How To Prepare For Extreme Cold Child Care Providers

"Attention Child Care Providers" The dangers of winter storms are the intense cold, snow, ice, breakdown of transportation due to road conditions, and disruption of electrical power. These conditions may incapacitate an area, making transportation difficult and disrupting utility services. Taking preventative action is your best defense against having extreme cold-weather conditions. Warning ? Snow and ice storm watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). When such weather threatens, listen and monitor a local radio/TV station for bulletins. Preparation ? Ensure the facility disaster and emergency plan is current and placed in every room used by children. Be sure to have a plan to: o Determine procedures for delayed openings, closings, and early releases. o Define indoor play facilities for gross motor development or outdoor play times. o Communicate proper clothing expectations program-wide and maintain supplies to accommodate children who come to the program with insufficiently warm clothing. o Prepare shelter-in-place procedures and materials in case children and staff must stay at the program for extended periods of time. ? Establish procedures for securing the facility against damage to utilities (frozen water pipes, etc.). ? If your program has transportation services, ensure facility vehicles have a winter car kit. Store shovels, ice, and other emergency supplies in case your vehicles are stuck in a winter storm. ? Prepare the facility's vehicles for emergency travel on ice and snow (tire chains, etc.). ? Check emergency and alternate utility sources. Possibly the greatest hazard in severe weather is the loss of electrical power and thus heat and light. ? Prepare to extend operations in case parents cannot travel to pick up their children. ? Make sure there is an emergency/disaster kit that contains bottled water and canned dried food that can be prepared without cooking in case of a power outage. ? Add the following supplies to your emergency/disaster supply kit: rock salt to melt ice on walkways; sand to improve traction; snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. ? Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe burstin                                                                                                                                                                    Drytech Restoration Services