place

Plan a shelter area within the child care facility to use for emergencies. The area should be a windowless interior room on the lowest level. Avoid sheltering under heavy objects on the floor above. Avoid places with wide-span roofs (gyms, auditoriums, etc.).

Lockdown

Secure the facility, lock doors, close blinds, push furniture up against doors. Contact emergency officials. Do not use code words. Recall “A.L.I.C.E.”. Practice lockdown procedures just as you would a fire or tornado drill.

Communication and

Reunification with Families

Pre-program contact information into cell phones. Contact parents, guardians, emergency personnel, DHS and CCR&R if there is an emergency. Plan procedures for extending hours of operation in the event a parent cannot pick up their child. Only release children to parents and authorized individuals with a photo ID.

Continuity of Operations

Keep vital business records safe and secure. Records may be kept in a secure, off-site location. Consider fire proof storage or password-protected external drive. Ensure that you have adequate business insurance before an emergency occurs.

Individual or Special Needs of

Children

Accommodate for any special equipment or medication needed in the case of an emergency (wheelchairs, inhalers, etc.). Plan for a backup power source for any medical equipment.

Intruder Alert ProtocolBe Cautious• Intruders can take many forms

(strangers, child’s family member, staff/former staff).

• Watch for a “strangely acting” familiar person (emotionally unstable, intoxicated, aggressive).

• If an individual is evasive or refuses escort, have a method to alert the police and separate children from the intruder.

A.L.I.C.E.

A ALERT

Alert everyone in the program about the lockdown.

L LOCKDOWN

Move children to secure location. Lock doors, keep silent, keep lights out.

I INFORM

Call 911, say “violent intruder,” describe the intruder, number and type of weapons.

C COUNTER

If attacked, counter by throwing objects to distract attacker. Cover and protect children.

E EVACUATE

Have an escape plan. Know the exit routes and relocation areas.

Many types of disasters can impact child care programs such as snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, and fires. In addition to having a First Aid Kit Checklist, it is important to keep an Emergency Supply Kit prepared.

Emergency Supply KitYour Emergency Supply Kit should include:

Water � 24–72 hour supply � 1/2–1 gallon per person

� Cups

Food � Eating utensils � Read-to-eat canned food

� Non-perishable food � Infant formula, bottles, and baby food

� Consider food allergies

Other Supplies � First Aid Kit* � Fire extinguisher � Paper towels � Tissues � Garbage bags � Soap � Blankets � Diapers � Comfort items (pacifiers, stuffed animals, etc.)

Emergency Records KitEmergency Contact Information/Vital Records:

� Insurance � Child Files

� Payroll Information � Service Contracts

� Inventory

*First Aid Kit Checklist: A First Aid Kit Checklist can be found on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Visit: http://idph.iowa.gov/hcci/products or refer to the Essentials Emergency Preparedness Resource Handout for additional resources.

PREPARATION PLAN

Essentials Child Care Preservice Program is a multi-agency collaborative effort and is funded by Iowa Department of Human Services. 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries to Ross Wilburn, 515-294-1482, wilburn@iastate.edu. HS 77B | May 2017