Scenario #1
You are a teacher at a childcare facility. A severe thunderstorm has developed causing torrential rain, dangerous lighting, and high winds. This storm has created a tornado that places the childcare center in its direct path. This tornado has generated strong winds in excess of 200 mph, which has put the children and staff in immediate danger from flying glass, structural damage, and flying debris.
Risks, Plans and Family Involvement
First, I would have a disaster drill once a year with my parents. They would be told in advance when the drill would take place and it would be treated as if the real thing was in progress. Alarms would sound, the center would lock the doors and no one after the lockdown has occurred will be allowed inside for the safety of the staff and students. No strangers will be admitted during this time. This would be how we would show and express our concern for our children and how important our policies are in ensuring staff and student’s safety. The risk that would be discussed with parents and staff concerning an approaching tornado would include safety zones and items needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Secondly, we would be the use of a battery operated radio to listen to the weather report in each classroom, a flashlight and walkie-talkies for all lead teachers. I would assess risks by making sure all teachers know that children must be moved quickly to an established interior room in the childcare center that is free from windows and doors leading to the outside. If more room is needed to accommodate all the children in care that day the hallway would be an alternative location. Mattress from the infant room would be used to place over children to protect them from falling debris in the hallway. I would make sure all doors are secure and lockdown would occur until the all clear alarm is sounded. Every classroom will have hanging next to the door an escape route and an explanation of what to do no matter the circumstances. Teachers will practice tornado drills twice a year as mandated by the state of Texas. Documentation written describing what drills took place and how quickly they were able to get into place. Once in place the director or person in charge would call both the fire and police department and notify them of the number of children and staff in the building. Parents will be called once the all clear is given and the damage has been assessed. Lastly, one way to involve parents would be to have a fund raiser for the purpose of stocking up on supplies needed for a disaster like a tornado. Water, foods that do not need to be prepared and first aid kits for each classroom will be furnished with the help of parents. One risk that we hope never happens is the loss of lives but knowing how powerful a tornado can be is the reason we must be prepared.
Why Be Prepared?
The boy scouts pride their selves on being prepared always and in any situation. As childcare teachers we should have the same motto. Parents are entrusting us with their most prized possession, their children. Being prepared could be the difference between life and death. Being prepared ensures that we get from point A to B in a timely manner. The consequences of not being prepared could include death of a staff member or a child in the childcare center. It could also be in the form of emotional stress that could have been avoided had a plan been in place. Another risk could be a child being released and unaccounted for if parents are not made to sign their child out before lockdown goes into effect during the storm. Once lockdown takes effect no parent may remove their child from the facility. Parents are made aware of the policy during the practice drill. Another issue could be PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, for both staff and children if protocol is not followed and the disaster last for many hours. We have seen this from Hurricane Rita, Katrina and now Ike.
Complications
Once the all clear has been given it does not mean everything will return to normal. Power could be out for days, water could be contaminated and mosquitoes might be an issue, which is common in the Gulf Coast. Another complication could be the loss of employment for a long period of time. Damage to the center could be so severe that it is not able to open for an extended amount of time. Another possible complication could be children and staff developing different viral and bacterial infections due to the standing water or close quarters one may have to share for an extended amount of time. Food to the center may not be delivered on time due to roads being blocked or under water.
Scenario #2
The second scenario is also common near the Gulf Coast. South of Houston is an area filled with chemical plants. Several times a year a chemical leak sends area schools, homes and childcare centers go into a lockdown of sorts. The chemicals being released are very often dangerous to inhale or could be an irritant to ones lungs and eyes requiring hospitalization. Older and the very young would be most at risk in this type of disaster. Children with a predisposition to asthma or breathing problems might need emergency assistance immediately.
Risk and Potential Complications
You are a teacher at a childcare facility. A severe thunderstorm has developed causing torrential rain, dangerous lighting, and high winds. This storm has created a tornado that places the childcare center in its direct path. This tornado has generated strong winds in excess of 200 mph, which has put the children and staff in immediate danger from flying glass, structural damage, and flying debris.
Risks, Plans and Family Involvement
First, I would have a disaster drill once a year with my parents. They would be told in advance when the drill would take place and it would be treated as if the real thing was in progress. Alarms would sound, the center would lock the doors and no one after the lockdown has occurred will be allowed inside for the safety of the staff and students. No strangers will be admitted during this time. This would be how we would show and express our concern for our children and how important our policies are in ensuring staff and student’s safety. The risk that would be discussed with parents and staff concerning an approaching tornado would include safety zones and items needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Secondly, we would be the use of a battery operated radio to listen to the weather report in each classroom, a flashlight and walkie-talkies for all lead teachers. I would assess risks by making sure all teachers know that children must be moved quickly to an established interior room in the childcare center that is free from windows and doors leading to the outside. If more room is needed to accommodate all the children in care that day the hallway would be an alternative location. Mattress from the infant room would be used to place over children to protect them from falling debris in the hallway. I would make sure all doors are secure and lockdown would occur until the all clear alarm is sounded. Every classroom will have hanging next to the door an escape route and an explanation of what to do no matter the circumstances. Teachers will practice tornado drills twice a year as mandated by the state of Texas. Documentation written describing what drills took place and how quickly they were able to get into place. Once in place the director or person in charge would call both the fire and police department and notify them of the number of children and staff in the building. Parents will be called once the all clear is given and the damage has been assessed. Lastly, one way to involve parents would be to have a fund raiser for the purpose of stocking up on supplies needed for a disaster like a tornado. Water, foods that do not need to be prepared and first aid kits for each classroom will be furnished with the help of parents. One risk that we hope never happens is the loss of lives but knowing how powerful a tornado can be is the reason we must be prepared.
Why Be Prepared?
The boy scouts pride their selves on being prepared always and in any situation. As childcare teachers we should have the same motto. Parents are entrusting us with their most prized possession, their children. Being prepared could be the difference between life and death. Being prepared ensures that we get from point A to B in a timely manner. The consequences of not being prepared could include death of a staff member or a child in the childcare center. It could also be in the form of emotional stress that could have been avoided had a plan been in place. Another risk could be a child being released and unaccounted for if parents are not made to sign their child out before lockdown goes into effect during the storm. Once lockdown takes effect no parent may remove their child from the facility. Parents are made aware of the policy during the practice drill. Another issue could be PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, for both staff and children if protocol is not followed and the disaster last for many hours. We have seen this from Hurricane Rita, Katrina and now Ike.
Complications
Once the all clear has been given it does not mean everything will return to normal. Power could be out for days, water could be contaminated and mosquitoes might be an issue, which is common in the Gulf Coast. Another complication could be the loss of employment for a long period of time. Damage to the center could be so severe that it is not able to open for an extended amount of time. Another possible complication could be children and staff developing different viral and bacterial infections due to the standing water or close quarters one may have to share for an extended amount of time. Food to the center may not be delivered on time due to roads being blocked or under water.
Scenario #2
The second scenario is also common near the Gulf Coast. South of Houston is an area filled with chemical plants. Several times a year a chemical leak sends area schools, homes and childcare centers go into a lockdown of sorts. The chemicals being released are very often dangerous to inhale or could be an irritant to ones lungs and eyes requiring hospitalization. Older and the very young would be most at risk in this type of disaster. Children with a predisposition to asthma or breathing problems might need emergency assistance immediately.
Risk and Potential Complications
The risk that has to be assessed in this type of disaster is the heating and cooling equipment at the center. Knowing how to shut the system off so not to allow the vapors from the chemical spill to leak into the building and cause contamination is a risk factor that must be considered before the event actually happens. If there is a central air unit in the center, knowing if they shut it off would keep out the vapors is very important. If window units are used it may be necessary for an employee to put on a protective mask and cover the unit from the outside. Tape may have to also be used to close off any cracks around the unit. Children or staff that is prone to upper respiratory infections may be at risk for having a life threatening event. In the event they did have such an episode, medical treatment may or may not be able to get to the center in a timely manner. In the case of propane leaks, people are asked to not drive until it has completely cleared. This could result in death. Masks for sensitive personnel and children should be on hand and all windows should be caulked as well. Due to risk of contamination and the need to keep parents updated the following will occur. I would have a disaster drill once a year with my parents. They would be told in advance when the drill would take place and it would be treated as if the real thing was in progress. Alarms would sound, the center would lock the doors and no one after the lockdown has occurred will be allowed inside for the safety of the staff and students. No strangers will be admitted during this time. Once in place the director or person in charge would call both the fire and police department and notify them of the number of children and staff in the building. Parents will be called once the all clear is given and the damage has been assessed.
Parent Notification Information
Upon enrollment parents would be made aware of the factories in the area and what they make. This would help parents to understand why we take the time to have drills and to prepare staff. Parents would understand lockdown occurs and no child will be released until the all clear is given. Parents will be called as soon as the all clear sounds. If their child has been transported to a medical facility, they will need to pick up their child from the facility. If they are still housed at the childcare center, then upon signing their child out they will be able to remove their child form the facility.
Consequences
The boy scouts pride their selves on being prepared always and in any situation. As childcare teachers we should have the same motto. Parents are entrusting us with their most prized possession, their children. Being prepared could be the difference between life and death. Being prepared ensures that we get from point A to B in a timely manner. The consequences of not being prepared could include death of a staff member or a child in the childcare center. Death in this case could be prevented by securing the air system and the building. Not knowing what chemical plants are near my center could result in not being able to provide a secure building in case of a leak.
Steps
Turn off and secure the air or heating system connected to the building. A mask should be given to all staff and children with a history of breathing problems. Police and fire departments will be notified on numbers present and if anyone might be having distress due to the leak.
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeletePlanning ahead is very important in any incident. However, a lot of centers and schools do not issue a plan for an incident until it has occurred in their area. For instance, our center never planned and practiced for a tornado until one hit our area about eight years ago. Now we practice tornado drills twice a year, once in the fall, and once in the spring. Our center also didn't plan and practice stranger/intruder drills until last year. My class has practiced this drill three time this year. It is not mandatory to practice a certain number of times. I want the children in my class to be prepared and know what to do in case of this incident. I really liked your statement about parents entrusting us as teachers with their most prized possessions. My son is my prized possession; however, I have met some parents who don't seem to feel the same way about their children as I do my own. Sometimes I feel more for their children than they do. Sad, isn't it? Good post, and nice format for your blog page.
Nancy