Your Emergency Go-Bag: What Every Childcare Provider Needs on Hand - post

Disasters and emergencies rarely announce their arrival. Whether it's a sudden fire, a severe weather warning, a medical event, or a lockdown situation, childcare providers must be prepared to act swiftly and decisively. While evacuation plans and #emergency procedures are crucial, having a well-stocked "Go-Bag" – a portable kit ready for immediate deployment – can make a world of difference in those critical first minutes and hours. This isn't just a suggestion; it's an essential tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in your care when faced with the unexpected.

Why Every Provider Needs a Go-Bag

Imagine needing to evacuate your facility quickly. Do you have immediate access to emergency contacts? To first aid supplies? To basic necessities if you're displaced for several hours? A Go-Bag consolidates these essentials into one portable, easily accessible location. It ensures that critical information and supplies are not left behind in the rush or chaos of an emergency. It provides a measure of control and #preparedness in situations that often feel overwhelming. Ideally, each #classroom or distinct area should have its own Go-Bag, or a central, easily accessible main bag should be designated.

Building Your Essential Go-Bag: A Checklist

Your Go-Bag needs to be comprehensive yet portable. Tailor it to your specific needs (number/ages of children, common local emergencies), but ensure it covers these core categories:

1. Information & Communication: (Store in waterproof bags)

• Emergency Contact List: A hard copy list of all children currently in care, including names, birthdates, allergies, medical conditions, medication needs, and multiple parent/guardian/emergency contact numbers. Do not rely solely on electronic devices.
• Staff Contact List: A hard copy list of all staff members and their emergency contacts.
• Attendance Sheet: The current day's #attendance sheet (grab it on your way out if possible, or keep a copy in the bag updated daily/periodically).
• Emergency Plan/Evacuation Routes: Copies of your facility's emergency plans and maps.
• Reunification Plan: Clear instructions on where and how children will be reunited with #parents.
• Local Emergency Numbers: Beyond 911 – poison control, local police/fire non-emergency lines, licensing agency contact.
• Whistle: To get attention.
• Fully Charged Power Bank: For recharging cell phones.
• AM/FM Hand-Crank Radio: To receive emergency broadcasts if power and cell service are down.

2. First Aid & Medical Supplies:

• Comprehensive First Aid Kit: Much more than just bandages. Include gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, instant cold packs, tweezers, scissors, non-latex gloves, CPR breathing barrier, pain relievers (check policy on administration), etc. Ensure it's regularly checked and restocked.
• Prescription Medications: If facility policy and regulations allow, have a plan for #safely and quickly gathering essential prescription medications for children (e.g., EpiPens, inhalers) or ensure this is a primary task in your evacuation plan.
• Non-Prescription Items: Saline solution/eye wash, children’s antihistamine (check policy).
• Health Forms/Consents: Copies of children's #health forms and parental consents for emergency treatment.

3. Basic Needs & Comfort:

• Water: Small, individual bottles or pouches (calculate based on number of children/staff for at least a few hours).
• Non-Perishable Snacks: High-energy, non-allergenic options (granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks). Check expiration dates regularly.
• Diapers & Wipes: A supply sufficient for the infants/ #toddlers in your care.
• Formula & Bottles: If applicable (requires careful planning for storage and rotation).
• Comfort Items: Small, simple items like a few small #books, crayons, paper, or a couple of soft toys can provide immense comfort and distraction during a #stressful time.
• Emergency Blankets: Lightweight Mylar space blankets.
• Trash Bags: For sanitation and many other uses.
• Tissues/Paper Towels:

4. Tools & Safety:

• Flashlight (LED) & Extra Batteries: Hand-crank flashlights are also a good option.
• Multi-Tool: A basic Swiss Army-style knife or multi-tool.
• Work Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves for protection if moving debris.
• Dust Masks: To protect against airborne particles.
• Duct Tape: For quick repairs or securing items.

Maintenance and Practice: Keeping Your Go-Bag Ready

A Go-Bag is useless if it’s outdated or inaccessible.

• Location: Store it in a clearly marked, easily accessible location near an exit. Ensure all staff know where it is.
• Regular Checks: Designate someone to check the Go-Bag at least every 3-6 months. Replace expired food, water, medications, and batteries. Update contact lists whenever enrollment changes.
• Practice: Incorporate grabbing the Go-Bag into your emergency drills. Staff should know who is responsible for it during an evacuation.

No one wants to imagine using an emergency Go-Bag, but preparation is key to resilience. By thoughtfully assembling and maintaining this vital tool, you are taking a crucial step towards ensuring you can protect, care for, and comfort the children you serve, even when faced with the most challenging circumstances. It’s an investment in safety, peace of mind, and professional responsibility.

References:

• Ready.gov (FEMA) - Build A Kit: https://www.ready.gov/kit
• American Red Cross - Emergency Kits: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
• Child Care Aware® of America - Emergency Preparedness: https://www.childcareaware.org/our-issues/health-safety/emergency-preparedness/

#emergency-preparedness

#staff-should

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#cpr