response

Each hazard has its own protocol, so it’s important to be familiar with the specific procedure for each one. Staff must refer to the What to do in Case of Emergency Posting in the classroom and the specific responsibilities in the Appendix.

Response may include some or all the following:

• Identifying that a crisis is occurring and the appropriate response
• Activating the Emergency Management Plan
• Closing the building or canceling the program
• Determining if evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown, or other procedures need to be implemented
• Establishing what information needs to be communicated to staff, families, and the community
• Maintaining appropriate communication with all involved

Identification

• Emergencies can be identified by anyone. If you see, smell, or hear something that seems like it might present a danger to people or property, let an Administrator know.
• Admin will work with local authorities to identify whether it is an emergency and remedy the problem.

Closing the program

Most of our families need care to work at their jobs, so we remain open as much as possible. For safety reasons, extreme weather or a loss of utilities can prompt us to close the program. Site administration and executive administration collaborate on the decision to close a program.

EVACUATION ON SITE

We evacuate on site for situations such as fire, local hazmat situation, carbon monoxide etc.

EVACUATION OFF-SITE

In extreme circumstances (i.e.: chemical spill that cannot be contained, widespread fire, etc.) and in consultation with emergency personnel, we will evacuate to the school’s designated off-site location. This decision will be made based on the projected duration of the evacuation, and conditions at both locations at the time.

EVACUATION CHECKLIST

When we must evacuate the center, classroom teachers are responsible for:

• Daily attendance
• Emergency Information Sheets for each child
• Medications and supplies that will be vital for care for the next 1-2 hours (including all emergency medications, like EpiPens)
• Blankets in cold weather
• One diaper per child who needs one and a box of wipes.

REVERSE EVACUATION

Movement of children and staff back into the center due to a danger/emergency outside. An example of this is a suspicious or criminal act occurring nearby or a wild animal.

SHELTER IN PLACE

When a threat creates hazardous conditions outside the center, children and staff may need to shelter in place. This may also need to occur if it is not safe or there is insufficient time to move to a designated assembly area or relocation site. Sheltering in place involves keeping children and staff inside the building and securing the center for the immediate emergency. Examples of shelter-in-place situations include tornados, community violence, or a hazardous material spill.

LOCKDOWN

The purpose of a lockdown is to keep children and staff inside the building by securing them in a classroom or other safe area due to an immediate threat inside the center. Lockdown procedures will be used in situations that may harm people inside the center, such as a shooting, hostage incident, intruder, trespassing, disturbance, or at the discretion of the Director, designee or public safety personnel.