Thursday, April 6, 2017

Section 2: Emergency Preparedness: Natural and Human-Generated Disasters

•           Describe each of the disaster scenarios you have chosen (such as a hurricane that has quickly developed in your area) and a real or hypothetical early childhood setting (such as a Head Start program housed on a university campus near the coast). What are the main dangers posed by these situations? Who is at risk?

A 4 point 2 earth quake stuck the coast of California on Tuesday at World of Love Academy. The building shook for about 10 minutes causing of structure damage. In two of the main preschool rooms, cafeteria and hall way it left a lot of debris blocking the entry way. the teachers and children were trapped in the room until authorizes came on the scene.

A tornado tore through the hills of Eastern Virgin county injuring 5 children at Helping Hands School. The storm developed ping pong sized hail balls with dangerous winds. The school was left without power and was completely destroyed according to authorities.

The teachers, directors and children are at risk from these natural disasters. They can be faces with possible injuries ranging from minor to critical.




•           Explain why you and your colleagues should be prepared. What are the consequences of not being prepared?

“Effective planning and response is achieved by coordination, cooperation and the participation of, individuals and the community at large”( Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003) . Being prepared for natural disaster in an emergency can develop awareness and what measure to take. The teachers will know the evacuation plans to take to secure safety. Yes, it is imperative that children practice drills and know what to expect.  How would you practice tornado drills?  Where would you go and what position to you have child get into?

Role playing helps prepare children to act in unsafe or dangerous situations. It is a preventive tool that allows children to be better equipped in a real emergency. Drills for fires, earthquakes, and other types of disasters are practiced on a regular basis in many early childhood education environments.
Planning frequently drills can allow everyone to get familiar with the process. You will know how to call, what to do and where to go. Preparation will be handy if you need water, food and medication for yourself or children.

When you do not plan for emergencies it leaves liability and everyone life can be in jeopardy.  No one will be familiar with what to do causing confusion and anxiety.

•           Summarize the appropriate steps you would take to develop a plan in advance for this disaster and how you would deal with it if it occurs.

“You must keep in mind that the plan must be specific enough to give directions for immediate action, but flexible enough to allow for changes as unexpected situations develop” (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency , 2003) .
When developing, a disaster plan the following steps can be consider and should include:

•           Accommodation for teacher, families or children.
•           What alterative shelter is nearby I case the building becomes unsuitable.
•           Emergency information on each child should be in a place that is assessable to get contact with parents / caregivers.
•           How will the daycare receive commutation if all phone line go down.
•           What are everyone’s role in the disaster and how will they response.
•           Emergency supplies needed water, food, first aid kit, batteries, hearing aids.
•           Emergency numbers for police, posing control, fire and rescue these number should be posted in every room.

When a natural disaster occurs:
•           Remain calm, when you remain calm you will allow yourself to think through everyone fine.
•           Secure the safety for the staff and child.
•           Check for possible hazards to can cause a life threating situation.
•           Before you leave any building check to make sure that there is no debris from the building that could fall on you (The American National Red Cross, 2017).
•           If needed evacuate have everyone get out in as quick and orderly manner.
•           Use community help such as; the American Red Cross, family, friends and churches. allow them to make phone calls, comfort the children, provide transportation.
•           Stay with the child until parents or emergency help arrives. Accompany child if parents are to meet the child at the emergency care site (Robertson, C 2016).



Reference :
Robertson, C. (2016)  Safety, Nutrition and Health in Early Education, 6th Edition.
American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/.
Day Care Facilities Emergency Planning Guide.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 2003.

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