Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

Brittany Hood


Working with children and families it is important to prepare them for any disaster that may happen In the childcare profession having a plan in place in the event of a disaster can help save lives, and prevent injuries. I never knew how serious having a plan was until I started working for Head Start. Having steps to follow makes it very easy to handle during an emergency. Living in Georgia I rarely saw major disasters like other states have. However, in the past years we have experienced a tornado and floods that many Georgians were not prepared for. I think after that event we started to take disaster plans seriously. The two disasters that I will describe hypothetical scenarios are severe storm and fire. This week reading, broaden my understanding to how to prepare and what to do in the event of an emergency. I know when an emergency happen is important to remain calm and that can be difficult to do, and that is why you must have a plan to avoid those issues.
Although the center that I work for never experienced this type of disaster this is a scenario I will describe. During this particular day, the news has stated that a severe storm will move toward Atlanta with possible thunder, lighting, and flooding. As the day progress, the storm started earlier, than predicted and water start to pool in some areas. The storm caused the power to go out at the center and the phones as well. Children started to worry and as well, some parents. The lighting also struck some power lines and trees around the center. Having a plan in place for an event like this can help. Disaster plans help cut down on confusion and injuries among children and staff. With storms, it is important to watch the news to and the area around the center to keep up with the weather. Being prepared helps the staff to focus on the children and steps to the plan also. Not creating a plan for the program leaves you prone to accidents and the lack of safety of the children, which is the main priority. First, I would create a committee with other staff members and parents to help create the plan. Also, have someone from Red Cross to come and talk to the staff on how to create a disaster plan. Create a list of needed items for this particular disaster. Designate a place for the children to go during this storm for safety reasons. Also, create an emergency bus schedule for children who ride the bus.
In addition, I would assess the building inside and out for any possible risk. I would check if something falls on the building, where would be a safe place for the staff and children to be until help arrives. Make sure the emergency lighting in the building is working properly. Have flashlights, extra batteries, and current parent contact information on all children. I would also have a phone tree for parents by classrooms. First aid kits are necessary for any disaster. Once all of this is done write the information down, post them in classrooms, and give them to parents as well. Giving a copy to the parents help them to know what to do in the event a severe storms comes. Red Cross can also come and talk to parents about the importance of a disaster plan and how they can practice and say abreast on what to do.
Planning can help alleviate chaos and injuries when it is something for someone to refer to. This also helps parents to understand what part they play in plan and how to remain calm. Proper planning can show parents how to do the same in their homes to keep their families safe.

Fire is a horrible event to take place. I have notice on the news that apartment building are catching on fire do to leaving something on the stove, space heaters etc. My center is located across from a trucking company and woods. If a truck hits a power line and it lands on the building causing a fire we would have to evacuate the building to a safe distanced location. On a monthly basis the children conduct fire drills so they will know what to do in the event of a fire.
Select staff members to help create a plan along with parents for the center to have in place if this happens. Have the fire department come and talk to staff, parents, and children about fires and how to respond. Safety is the key when children are involved if you do not have a plan children a staff can get hurt. In the scenario, a truck hits the power line causing it to hit the building and start a fire. You to get a safe distance away because the building is on fire and you can get burned or it can spread. The plan will include first aid kits, parent phone tree, phone call to the fire department and the script on what information to give to the operator. Fire plan is the most important plan to have in the center because a fire can happen at anytime. With a plan in place and you should want things to run smoothly despite the disaster.
Constant practice with the children helps things as well as conversations and visits from the fire department also. Parents can create a fire plan for their homes, and practice as well. Because we have a large center, making sure there are multiple ways for classrooms to exit the building without injury is also important. Keeping parents in the know helps them to be calm and how to respond when and if the disaster happens.

This week help me to understand on how to prepare a disaster plan with my family. I want my 2-year-old son to understand what to do and what to say if anything happens at home or anywhere else. All children should have constant practice on how to respond to disasters and to warn others if they notice one as well.