Emergency Preparedness Plan

Complete this directory and post copies by every phone, in the emergency binder, and at all exits. Update whenever information changes.

1. 1Activate fire alarm or shout "FIRE" to alert the building
2. 2Lead children to the nearest exit using the designated evacuation route
3. 3Sweep team checks all rooms, bathrooms, closets, and outdoor areas
4. 4Take the emergency binder (attendance rosters, contact lists, medication records)
5. 5Assemble at the primary meeting point
6. 6Take head count immediately and compare against attendance roster
7. 7If primary site is unsafe, proceed to the secondary evacuation site
8. 8Communication lead begins parent notification
9. 9Do NOT re-enter the building until cleared by the fire department

1. 1Monitor NOAA weather radio or weather alert app for watches and warnings
2. 2When a warning is issued, move all children to designated interior safe rooms (away from windows, on the lowest floor)
3. 3Position children: sit against interior walls, heads down, arms covering neck and head
4. 4Close all doors between the safe room and exterior walls
5. 5Keep emergency supplies (flashlights, first aid kit, water) accessible in the safe room
6. 6Take attendance and keep children calm with quiet activities
7. 7Wait for the all-clear signal from weather authorities before resuming normal operations
8. 8Inspect the facility for damage before allowing children back into classrooms

External Threat (intruder on premises)

1. 1Call 911 immediately
2. 2Announce lockdown using the designated code word or PA system
3. 3Lock all exterior doors and classroom doors
4. 4Move children away from doors and windows
5. 5Close blinds and curtains
6. 6Turn off lights
7. 7Keep children calm and quiet (use pre-practiced calming activities)
8. 8Take attendance quietly
9. 9Do NOT open doors until all-clear is confirmed directly by law enforcement

Internal Threat

Isolate the affected area immediately. Evacuate other areas of the building if safe to do so, using evacuation routes that avoid the threat. Call 911 and follow law enforcement instructions.

Serious Injury or Illness

1. 1Assess the situation. Call 911 immediately if the injury or illness is life-threatening.
2. 2Administer first aid or CPR as trained. Do NOT exceed your training level.
3. 3Do NOT move a child if a spinal injury is suspected.
4. 4Contact the parent or guardian immediately.
5. 5Provide the child's emergency medical consent form and medical action plan to EMTs.
6. 6If the parent is unavailable, one staff member accompanies the child to the hospital.
7. 7Document the incident fully using an incident report form.

Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

1. 1Administer the child's epinephrine auto-injector per their medical action plan.
2. 2Call 911 immediately, even if symptoms appear to improve.
3. 3Position the child on their back with legs elevated (unless they have breathing difficulty, in which case keep them sitting upright).
4. 4Monitor the child continuously until EMTs arrive.
5. 5Contact the parent or guardian immediately.

1. 1Staff alerts the director immediately upon discovering a child is unaccounted for.
2. 2Lock down all exits. No one enters or leaves the building.
3. 3Begin a systematic search of the entire facility and grounds. Assign specific teams to specific areas (classrooms, bathrooms, closets, kitchen, outdoor areas, parking lot, nearby surroundings).
4. 4Check sign-in and sign-out records to confirm the child was checked in and has not been checked out.
5. 5If the child is not found within 10 minutes, call 911.
6. 6Contact the parents or guardians immediately.
7. 7Provide the child's description and recent photo to law enforcement.
8. 8Do not dismiss other children until the situation is resolved.
9. 9Document a complete timeline of events from discovery through resolution.

Power Outage

• Use flashlights only (never candles in a childcare facility).
• Check refrigerator and freezer food temperatures. Discard perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
• Monitor indoor room temperatures for safety.
• If the outage extends beyond 2 hours or creates a safety concern, begin contacting parents for early pickup.

Water Failure

• Use stored emergency water for handwashing and hydration.
• Minimize toilet use. Use portable sanitation if available.
• Contact the water utility for estimated restoration time.
• If the outage extends beyond 2 hours, arrange parent pickup.

Gas Leak

• Implement enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all surfaces, toys, and high-touch areas.
• Conduct daily symptom screening at entry (temperature check, symptom questionnaire).
• Maintain a designated isolation room for symptomatic children awaiting parent pickup.
• Communicate promptly to families about potential exposure, following privacy regulations (do not identify the affected child).
• Follow local health department guidance for closure decisions and return-to-care timelines.
• Develop a plan for extended closure: staff communication, tuition policies, remote engagement activities, cleaning protocols before reopening.

1. 1Direct all parents to the designated reunification site (not the center, if evacuated).
2. 2Parents must show photo ID before any child is released.
3. 3Children may only be released to individuals listed on their authorized pickup list.
4. 4Staff checks off each child as they are released, recording the time, the person receiving the child, and the staff member's signature.
5. 5If a parent cannot be reached, contact emergency contacts in the order listed on the child's enrollment form.
6. 6Children with special custody arrangements are released only per the court order on file.
7. 7Children who are not picked up remain with staff until all contacts are exhausted. Contact local authorities if needed.

Maintain this kit in an easily accessible, clearly labeled location. Check and restock quarterly.

• First aid supplies (bandages, gauze, tape, gloves, antiseptic)
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• Whistle for signaling
• Emergency water (1 gallon per 10 children per day, minimum 3-day supply)
• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers, dried fruit)
• Blankets
• Children's emergency medications (from individual medical action plans)
• Diapers, wipes, and change of clothes for young children
• Emergency contact binders (printed copies)
• Center keys (spare set)
• Portable cell phone charger
• Garbage bags
• Duct tape
• Permanent marker

Record every drill conducted. Keep this log in your emergency binder and available for licensing inspections.