Emergency Preparedness at Childcare 2026

Quality childcare programs prepare for emergencies to keep children safe. Understanding their emergency procedures helps you feel confident about your child's care.

Emergency preparedness

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Types of Emergencies

Programs prepare for:

Fire
Natural disasters
Medical emergencies
Intruders/lockdowns
Utility failures
Evacuation needs

Licensing Requirements

States require:

Written emergency plans
Regular drills
Staff training
Posted evacuation routes
Emergency supplies

Peace of Mind

Knowing plans exist:

Reduces anxiety
Shows program quality
Prepares children
Protects everyone
Demonstrates professionalism

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Fire Safety

Prevention

Programs should have:

Working smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Clear exits
Safe cooking practices
Electrical safety

Drills

Regular practice:

Monthly fire drills common
All staff trained
Children practice
Documentation required
Various times of day

Evacuation

Plans include:

Primary and secondary routes
Meeting location
Headcount procedures
Emergency contacts
Reunification plans

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Tornado/Severe Weather

Plans cover:

Warning recognition
Shelter locations
Safe positioning
Weather monitoring
Communication

Earthquake

Preparations include:

Drop, cover, hold
Secured furniture
Post-quake procedures
Building assessment
Evacuation if needed

Flooding

Planning addresses:

Risk assessment
Evacuation procedures
Communication
Supply storage
Recovery plans

Regional Considerations

Programs should plan for:

Local hazard risks
Geographic concerns
Historical events
Seasonal dangers
Community resources

Lockdown Procedures

When Used

Situations include:

External threats
Intruders
Dangerous activity nearby
Law enforcement requests
Safety concerns

What Happens

Typical procedures:

Doors secured
Children moved to safe areas
Lights may be off
Quiet maintained
Staff account for children

Parent Communication

During lockdown:

Parents notified
Don't come unless directed
Follow instructions
Wait for all-clear
Stay calm

Medical Emergencies

Staff Training

Should include:

CPR certification
First aid training
Medication administration
Allergy emergency response
Emergency calling

Emergency Supplies

Available on-site:

First aid kits
Emergency medications
Medical information
Emergency contacts
Supplies for specific needs

Procedures

Plans cover:

When to call 911
Parent notification
Medical authorization
Hospital transport
Documentation

Evacuation Procedures

On-Site Evacuation

For fires, etc.:

Immediate evacuation
Designated routes
Assembly area
Headcount
Wait for all-clear

Off-Site Evacuation

When facility unusable:

Alternative location
Transportation plans
Reunification procedures
Communication
Supplies

Reunification

Picking up children:

Designated location
ID verification
Authorization check
Sign-out procedures
Calm process

Communication During Emergencies

Parent Notification

Programs should:

Contact quickly
Use multiple methods
Provide updates
Give instructions
Remain calm

Communication Methods

May include:

Phone calls
Text messages
App notifications
Email
Social media

Your Contact Information

Keep updated:

All phone numbers
Emergency contacts
Backup contacts
Work information
Special instructions

Questions to Ask

About Plans

Inquire:

What emergency plans exist?
How often are drills conducted?
What's the evacuation plan?
Where's the meeting location?
How will I be notified?

About Training

Ask:

Staff CPR/first aid training?
Emergency procedure training?
How often updated?
Who is trained?
Backup personnel?

About Supplies

Understand:

What emergency supplies on-site?
Food and water for emergencies?
First aid availability?
Medication access?
Special needs accommodations?

Your Role

Providing Information

Keep current:

Emergency contact list
Medical information
Authorizations
Special needs
Pickup permissions

During Emergencies

Your responsibilities:

Follow program instructions
Don't interfere with procedures
Stay calm
Go to designated location
Wait for official communication

Talking to Your Child

Prepare children by:

Discussing drills
Keeping it age-appropriate
Not creating fear
Answering questions
Practicing at home

Evaluating Programs

Good Signs

Quality programs:

Clear written plans
Regular drills
Trained staff
Posted evacuation routes
Confidence in procedures

Red Flags

Concern if:

No written plans
Infrequent drills
Untrained staff
Unclear procedures
Reluctance to discuss

Emergency Supplies at Programs

What to Expect