Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition Application
Kimberly D. Brannon
Walden University













EDUC-1005-2
Professor Eissler
June 19, 2010

Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition Application
Disasters could come in the form of natural or human generated. It is important for teachers to have a plan in place. When it comes to disasters such as hurricanes and fires, it is crucial to have a plan and to practice routine drills in the early childhood education environment.
I am doing my teacher internship at a coastal preschool in Tybee Island, Georgia. Because we are approximately 30 miles from the coastline, my colleagues and I are very aware of the mandatory need for a hurricane disaster plan. Winds in tropical storms can get up to 100 miles per hour (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003). A hurricane has the potential to devastate several states, putting thousands of people at risk. This could result in people drowning, getting trapped in their homes, or the danger of electrocution from downed power lines. It is crucial to monitor National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a local radio/TV station for public warnings when weather conditions indicate (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003). It is important to have the facility evaluated for its ability to withstand high winds. Also, identify and designate the best internal protective areas within the facility. If it seems necessary, tape and/or board all the windows. All staff members and children should know the “symptoms” of a hurricane. Families should be included in all training (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003). Select staff members to be the designated “severe weather watchers” and know safe evacuation routes to official shelters. During periods of particularly high winds, keep children away for any glass. Every facility should have a backup warning system. It is very important to store portable equipment inside the facility and away from shelter areas. During the warning, secure or store articles which may act as missiles. If there is time to take shelter, sit on the floor away from the windows (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003).
It is important to involve parents by having them become familiar with the emergency plan and procedures they are to follow. Invite parents to assist the facility manager in writing the plan. Day care facility management personnel have a responsibility to staff members, occupants, parents and anyone who happens to be in their facility, to develop a disaster plan. It is important to check with municipal emergency management officials to make sure that it is compatible (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003). Then train staff and children for the disaster plan, designate responsibilities to different staff members, have drills, inform families of the plan, conduct safety inspections, and give copies of the plan to the local Emergency Management Agency (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003).
Teachers should have discussions about hurricanes with the children and answer any questions that they may have. Teachers have to remember that in the event of a disaster that children need calm and in control teacher (Robertson, 2010, p.201). After the disaster has passed, the teacher should be there to comfort the children and allow them to express their thoughts and concerns. Preschool-age children may feel helpless and frightened about being separated from a parent or other caregiver. Teachers can help relieve their anxieties by providing reassurance and physical closeness (p.202).
When we consider the possibilities of a disaster involving fires and explosions, it is necessary to have a plan in place. Fire or explosions are a potential threat to any facility and could happen at any time without warning. Fire is the most likely disaster to occur (p.205). Everyone in the area of the fire and also the surrounding counties are at risk, therefore precautions must be prepared in advance. Fire and explosions may start in a building or on the outside. Since my preschool classroom is in a rural area in Georgia, it is possible that a fire or explosion could quickly get out of control and become a threat to my school. If the fire comes from within the school, it is crucial to have a warning system. The school should ensure that the alarm system is in good working order, and in the event that it should not work, an alternate signal should be available (PEMA, 2003).
Fires and explosions can cause great bodily harm through burns and/or smoke inhalation. They could even result in death. All people and animals in close proximity of a fire or explosion are at risk for injury, therefore a fire or explosion can put many in danger. If my colleagues and I do not have an evacuation plan and disaster kits in place, then we are putting the children and staff at risk and without any protection.
To prepare for the event of a fire or explosion my colleagues and I need to ensure that we have the proper, working equipment and that it is in good repair. Staff members and children should be familiar with the location and operation of alarm and extinguishers (PEMA, 2003). All equipment, such as extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and fire doors should be routinely maintenance and should comply with state and municipal ordinances (PEMA, 2003). Fire extinguishers should be visible, and all emergency exits should be clearly marked (Robertson, 2010, p.199). All staff should be trained and become knowledgeable of the different types of potential fire threats and the different materials and equipment that we should have on hand in order to combat the type of fire threat (PEMA, 2003). Teachers should share this information with the families also.
My school’s fire safety plan should include an alarm, evacuation plan, notifying the fire department, and if we have time, close all the windows (PEMA, 2003). Teachers should arrange for the fire department to visit several times a year to explain about fires and the procedures to respond to them (Robertson, 2010, p.205). Fire drills should be offered monthly. In the preschool setting, children should be gotten to safety by evacuating the building and going to a safe place previously agreed upon that the parents are aware of (p.204). There should be a system in place for knowing which children and teachers are present in the preschool at all times (p.204). Teachers should provide written information to parents giving details of evacuation procedures, a safe place to meet, and how the preschool will respond to emergencies (p.206).
Disasters such as hurricanes and fires can put many people at risk for injury. However, with proper plans and procedures in place, the early childhood education environment can be prepared for these types of disasters. Teachers, staff and families must work together for the benefit of the children to establish disaster plans that could save many lives.


References
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Bureau of Plans. (2003). Day Care Facilities Emergency Planning Guide. Retrieved June 19, 2010 from, http://www.pema.state.pa.us/pema/lib/pema/daycareplanningtoolkit/day_care_facilities_planning_guide.pdf
Robertson, C. (2010, 2007). Safety, Nutrition, and Health in Early Education (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning