November 2011
Hurricane Preparedness Plans
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is working to ensure child care providers have emergency preparedness plans in the event of a natural disaster, and that they report the whereabouts and condition of children in their care after an evacuation. In the event of an impending disaster, DFPS will add a special hurricane or disaster information box to the home page of the DFPS web site (http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/) to provide information to caregivers.
In order to ensure the safety of the children in your care, carefully review your disaster plans and the minimum standards as they apply to your facility types.
Be Prepared:
Find a Safe Location: Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your location for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be at your facility or home but within your community.
Know Escape Routes &Transportation Plans: Determine escape routes from your location, means of transportation to safe location (if any), method to accurately account for each child in care, meeting points, and methods for communication.
Share Emergency Preparedness Plans with all Staff Members
Emergency Contact Information: Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Fill Vehicle Fuel Tanks
Remember to Secure your Electronic Equipment
Notes:
Emergency Supply Checklist: Keep these items packed and ready in case of an emergency. If emergency supplies cannot be stored in your safe location, be sure that they can be quickly gathered and easily transported. Be sure to take inventory at least twice a year to ensure that expired items are replaced and that the supplies are up-to-date.
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
foods for infants or the elderly
snack foods
non-electric can opener
cooking tools / fuel
paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit
Medicines
Prescription Drugs
Gloves (Latex/Medical Style)
Special Items - for babies or children with special needs
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set. Emergency contact numbers for parents and guardians of all enrolled children.
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) may not be available for extended periods.
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Trash bags and Ziploc® bags
Other Items
Additional Notes:
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