Emergency Preparedness & Response
Preparing for emergencies before they occur helps programs respond quickly, confidently, and effectively when unexpected situations arise. Child Care Centers should establish comprehensive emergency procedures that support children’s safety while ensuring all staff understand their individual responsibilities during an emergency.
Emergency preparedness includes planning, practicing, maintaining emergency supplies, communicating with families, and reviewing procedures regularly to ensure they remain current.
Emergency Planning
Every Child Care Center should maintain a written emergency plan that addresses a variety of situations and clearly outlines staff responsibilities.
Emergency plans should address:
- Fire
- Earthquake
- Severe Weather
- Shelter-in-Place
- Lockdown
- Evacuation
- Medical Emergencies
- Utility Failures
- Hazardous Materials
- Family Reunification
Plans should be reviewed annually and updated whenever staffing, facility layouts, or emergency contacts change.
Emergency Supplies Requirements
| Category | Required Supplies | Leadership Tip |
|---|---|---|
| First Aid | Fully stocked first aid kits, emergency medications, gloves, and emergency contacts. | Assign responsibility for monthly inventory checks. |
| Food & Water | Emergency drinking water and nonperishable food. | Rotate emergency food annually. |
| Communication | Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, emergency contact lists, and backup charging devices. | Maintain duplicate emergency contact lists in multiple locations. |
| Infant Supplies | Formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets, and comfort items. | Prepare classroom-specific emergency kits. |
| Shelter Supplies | Blankets, sanitation supplies, and weather-related emergency materials. | Review emergency supply inventories each quarter. |
Emergency Drills
Regular drills help children and staff become familiar with emergency procedures before an actual emergency occurs.
Emergency Drill Requirements
| Drill | Frequency/Expectation | Leadership Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | Conduct according to Community Care Licensing requirements and document each drill. | Rotate evacuation routes periodically. |
| Earthquake | Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedures regularly. | Debrief staff after each drill to identify improvements. |
| Evacuation | Practice moving children safely to designated assembly areas. | Carry attendance and emergency information during every drill. |
| Shelter-in-Place | Review procedures appropriate to community risks. | Include substitutes and new staff in practice drills. |
| Documentation | Record dates, participants, observations, and improvements. | Maintain drill documentation for licensing review. |
Emergency Communication
Clear communication helps ensure children, families, and staff remain informed before, during, and after emergencies.
Programs should:
- Maintain current emergency contact information.
- Establish family notification procedures.
- Communicate reunification plans during enrollment.
- Review emergency communication procedures with staff annually.
Business Connection
Well-prepared programs respond more effectively during emergencies, helping protect children, support staff, and reassure families. Regular planning, practice, and communication strengthen both safety and organizational readiness.
