Your emergency plan should address all aspects of your early childcare education program, including the number and ages of enrolled children and any special health care needs or concerns of children and staff.
While developing your emergency plan, use community resources for different perspectives and recommendations on preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. These resources can include but are not limited to:
- Child care health consultants and health managers for Head Start programs
- Mental health consultants
- Child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&Rs)
- First responders, such as fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel
- State/territory child care licensing agency
- Head Start manager
- Emergency management agency
- Transportation partners (e.g., bus companies)
- Public health departments
- School district personnel, if your child care center or Head Start program is located within a school
- Community physicians who are disaster experts
Remember, your community is here to help you!
Here are some questions community members may be able to answer:
- What hazards are most likely to occur?
- What can be done to mitigate risks?
- What is the best way for your program to receive alerts and warnings?
- Are there emergency contact numbers for specific emergencies?
- Are there opportunities for preparedness education and training?
- Does your community have a plan and what should you know about this plan?
Links you might find useful:
Agencies in your community:
www.fema.gov/emergencymanagement-agencies
Regional emergency management specialist (for Head Start programs):
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohsepr/early-childhood or email ohsepr@acf.hhs.gov
Last Updated: December 18, 2019