EMERGENCY AND ACCIDENT POLICY

Policy 25.0

EMERGENCY POLICY AND PROCEDURE

It is the responsibility of St. Mary’s School Begin Program to prepare plans whereby the facility, or parts thereof, can be evacuated quickly in the case of an emergency. Causes for evacuation could be fire, bomb threats, explosion, flood, severe thunderstorm, severe winter storm, hurricane, tornado, toxic fumes, electrical failure or structural failure. In an emergency, evacuation of St. Mary’s School Begin Program should proceed as rapidly and safely as possible.

 

The plan shall be developed considering three scenarios of evacuation. Those being:

1. In-place evacuation: Keeping children and staff members in place but securing location for the emergency at hand. Example: (tornado and chemical release)
2. On-site evacuation: Movement of children and staff members out of buildings affected and relocated to other areas on campus.
3. Off-site evacuation: Movement of part or all children and staff members off campus to another designated area.

These plans shall include:

1. Authority
2. Evacuation Routes
3. Evacuation Procedures/locations
4. Evacuation of Handicapped
5. Collection points
6. Accounting of Personnel
7. Assignment of Responsibilities

 

1. The Principal shall be presented with the completed plan and shall review for approval. The plan shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
2. Each employee at the facility shall be made familiar with the plan and trained in his/her responsibilities within the plan annually. New employees shall receive this review during their orientation period.
3. Each child, if of capable age, shall receive training concerning emergency evacuation procedures during their orientation period.
4. Floor plans shall be developed for each area and posted in public view showing exits and directional paths for traffic flow.
5. Fire drills will be held monthly. The facility management conducts fire drills monthly and staff actively participates in these drills.
6. Tornado drills are held monthly between April and September.

 

General Information

1. The safety of the children and staff members at St. Mary’s School Begin Program is the highest priority. The purpose of this directive is to provide procedures to be followed by the staff members of Morris Area Childcare Center to insure the safety of its children and staff members in the event of an emergency.
2. In the event of an emergency the Child Care Facility Principal (or his/her designee) will be notified as soon as possible regarding the situation and the response on it.
3. In the event of an emergency the Child Care Facility Principal, or designee, may require that all staff members on duty remain at work or return to work until the situation is no longer deemed an emergency.

Policy 25.1

FIRE

Prevent Fires

The BEGIN PROGRAM uses the following procedures/guidelines:

1. Staff shall not engage in activities which involve using open flames.
2. The BEGIN PROGRAM currently has all meals catered by the St. Mary’s School Lunch Program.
3. The BEGIN PROGRAM is located within St. Mary’s School and has a working fire alert system.
4. Staff’s personal belongings such as bags, purses and jackets must be kept in a place that is not accessible to children.
5. Fire exits shall not be covered with flammable materials.
6. Primary and Secondary exits must not be blocked.
7. Monthly fire drills shall be conducted and documented with date and time to ensure that all children know what to do in case of fire emergency. Program Principal and all staff will be educated on fire safety and prevention procedures during new hire orientation and annually thereafter. The drills are complete even during our colder seasons.
8. No smoking is allowed on BEGIN PROGRAM grounds.
9. Enrolled children shall be educated on the dangers of fire and fire prevention.
10. Primary and secondary exits, evacuation routes and emergency phone numbers must be posted in each classroom.
11. The phone number for fire emergency (911) must be clearly posted near the telephone and any number necessary to obtain an outside line where needed.

 

The Lead Teacher shall lead the children to a designated spot and wait for the signal to reenter the building.  If the building is on fire, all children and adults shall be taken to a designated safe area to await transport home.  The teacher shall remain to provide necessary information to the fire department.

 

Every employee and volunteer in the Center must become familiar with the location and the use of the fire extinguishers and fire signal in every room.  IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ADULTS REMAIN CALM AND REASSURE CHILDREN DURING ANY EMERGENCY.

 

Fire Extinguisher (Small Fire)

If the fire is small, any of the facility’s fire extinguishers may be used to put it out, if the staff member has received proper training. Although there should be no hesitation regarding the use of fire extinguishers, the fighting of any fire by staff members should be undertaken only if there is no imminent danger. Each staff member is responsible for becoming familiar with the use of fire extinguishers (if so required by the facility).

The fire extinguishers are located as follows:

1. In faculty lounge room (just outside of the classroom)
2. Outside wall of Kindergarten room

 

NOTE: An aid on “how to use the fire extinguisher” is attached

 

Large fire or alarms are activated:

1. Evacuate the area of the fire (always stay low as smoke and heated gasses collect near the ceiling first). Evacuation route (including primary and secondary exits) is attached and located in each classroom.
   1. The Head Teacher in each classroom is responsible for collecting classroom roster and first aid kit.
   2. The secondary aide will assist the Head Teacher in the evacuation of children.
   3. Any additional staff on hand will assist with students.
2. All windows and doors in the facility should be closed, and all electrical switches and breakers turned off. However, do not waste time doing this if the condition is an emergency.
3. Head Teacher makes certain that all children and staff members are accounted for and safe. Move to other locations as required.
   1. Pre-K: exit using the door in the pre-k room and go through the parking lot to the fence.
4. If a fire deemed in any way to be a threat to the safety of the children or the staff members call for evacuation to the outside area, away from the building. Everyone will move further from the building to a common meeting area in the Morris Evangelical Free Church parking lot
5. Call 911 if not already done so, indicating the need for assistance from the fire department and law enforcement.
6. The facility Principal, or designee, will designate a person, or persons, to go to the nearest intersection to direct the fire department vehicles to the scene.
7. Upon the arrival of the fire department the facility Principal, or designee, shall establish contact with the senior fire department official and coordinate subsequent activities with him or her.
8. Any of the steps above may be done simultaneously as the number of staff members on duty permits. The decision not to follow any of these steps is justifiable only when there is certainty that there is imminent danger.

NOTE: Evacuation Routes attached

 

The nature of the fire is a key factor in determining a course of action. Smoke color may indicate the potential danger of the situation as follows:

1. Yellow smoke may indicate the presence of toxic gases. Evacuation should proceed immediately, and no effort should be made to extinguish the flame.
2. Gray smoke with brown wisps is indicative of any electrical fire. Again the area should be evacuated immediately, and all should stay clear of the area.
3. Gray-black smoke is indicative of a primary fire. The first priority remains evacuation of the immediate area. Staff members may attempt to extinguish the fire only if there is no severe danger of smoke inhalation.

 

NOTE: Ensure that no re-entry is attempted until authorized by the fire department

 

 

Policy 25.2

TORNADO/SEVERE WEATHER WATCHES AND WARNING

The safe place designated by the Facility Principal is the: crib room in the Infant Room. Tornado/severe weather warnings are practiced every month from April to September.

 

Tornado

1. All children will be moved to the designated location.
2. Head teacher is responsible for the attendance sheets and first aid kit in each room
3. Maintain flashlight and voice contact among staff members at all times.
4. Direct all children to keep down on their knees with their head between their legs covering their head with their hands.
5. Advise all children to wear their shoes.
6. Make sure to do a head count before moving to a safe place, after arriving at a safe place, and after leaving the designated area.

After absolutely certain that the storm has passed, after the watch has been lifted

1. Staff members should do a head count.
2. Provide any necessary first aid and call 911 for assistance as needed.
3. Check the complete building for any damages such as fire, water, or structural.
4. Turn on and test utilities.
5. Notify the Principal as soon as possible with update of conditions.
6. Notify West Wind Village maintenance (ext 7928) that services are needed.

Tornado drills are conducted from April to September and are documented with times and dates.

 

Tornado WATCH

1. Take all precautions included in a Thunderstorm Watch and in addition:
2. Upon approach of thunderstorms, cease any outdoor activity that would delay the seeking of shelter.
3. Monitor sky conditions. If you see a dark, funnel shaped cloud seek shelter and if possible, call 911 and report it.
4. Gather emergency kit, first aid kit, and classroom attendance to prepare for evacuation

 

Tornado WARNING

1. Monitor radio / TV continuously.
2. Monitor sky conditions continuously. If you see a dark, funnel shaped cloud seek shelter and if possible, call 911 and report it.
3. Turn off all utilities if time permits.
4. Move all staff members and children to designated location: crib room in the Infant Room

 

Severe Thunderstorm WATCH

1. Advise all staff members of the weather condition.
2. Monitor radio / television news for updates and/or the NOAA Weather Radio.
3. Modify outdoor activities to ensure that relatively quick access to shelter is available
4. Gather emergency kit, first aid kit, and classroom attendance to prepare for evacuation

 

Severe Thunderstorm WARNING

1. Advise all staff members of the weather condition.
2. Monitor radio / television news for updates and/or NOAA Weather Radio.
3. Terminate outdoor activities and seek shelter.
4. Monitor sky conditions. If you see a dark, funnel shaped cloud, seek shelter and if possible, call 911 and report it.

 

Policy 25.3

BLIZZARD

In case of a blizzard and the Program Principal has made the decision to close the facility, the staff of St. Mary’s School Begin Program will make attempts to contact the parents.

1. The parents will be asked to pick up their children if they can safely do so.
2. If the parent can NOT safely pick up their children we will contact the emergency contact to verify if they are able to retrieve the child safely.
3. If the parent or any emergency contact can NOT safely retrieve the children then the children will remain at the facility until it is safe to do so

If staff or children are not able to return home safely then they will remain at the facility and maintain ratios 100% of the time including 100% sight and sound.

 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ACCIDENTS

Evacuate the area immediately.

1. Do not turn any electrical switches on or off.
2. Eliminate all open flames.
3. Evacuation should be to an area (if possible) upwind and uphill of the facility.
4. Call 911, and report that there has been a Hazardous Materials Spill.
5. Do not attempt to contain, touch, or identify (if unknown) the hazardous material.
6. Do not attempt to rescue someone who has been overcome by fumes.
7. If a child or staff member has had contact with chemicals, the chemicals should be washed off immediately.
8. Do not return to the building until authorized to do so by the fire department.

 

FLOOD PLAN

1. When Flash Flood conditions are forecast, the following guidelines shall be used:
2. Contact the on duty supervisor and / or the facility Principal.
3. Monitor television, radio, and/or NOAA Weather Radio for forecast updates.
4. Store chemicals where flood waters cannot reach them and cause contamination.
5. Make preparations to move children and staff members in the event that evacuation is needed.

Safe area to be evacuated to is: West Wind Village Café or wherever with the in the facility that is safe.

Safe Route there is: Follow the connecting hallway to a safe area that is established

 

Evacuation

1. If the facility is in a low lying area venerable to flooding, evacuation will be immediate.
2. Evacuation is to follow the safest route possible (listen to weather and news reports for routes). Maintain voice contact among staff members and ensure all children and staff members are accounted for.
3. If time and conditions permit, unplug all electrical appliances.
4. All loose outdoor articles are to be brought in or tied down.
5. Lock all doors.

 

 

 

Policy 25.4

MISSING PERSONS

Should a child be missing, the following should be done:

1. Lead Teacher will lock down their respective room and take attendance.
2. Then a secondary group or person will search the building and grounds completely.
3. If the child is still not found in a reasonable time, the police and parents will be notified immediately.
4. Incident reports should be completed by staffed in the supervision of the missing child.

 

RELEASING A CHILD

St. Mary’s School Begin Program must maintain safety of enrolled children in the event that the person who comes to pick up the child will not provide safe care and/or transportation.  If a staff member is not sure of the identity of the person who is there to pick up the child the parent or guardian must provide identification and the staff member MUST verify they are listed on the “People Authorized to Pick Up List” found on the Enrollment Form which can be found in the classroom binder or in the first aid kit in each room.

1. If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child, the staff at BEGIN PROGRAM must not send the child with him/her.  Parent/guardian or emergency contact person must be notified and before the child is released, written verification from the parent/guardian authorizing the pick up must be obtained (this can be done with email or text upon exception).
2. If a person who is incapacitated attempts to pick up a child, the staff at BEGIN PROGRAM must not send the child with him/her.  Parent/guardian or emergency contact person must be notified and proper authorities or medical personnel must be called to assist the incapacitated person.
3. If a person who is suspected of abuse attempts to pick up a child, the child protection worker and/or law officials must be notified immediately.  Depending on the situation, the child must not be sent with the suspected abuser and the child’s parent/guardian or emergency contact person must also be notified immediately.
4. If no one comes to pick up a child, the staff must attempt to reach the parent/guardian and emergency contact persons.  If the staff is unable to reach any of those contacts, the center Principal must be notified immediately.  The staff is to remain at the center until the program Principal can come and take over.  The Center Principal must notify appropriate authorities of the situation.

 

The staff will take the following action in the situations above to:

1. Prevent for the unauthorized or incapacitated person as long as they can protect themselves and the remaining children in the classroom
2. If the person will allow for other arrangements to be made for the care of the child or authorization then the staff member will call authorized emergency contacts to do so.

If the person will NOT allow for other arrangements to be made for care of the child or authorization than the staff member will notify the authorities (via 911) and emergency contacts in that order

 

 

Policy 25.5

BOMB THREATS

General Precautions

1. Any bomb threat should be treated as real until proven otherwise.
2. Unidentified or suspicious objects should be reported to the authorities. It should not be touched or moved.
3. Evacuation should be to an outdoor area as far from the building as safely possible. The area to be evacuated to should be searched quickly before evacuation.
4. Upon evacuation, all windows and doors should be left open, if possible, to minimize shock damage from blast.
5. Upon arrival of law enforcement authorities the facility Principal, or designee, will assist with search (i.e.: unlocking doors, identify strange or suspicious objects).
6. The appropriate authorities should be consulted prior to re-entry into the building.

 

Telephone Threat

The staff member that received the call should tell another staff member that a bomb threat is in progress so that:

1. The building may be immediately evacuated, and
2. Local Law Enforcement may be contacted via 911.

The receiver of the call should keep the caller on the line as long as possible.

 

Information should be recorded on the Bomb Threat Form as quickly as possible.

Information sheets are kept near each phone, or specifically record the following information:

1. a) The exact time the call was received. ____________________________
2. b) The caller’s exact words. _______________________________________
3. c) A description of the caller’s voice. ________________________________

 

If the receiver of the call has the time and opportunity he/she should ask the caller for:

1. a) The location of the bomb. _______________________________________
2. b) The exact time of explosion. _____________________________________
3. c) A description of the nature and appearance of the bomb. ______________
4. d) The caller’s name and their location. ______________________________

 

Written Threat

1. The staff member receiving the written threat should handle it as little as possible, (to preserve finger prints), and should save all materials including any envelope or other container.
2. Local Law Enforcement should be contacted first, followed by the facility’s Principal.
3. The building should be evacuated until it is determined that there is no longer a danger.
4. All materials involved in the threat should be turned over to the authorities.

 

 

Policy 25.6

UTILITIES AND MAINTENANCE EMERGENCIES

Gas Leak

1. If any staff member or children smells gas, act quickly.
2. Open windows immediately.
3. Call 911 and report the possible gas leak.
4. Do not turn any electrical switches on OR off. Eliminate all flames.
5. Check all gas taps and turn them off.
6. If necessary, turn off the gas main. Call West Wind Village Maintenance at Ext 7928
7. If the gas odor remains strong, evacuate the area immediately.
8. Do not return to the building until the fire department announces it is safe or other agency if the fire department refers you to an additional agency

 

Power Failure

1. The building’s emergency lights, if so equipped, should come on automatically. They are connected to the facilities emergency generator, or back up batteries, which will start automatically upon loss of power (if a generator is present and connected properly).
2. The center has 4 flash lights which are located in infant room, toddler room, and preschool room and in the office.
3. There are spare batteries located in the infant room.
4. A battery-operated radio is located Head Start (we share a weather radio) The radio may be used to monitor weather conditions, etc.
5. Stations are KMRS 1250 (AM)/KKOK 95.70 (FM)
6. In the event of a power failure, the staff members on duty should contact the following:

• Local Power Company. Phone:800-257-4044
• The Principal.

 

Loss of Water

1. There is an emergency supply of water located infant room. This water should be used sparingly, and only for emergency.
2. In the event of the loss of water, the staff members on duty should contact the following:
   1. Local Public Works (Only if loss of water is neither the result of a general power failure nor the result of an internal plumbing problem). Phone:320-589-3141
   2. The Principal.
   3. 3. If appropriate temps are not able to be maintain the center will be closed

 

Loss of Telephone Service

1. There are cellular phones located on the premise by several employees which may be used in the event that regular telephone service is disrupted. Use of the cellular phone is costly, however, and as such should be limited to absolute need.
2. In the event of loss of telephone services, the staff members on duty should contact the following:

• Local Telephone Company repairs service. (Only if loss of service is not the result of a general power failure).
• The Principal

 

 

Loss of Heating/Air Conditioning

1. Contact the facility Principal
2. The supervisor or staff member on duty should contact the installer of system and/or the company that services the units.
3. If appropriate temps are not able to be maintain the center will be closed

 

Plumbing Problems (Emergencies only)

1. Contact the facility Principal
2. The school maintenance staff.

 

Problems with Keys/Locks

1. Contact the Principal.
2. The school maintenance staff.