Emergencies rarely send a save-the-date—and as Maryland child care providers, you know that being prepared isn’t just a requirement, it’s the ultimate act of care. From unexpected storms sweeping across the Chesapeake Bay to a #toddler who decides today is a great day to test gravity, having a solid Emergency Preparedness Plan (EOP) keeps everyone #safer and calmer.
But let’s be honest: updating your EOP can sometimes feel like wrestling with a three-year-old who skipped #nap time. So, let’s make this fun, simple, practical, and Maryland-specific—because keeping kids safe is serious, but learning about it doesn’t have to be.
Maryland’s child care regulations require every licensed program—family child care #homes and centers—to maintain an up-to-date Emergency Preparedness Plan. But beyond requirements, your EOP becomes your program’s superhero cape during:
Hurricanes and flooding on the coast
Tornado warnings in summer
Winter storms and power outages
Medical emergencies
Fire or hazardous materials situations
Unexpected community threats
Lost child scenarios
When things get chaotic, your EOP steps in and says:
“Relax. We’ve already planned for this.”
Think of your EOP as a guidebook that answers:
Identify emergencies most likely in your location—storms, power outages, medical situations, etc.
Assign roles:
Who grabs the #emergency kit?
Who gathers the children?
Who manages communication?
Maryland EOPs require defined evacuation routes, safe meeting areas, and off-site relocation spots.
Phone trees, group messages, backup contacts—because emergencies don’t respect cell tower signals.
Emergency drills can be scary. Calm voices, clear directions, and simple explanations help children feel secure.
Children learn best through #play, and #emergency- #preparedness is no different. A great tool to use is the Disaster Preparedness Activity Book for Children
With coloring pages, fun prompts, and simple #safety messages, it helps children understand emergencies without fear.
Your EOP is only as strong as your team’s training. Two popular ChildCareEd courses can help:
Check out the article “Ready and Resilient: The Importance of Emergency Preparedness”
It gives a helpful overview of why emergency planning matters and how being prepared empowers both children and providers.
Maryland recommends updating your plan:
Annually
Whenever you change your #staff
When you change facility layout or add new rooms
When licensing rules change
After any drill or real emergency where improvements are needed
Think of it like your fall leaf clean-up—you might not want to do it, but you’ll be so glad you did once the next storm rolls in.
You don’t need to redo the whole plan at once. Review one section each week.
Staff input #leads to stronger plans—and better preparedness.
Monthly drills aren’t just a requirement; they’re confidence-building moments.
At the front desk, in the emergency kit, on your phone—and at home.
Stickers or high-fives go a long way to help children associate safety with success.
Creating and updating your Maryland Emergency Preparedness Plan doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right tools, a little creativity, and ongoing training, you’ll build a program that’s ready for anything—rain, shine, snow, or surprise toddler acrobatics.
And remember: The more prepared you are, the calmer the children will be. Your confidence becomes their comfort.