Emergency Preparedness in Wisconsin Child Care: What to Have, Practice, and Document - post

Every day you care for children you are also their first line of safety. This short guide helps Wisconsin child care providers and directors know what to have ready, how to practice it, and what to write down. Keep steps simple, use ready-made tools, and remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency. Use the links below to get templates and training from ChildCareEd and trusted partners.

Why does emergency preparedness matter for my program?

1. Safety and calm: A clear plan helps staff act fast and stay calm. Children feel safer when adults know what to do. This builds trust with families and staff.

2. Faster reunification: Good planning helps return children to families quickly after an event. The CDC offers helpful tips about reunification logistics and why they matter in a crisis, as part of reunification guidance.

3. Meet rules and get training: Many programs need an emergency plan and drills. ChildCareEd explains why plans and training are required and offers courses like Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

Why it matters: When a tornado, fire, lock down, or power outage happens, practiced routines protect children, reduce injury, and help your program reopen faster. Prepared staff are less stressed and more effective. Being ready is an act of care.

What supplies and documents should I have on hand?

1. Basic supplies
   • 💧 Water and non-perishable snacks (enough for a few hours).
   • 🔦 Flashlight, batteries, hand-crank radio. See the Red Cross kit list at Red Cross.
2. Medical & first aid
   • 🩹 First aid kit, gloves, CPR barrier, and child medicines (per your policy).
   • Keep prescriptions like EpiPens or inhalers ready and labeled.
3. Information & forms
   • 📋 Current emergency forms for each child (contacts, allergies, permissions). Use ChildCareEd templates such as Child Care Emergency Form and Emergency Form (All Ages).
4. Go-Bag and classroom kit
   • 🎒 A grab-and-go bag with the daily attendance sheet, a class roster, copies of plans, and chargers. See Go-Bag checklist.
5. Reunification & communication
   • 📱 Phone tree, out-of-state contact, written reunification plan. The CDC and ChildCareEd explain reunification steps; see CDC reunification and ChildCareEd resources like the Sample Childcare Emergency Action Plan.

Keep one kit per classroom and one main Go-Bag near an exit. Store forms in the classroom, office, and a waterproof copy in the Go-Bag. Update items and documents at least every 3–6 months and when families change info. These steps help your #GoBag and program stay ready.

How often should staff and children practice drills and trainings?

1. Schedule: Practice regularly. At minimum: monthly fire drills and quarterly shelter/lockdown drills are good habits. ChildCareEd recommends drills and trainings in its course materials: see what every provider should know.

2. Train the team

• 🧑‍🏫 New staff get full training at hire. Refresher training for all staff at least yearly, plus drills after holidays or staff changes.
• 🔁 Practice roles: who takes the attendance, who grabs the Go-Bag, who calls 911, who leads reunification?

3. Practice with children

• 🎶 Use calm, simple language. Teach steps by song or routine so young children remember what to do.
• Role-play and repeat so children learn without fear. The CDC advises age-appropriate practice to reduce anxiety; see CDC guidance.

4. Debrief and improve

• 📝 After each drill, document date, time, who participated, and lessons learned. ChildCareEd shows how to use drill notes to revise plans in Creating and Practicing Safety Protocols.

What should I document, share, and keep for licensing and families?

Good records show you practiced and help during inspections or real events. Keep records in three groups:

1. Plans and policies
   • 🗂️ Written emergency plan (evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown). Use ChildCareEd's sample plan to get started: Sample Childcare Emergency Action Plan.
2. Drill logs and staff training
   • 📆 Log each drill: date, time, type, who led it, time to clear, problems found, and corrective steps. Keep staff training certificates (CPR, first aid, emergency course completion like ChildCareEd course).
3. Child records and reunification lists
   • 📋 Keep each child's emergency form, health info, and signed medical consent in the classroom, office, and Go-Bag. Use templates like Child Care Emergency Form.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❗ Outdated contact numbers or missing signatures.
• ❗ Kits stored out of reach or not checked for expired food/meds.
• ❗ Drills without documentation or follow-up fixes.

Use checklists from ChildCareEd like the Emergency Supply List and the First Aid Kit Checklist to avoid these mistakes. Keep records organized and easy to access for inspectors and families. Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

FAQ (quick):

1. Q: How often update emergency forms? A: At enrollment, then every 3–6 months or when info changes.
2. Q: Who should have a Go-Bag? A: Every classroom and an office bag near exits.
3. Q: Should families be told about drills? A: Yes — tell families planned drill dates and your reunification site.
4. Q: Where to get training? A: ChildCareEd offers online and live courses; see their course page.

Summary

1. Have: emergency kits, medical supplies, Go-Bags, and clear child emergency forms. Use ChildCareEd templates and the Red Cross/FEMA lists for packing.

2. Practice: teach staff and children, run drills, and debrief. Keep calm, short drills so young children learn without fear.

3. Document: keep written plans, drill logs, and current child forms in the classroom, office, and Go-Bag. Use checklists and trainings to meet best practices and licensing rules. Remember to check state rules: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

Staying ready is caring. Your planning, practice, and records protect children and give families confidence in your program. Use the linked ChildCareEd resources for templates and training to make the work easier and stronger. Keep your #emergency plan simple, practice #drills often, focus on #reunification, and keep your #GoBag stocked — these steps show strong #preparedness in action.