An earthquake begins to occur affecting a day care center. The main dangers of this disaster are falling furniture, other objects falling and glass breaking. The children, staff, and any parents in the building are at risk in this situation. We should be prepared for this situation so if and when it occurs we will know what to do and how to handle it. We will be able to follow the disaster plan and know the procedures. This can prevent injuries or the loss of someone’s life. Not being prepared for this disaster can make it more chaotic because you would not know what to do; someone could get injured or lose their life.
To develop a plan in advanced for this disaster I would want all staffed to be involved so that they can understand the plan and procedures or ask questions if need. I would check the center for anything that could be a possible hazard during this disaster and modify them appropriately like placing heavy objects on lower shelves and flammable product kept locked up on bottom shelves. I would also want to make sure emergency drills are being done regularly and speak to the children about earthquakes and what to do. Children may have questions that I could answer to help them gain a better understanding and be more prepared.
If an earthquake were to occur I would stay as calm as possible and have everyone drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table or desk and have them hold on until the shaking stops ( http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm ). I would also make sure the children are not near any glass, windows, or any heavy furniture that may fall. The center should have working flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kits, a portable battery operated radio, and emergency contact information. All staff should also know the disaster plan and procedures. I would involve families by making them aware of our plan and give them information on what they could do to be prepared at home. I would also check with them to make sure all emergency contact info is updated or has not changed.
The early childhood center located near a wooded area is in danger of being caught on fire due to a careless person in the woods. The dangers posed by this disaster are because of being so close to the woods the building may catch on fire, no one knows how soon it could happen, or what started the fire like chemicals. Anyone in the building is at risk and others around outside. By being prepared for this disaster we can prevent injuries, death, and burns. By being prepared we will also be able to evacuate and get to safety in an organized manner. If we are not prepared the situation could escalate. Children and staff could panic, children could be left behind in the building or be lost during evacuation. It would also leave more of a chance of someone getting burned, injured or even lose a life.
If this disaster occurs I would get the children lined up and begin the evacuation procedure. I would follow the plan using the primary means of egress unless it is blocked by a fire. We would go to our meeting place and do a head count to make sure we have all the children. This disaster can cause trees, buildings and other things to fall, and a lot of smoke. The center should have emergency contact info, attendance sheets, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors.
To develop a plan I would again want all staff to be involved so everyone is aware of the plan and what to do in case it ever occurs. I would have fire drills conducted on a regular basis so staff and children can practice and be prepared (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_before.shtm ). These drills should be done alternating their means of egress in case one is ever blocked by a fire. I would also make sure the plan is posted in every room so that the means of egress are known for that particular room. Children should also be taught to stop drop and roll and meet a firefighter in uniform to help with any fears they have or may have when being approached by one (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_before.shtm ). All other staff not working in the rooms with children like therapists, supervisors and others should know their role during this plan, such as checking halls, bathrooms or helping specific rooms with getting the children out safely.
I would encourage families to practice stop, drop, and roll with children at home and fire drills including a meeting place as well. I would also provide helpful information to families if needed on what they can do in case of a fire. They should make sure smoke detectors are in working order and tested once a month with batteries being replaced at least once a year (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_before.shtm ).
References
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/fire/fire_before.shtm
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