PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES

 SELECT ASSEMBLY POINTS. Identify at least two safe assembly points. A safe assembly area may be a neighbour’s house, a shop, or a vacant outdoor space – this will depend on the geographic area in which the service is situated.

 SELECT AND CLEARLY MARK EXITS FROM THE BUILDING. Ensure that these are always kept clear. If back gates are kept locked, ensure a key is available.

 CHOOSE A ROUTE TO THE ASSEMBLY LOCATION. Ideally the assemble point will be within easy walking distance.

 DECIDE WHAT SIGNAL WILL BE USED to alert everyone of the need to evacuate.

 DISCUSS THE PROCEDURE FOR GETTING CHILDREN TO THE ASSEMBLY POINT. Many services devise strategies that they hope will ensure an orderly progress to the assembly point, for example having children holding on to a rope or holding hands.

 ENSURE THAT A SYSTEM IS IN PLACE TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL PEOPLE, including children, carers and any parents, students and other people who may be visiting at the time of the emergency. A visitor sign-in/out book will help with this task.

 ACQUIRE A MOBILE TROLLEY/COT THAT WILL FIT THROUGH A STANDARD DOORWAY and that infants and toddlers can be put into, to evacuate them more quickly.

 PREPARE ‘EMERGENCY KITS’ one stored inside, the other outside) including items for both babies and older children such as non- perishable food and water, disposable cups, tissues, spare children’s clothing, baby bottles, formula, nappies, clothing, blankets, baby wipes and hand wipes. The kit should also contain a first aid kit, flash light, note pad and pens, scissors, a whistle, a mobile telephone, spare care keys, daily attendance records of children, telephone numbers of parents, the telephone number of nominated person for emergency contact for carers, the telephone number for management, the owner sponsor and the licensing authority

 ASSIGN ALL TEAM MEMBERS, INCLUDING RELIEF STAFF AND CASUALS, SPECIFIC ROLES As part of the preparation for emergencies, for example a person nominated to take charge of overall evacuation, a person nominated to take charge of evacuation of designated areas, a person nominated to search nominated areas, a person nominated to get the emergency kit. Each team member must know exactly what their role will be.

 MAKE ALL PARENTS AWARE OF THE EVACUATION PLAN and advise them to make a note of the assembly locations and emergency contact numbers, which can be kept at home and at work.

TRAINING  Ensure that carers are fully trained in the emergency procedures and are made aware of the importance of personal safety.  Carers must be aware that they should not take any unnecessary risks – carers will ideally act efficiently and remain calm.  Ensure that all carers, including relief staff and casuals, know the location of and how to use fire extinguishers and fire blankets  Ensure all carers are familiar with how to turn of utilities such as gas and electricity (if required)

DRILLS/PRACTICE Drills should be practised at different times of the day. Sleeping babies and toddlers should be included in evacuation drills. Evacuation drills must be conducted regularly to give children practice and to help carers identify key issues that need to be addressed in the event of a real emergency. There are some important points to consider:  Preparation will be the key to a successful response to an emergency. And there should be regular reviews of all procedures.  Teach older children to respond to a particular signal that is used only for emergency e.g. a special whistle.  Teach older children the “Stop, Drop and Roll’ drill.