Section 2: Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

   Disasters are high risk factor for safety in any early childhood setting. These events should be handled by professional and trained individuals. Since the first day of school, educators should be trained in common disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, terror threats, etc. There should be an evacuation/ emergency plan, supplies and student’s log and call sheet. Parents and students should be aware of emergency procedures and drills.

   On a hot Tuesday morning at a daycare center, there is a warning on the radio about a severe weather temperature of 101 that will emerge on tomorrow. Students are now arriving to school.  As I prepare for the day, I am pulling out my emergency contacts and plan. What to do? Who to call? What do I say to students and parents?

    In a Heat Wave, many dangers such as fatigue, unconsciousness and even death can posed in this situation. Anyone can be at risk, so it is important to be prepared. Elderly people and children are the most common to be a higher risk. 

1.   I would send home a letter about tomorrow’s weather. What precaution to take, how to dress, and what supplies to have on hand are some of the information I would provide.
2.  Ensure them that children we be indoors and will be in an air conditioned room during this time. Ask parents to supply extra water, batteries or food. Flashlights and candles can also be added just in case there is a power outage. The American Red Cross wants to prepare by staying hydrated, wear loose fitting light clothing, and stay indoors (ANRC, 2015).
3.  I will call parents and check on elderly caregivers before and after the disaster.

    Some complications may occur, such as dehydration, nose bleeds and lots of questions. Always looking for uncomfortableness, change in appetite or behavior will help me assess any health risks. It is always important to report them if occurred.    In this situation, I would talk with students and explain what will happen the next day. They need routine so preparing them gives them some light of expectation. Robertson book indicates, “Because children need reassurance, teachers must explain as clearly as possible, without speculation, what has occurred and the facts that are known about it in simple, understandable, and age appropriate language” (ARC, 2010b).

   Showing where supplies are and how to call for help is some other ways children can understand how to deal in crisis. During the heat wave, I will remain calm and make all students feel safe by singing songs, reading a book or playing games. Let the day go on normally but keep alert for any health behavior in children. Make sure have my emergency plan, call log, supplies and first aid kit available at all times.  

      
     In the Deep South, where hurricanes are very common, most people are asked to evacuate. A storm is brewing pretty large and fast toward my neighborhood. I am currently in school with a class full of first graders. How do I prepare?

     Since this disaster is unexpected, this is no time to really prepare.

1.  I will inform students of what will happen and to prepare for a drill.  Many factors such as loss of homes, vehicles and businesses are common in this tragedy. It is important to have a plan and supplies set up during this time. The Daycare plan believes you should assign emergency responsibilities to staff members, conduct drills, keep parents informed and always stay alert for any safety or health issues (PEMA, 2003).  
2. I will keep children calm and have supplies and emergency plan at arm reach. There is no time to tell parents. Comforting students that their parents are safe while finding shelter will give them some relief.  Try not to tell them too much, as my job is to keep them calm, safe and dry during this disaster.
3.  To prepare, I would close and lock all doors and windows.  Ask students to go to the area planned during this storm. 
4.  Keep note on any children who are scared, anxious or displaying inappropriate behavior.  If so, I will do my duty as a mommy teacher by comforting them with a hug or chat. “Children may have confusion or anger and may need to have these feelings validated. Children may need personal contact, such as a hug or touch, because they are afraid and want to be with their families” (Robertson, 200). 

     Once the storm ends, I will keep the class on schedule. To me, I value routine and feel that this helps students cope with the aftermath. Keep them from any news heard or seen about the storm. It may be devastating at first. Once, explain thoroughly, in their developmental language they will become more understanding and settle back in everyday living. Talking about how they felt or drawing pictures can also be ways to help students during a crisis.

Resources

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Bureau of Plans. (2003, August). Day care facilities emergency planning guide.  Retrieved from http://www.pema.state.pa.us

Robertson, C. (2013).  Safety, Nutrition, & Health in Early Childhood (5th edition).  Belmont, California: Wadswort Cengage Learning

The American National Red Cross. Disaster Preparedness. Types of Emergency. 2015. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/