Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

            Preparation and education are vital when it comes to emergency disasters or 
situations. The first disaster scenario I chose to evaluate is a severe thunderstorm quickly developing outside a New Jersey early education center located on the shore which is responsible for toddler and preschool age children. There are a wide variety of dangers associated with thunderstorms putting at risk any individual and property located in the area a storm may occur. One of the main dangers associated with thunderstorms is the risk for lightening. "Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes" (American Red Cross,2015). Lightening does not only strike and kill individuals, it also has the ability to strike trees, homes, buildings etc. potentially causing injury, damage or producing a fire. Another possible effect of a thunderstorm is the production of heavy rainfall, which can lead to flash flooding. High winds are also present during a thunderstorm which can result in branches/trees to fall, and utility pole damage likely resulting in power outages. Flash floods and heavy winds also have the potential to threaten the structure of homes and building.

            It is important for all individuals to be prepared for the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm. Childcare professionals need to be prepared for the occurrence of a thunderstorm so they can insure the safety of all the children they are responsible for. If early education professionals are not prepared prior to an emergency children are most at risk and vulnerable to injury. If childcare centers are not properly prepared it could result in damage to the building, equipment, children or teachers.

            Childcare professionals must continuously check for anything that may be a potential risk or danger to the children in their care. Professionals should actively check the weather to insure they are aware of any possible emergencies. Any signs of a possible storm such as darkening, thunder, increased wind etc. should be taken seriously. If there is any chance of severe weather all outdoor activities should be forgone.

            Every childcare center should have a mitigation measure in place to insure they are sufficiently prepared in the instance a disaster occurs. All childcare professionals should be aware of the emergency warning system that is used in their area. Secondly a safe area should be designated for staff and children to gather in while the storm is occurring. The safe area should be a place with no glass openings and away from windows because of the lightening and strong winds. All staff member should also be trained and certified in first aid. An emergency preparedness kit should also be kept at the center, and regularly examined to make sure nothing is out dated. The emergency preparation kit should consists of items such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, battery, personal hygiene items, phones, emergency contact information for all children, medication. It is also important that all information is written down so it can be accessed in the case of a power outage.

            Severe weather presents not just the potential complications created by the disaster itself but also as a result of. One complication of severe weather occurring is parents may not be able to pick up their children at their normal time because of the storm. During their first week at the center, all parents should receive a detailed handout with planned procedures if severe weather occurs. The childcare center should be equipped with a land line phone that does not require electricity to operate so childcare professionals and parents can communicate about any changes or issues resulting from the weather. All emergency contact information for children's families should be written on emergency cards that are accessible during a power outage. Power outages may also limit communication between the parents and education center. Another issue that is likely to occur is an emotional response from the children, ex. upset or fearful. It is important that the childcare professionals have a successful plan in place to handle emergency situations so the children continue to feel secure and safe despite that has taken place.

            The second disaster scenario I decided to evaluate is a human-generated disaster, an active shooter is present on a college campus that houses an early childhood education program. Unfortunately today we do not only have to be prepared for natural disasters but also ones caused by individuals intending to do harm. All individuals located in the vicinity of where the terrorism is occurring is potentially at risk. Even if the early education center, the children, or staff are not the primary target everyone is at risk of being a target of their negative actions.

            When assessing the risk of a situation it is important to remember that any suspicious or potentially terroristic activity should be reported to the local authoritative. The majority of human-generated disasters occur without warning making it critical to have an advance plan in place. The first step in preparation is evaluating the community role the facility plays in the community. The center should also coordinate and have a plan in place with local law enforcement in case any suspicious activity occurs. Childcare professionals should regularly check the HSAS level of a nation to gage any activities appropriately. It is essential that anyone responsible for the safety of children constantly be proactive about surveying the surrounding area for any type of unusual person or thing.

            The response to a human-generated disaster will vary depending on the act present. During an instance of an armed intruder or hostage situation, professionals are advised to call for help and get the children to a safe location. If a bomb or any unknown package that has the potential to be is present, evacuate the building immediately. Since we can never be certain what the final plan is for any type of terroristic plan it is important all childcare professionals work together in any situation that may occur to make the appropriate decisions to keep every child safe. Childcare staff must be fully prepared with a detailed plan preparing them for any possible outcomes.

            Having a detailed plan is important in childcare facilities as well as at home. Teaching children how to properly be prepared for an emergency at home, will help them be equipped if something occurred while away from home. Families should work with childcare staff to make sure all emergency instructions including but not limited to, contact information, medication are correct and up to date. Families should also designate a safe place to meet in case of an emergency, where they take attendance to determine if all members of the family are accounted for and safe, for example the family may designate a tree a safe distance from the house as a meeting destination in the instance a fire occurs, or the basement for a tornado.  I would involve families by encouraging them to talk with and educate their children at home about the possibility of an emergency happening so if it did occur they felt more confidant that they are prepared. It is also important that parents complete an authorization for the facility to keep on file that give the facility permission to release the child to the approved family  member or friend in case an emergency occurs and the child's parent is unable to pick up their child up at the time. 

References:

"American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters." American Red Cross. N.p., n.d. Web.

            12 Sept. 2015.

Bureau of Plans. "DAY CARE FACILITIES EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE." (n.d.): 13- 21. Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Aug. 2013. Web.

"New Jersey Severe Storm (DR-4231) | FEMA.gov." New Jersey Severe Storm (DR-4231) |

            FEMA.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2015.

Robertson, C. (2013). Safety, nutrition, and health in early education (5th ed.). Belmont, CA:

            Wadsworth/Cengage Learning