Emergency Practice Drills
We practice Fire Drills and other types of safety drills monthly.
During Practice Drills it is important to educate children about fire safety, including stop, drop, and roll. They need to understand the importance of knowing where to meet in case of an emergency. Additionally, they should be reminded to discuss with their parents where they should meet at their homes, in case of emergency.
We teach older children (generally 4 years and up) how to dial 9-1-1. This is also a great skill to practice at home (and to discuss that we only do this in REAL emergencies when our parents or provider can’t do it).
We teach Duck, Cover, and Hold when required to shelter in place
Emergency Response Plan
Shelter-In-Place Procedures at Cindy’s Kids (aka SIP)
Step 1: Shelter in Place Activated
If outside, go inside.
Shut and seal off doors and windows.
Everyone should stay away from doors and windows.
Step 2: Actively Wait for Instructions and More Information
As appropriate, follow the Duck. Cover, and Hold practice.
Step 3: Communication
Cindy will communicate with the Parents via text message.
Do not use voice calling unless its to call 911.
Do not open or unlock doors or windows.
Shelter in Place
In case of a storm or severe weather event, it is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Direct children and adults to the identified safe area near the bathroom and hallway, and exercise caution to avoid spaces with windows or free-standing walls.
Upon receiving a severe weather warning:
Promptly activate the Emergency Response Plan.
Initiate Shelter-in-Place Procedures.
Follow the Duck, Cover, and Hold Guidelines.
If possible, use a thickly folded bath towel or blanket to protect the back of the childrens’ neck and head.
After securing and verifying the safety of the interior, make preparations for Off-Site Evacuation if needed. Keep a vigilant eye on the conditions inside the home and outside. Stay tuned to emergency radio and weather bands for the latest updates. Evaluating any damage to the structure and the surrounding area is crucial to taking appropriate action.
Maintain responsibility for individuals’ medical needs and children's care.
Shelter in Place Supplies
Cindy’s Kids has a checklist it uses to assemble supplies for a SIP situation. We stockpile shelf-stable basic foods such as whole grain brown rice, beans, legumes, and noodles as well as canned goods, dried fruits, high energy foods, and packaged products that can be prepared with only hot water (which we can heat on a camp stove if needed). We stockpile water. We have a large hot water heater that we can also draw water from if necessary. We make sure to replace our stored water every six months or less. We store our water in tightly sealed blue drinking water 5-gallon containers made for this purpose. The containers are kept in the garage.
To prepare for emergencies, the facility will be well-stocked with abundant supplies, including food, water, bedding, and clothing, ensuring the comfort and well-being of both children and staff for extended durations. In the event of a power outage, swift alternative arrangements will be made to ensure the welfare of the children. Additional measures for warmth, such as body heat and blankets, will be utilized if necessary. Refrigeration-dependent medications like insulin will be stored using FRIO cooling cases to preserve their effectiveness for longer periods. Vital emergency supplies including flashlights, lanterns, and spare batteries will be readily accessible. Prioritize the well-being of the children in communication with parents, and we have transportation options such as wagons and strollers for situations where driving is not possible. In the event of limited access to the facility,we will post essential information on-site for easy reference. Ensure readiness to manage short-term power outages and potential delays in reuniting parents with their children.
The shelter-in-place room would depend upon the situation. We strive to have shelter-in-place supplies on hand in multiple places. Let us know if you need a list for your shelter-in-place kit.
Parents:
Do you have a designated shelter-in-place room at home?
Do you need more information about planning for a shelter-in-place emergency scenario?
If your child is at Cindy’s Kids and there is a real shelter-in-place event, please do NOT try to pick your child up.
Wait until the emergency is over.
Communicate with the PROVIDER via text message or telephone
Reunification Process
Upon receiving the "all-clear" signal after an emergency event, staff will continue to account for and document each child until they are released to someone authorized on the emergency contact sheet (on file with Cindy’s Kids) or to an identified disaster assistance person (for example the Red Cross or an ambulance).
Emergency Evacuation Information
Diagrams of escape routes are displayed near the EXITs.
Monthly fire drill practices are mandatory.
Staff must report details about participating children.
Fire Extinguishers are located in two places
1) outside under the sink
2) inside by the kitchen refrigerator
Evacuation Assembly Location
Next Door (Cindy’s son’s house) 4732 Serra Ct
near the front door.
Emergency Checklist:
Communicate the importance of following staff instructions.
Emphasize calm and quiet.
Children are to go outside and line up by the white fence.
Leave all items behind.
Shoes or jackets are not to be retrieved.
Locate 2 double strollers in the tub by the outside gate.
Grab the Emergency Backpack (Go Bag),
Confirm that children are holding onto the Go Bag lead rope handles or in a stroller (infants, toddlers).
Staff accounts for each child, searching rooms if necessary.
Proceed to the Evacuation Assembly Location.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Procedure for Fire Evacuation
Evacuate buildings using the nearest exit (PROVIDER/STAFF will take a headcount of the children and adults as they exit the program) and meet by the bench in the back. Kids should be told to listen to staff who will direct them to a safe place. PROVIDER/STAFF takes attendance. While PROVIDER sweeps buildings for any “lost” children as needed.
Call 911 (PROVIDER/STAFF) while taking attendance daily clipboard in hand.
Assess weather conditions and observe wind direction, move children as needed upwind of any smoke.
Assess whether to relocate to a farther Offsite Evacuation location.
The staff stays with the children until the completion of the evacuation
Notify licensing with an email. (If not a drill)
Prepare communications – local responders, media, parents, licensing, food program (Staff is not to communicate with media or post social media)
Loss of Utilities
In the event of a loss of heating, water, or electricity before the center's opening hours, Cindy’s Kids will promptly contact parents via text or call to notify them about the closure until the issue is resolved. If such a situation arises while children are in attendance, affecting our ability to provide safe and healthy child care or maintain full compliance with licensing regulations, Cindy’s Kids will inform parents and close the childcare until the situation is resolved. We recognize the urgency of the situation, which is why parents will be given a 30-minute window to make arrangements for pickup.
What to do when a gas leak is detected
Alert the entire school community and move to an upwind location immediately.
Don’t shut the valve off yourself (it could cause a spark).
Don’t flip electric switches or unplug anything, even if the light or appliance is on.
Don’t use a telephone or a cell phone, as it could be source of ignition.
Don’t start any vehicle or smoke anywhere near the vicinity of a gas leak.
Assessing a Bomb or Other Threat to Cindy’s Kids Facility/Persons
A bomb is considered a form of terrorism (so is any threat to the facility and/or its occupants). This type of threat is usually transmitted for one of the following reasons:
A person has a grudge against the facility or an individual and wants revenge (physical or psychological).
A person intends to disrupt the daily function of the facility.
A person intends to act against the facility or individuals during the active evacuation.
A person is aware of an explosive device or other threat of harm and wants the building evacuated to save lives.
A bomb or other threat can be received by phone, mail, email, electronically through social media sites or text/messaging means or it could even be delivered in person. Regardless of how it is delivered, we will assess the level of threat and take action to evacuate or shelter in place.
Procedure for a bomb threat delivered by phone:
1. While the person is on the phone, another adult will use another phone to dial 911. If it is possible, record the call.
2. After the person hangs up, wait for a dial tone, and if the caller ID does not disclose the phone number, use *57 to trace. Stay on the line to wait for the success of the trace.
3. Follow the directions of 911 while assessing the threat.
4. Document details of the threat including screenshots of the call and details of what was said.
Procedure for a bomb or other threat delivered in person or in writing:
1. Assess the threat. Contact either the FCC Carrier or non-emergency dispatch or 9-1-1.
2. Save the threat to your device either by downloading or taking a screenshot or multiple screenshots.
Winter Snow and Ice Closures
Cindy's Kids will follow Salem-Keizer School closures. In the case of bad weather, the district will announce as soon as possible if schools are closed, opening late, or letting out early. If no announcement is made, schools will follow their normal schedule.
I need to note my driveway is on a hill. It is nearly impossible to walk up it, especially carrying a baby if it is icey. I acknowledge it is unsafe. I ask you to respect Cindy’s Kids Closure and Not put yourself and the child at risk of falling on my property.
Lost child
In the event of a lost child, Cindy’s Kids will check all areas of the home if the child cannot be found within five minutes, the child's parents and/or emergency contact and the police will be notified immediately. Cindy’s Kids will notify the DHS/OCC within 24 hours after the occurrence.
Earthquake
If your inside
Stay inside
Take cover under a desk, table, or an inside doorway
Stay away from windows or anything that could fall on you such as shelves
Hold on tightly
If your outside
Stay outside, gather together (squishy)
Stay away from utility poles and trees if possible
Go under the play structure
Cover your head with your arms to protect from falling debris
After earthquake
Do a head count
Evaluate injuries
Call for medical help while administering first aid as needed
Listening to the news for more information
Release children only to those authorized on the emergency contact sheet or to an identified disaster assistance person (for example Red Cross)
Record when the child was released and to who and where they were going
Do not tie up phone lines, especially cell phones
Cindy’s kid's staff will remain until all children are picked up
Lockdown
Securing the children, staff, and visitors in protected spaces. This would be an example of violence in the neighborhood. Move the children to a central part of the building away from windows and doors. If Cindy’s Kids receives a threat to the building or its occupants (e.g., bomb threat, bodily injury threat, etc.), law enforcement, 911, and the parents will be immediately contacted to advise them of the threat. Depending on the nature of the threat, evacuation and/or closure may be required
Intruders
Upon the entry of an unauthorized individual into the premises, the designated staff members will promptly escort all children to the furthest section of the building, ensuring the closure and blockade of doors en route. The restroom facilities at Cindy’s Kids are designated for use as secure areas in such circumstances. Responsible adults will be tasked with ensuring the safe relocation of infants.
We have conducted drills for evacuating children to the designated bathroom area and have provided instructions on how to handle various emergency scenarios. In addition, we have discussed the possibility of discreetly and swiftly relocating to a secure external location through the bathroom window, following guidance from authorized adults. Scenarios requiring such action may include encounters with non-custodial individuals, people under the influence of substances, hostage situations, or the presence of an armed individual.
Evacuation Leaving the Cindy’s Kids building
Evacuation Sites
4732 Serra Ct NE Next door
Caesar Chavez school on Walker Rd
Kaiser Permanente on Lancaster / McKay High School
Oregon State Fairgrounds
We have “Go Bags” ready for any evacuation situation and are fully prepared to evacuate.
In the event of an evacuation where parents can’t reach the child care program and can’t receive texts or make calls as communications are down, we will leave messages at the closest Evacuation Site locations on our way to the Evacuation Site where you will reunite with your child/children.
We have taken the time to plan, prepare and practice so that during a true emergency, we can do our very best to keep your children safe until they can be reunited with you and their family. Make sure that you do the same for your family. Remember that you may have other family members that will not be here with us.
Parents: How will you coordinate reunification with all the family members you have?
At Cindy’s Kids we have taken steps to prepare for emergencies by prepping emergency supplies and resources as well as planning mitigation strategies to reduce the severity of the emergency and its impact on your child/children and our program. Our goal is to be able to serve throughout an emergency so long as we can follow licensing regulations and keep your child/children healthy, safe and well.
Cindy’s Kids has 12 months of operating expenses in reserve. We should not experience long term closure unless we permanently lose the use of our home.
Mitigation steps that Cindy’s Kids regularly maintains include:
This plan will be reviewed annually or as needed.
Adults and staff will be trained on those drills not practiced by the children.
Updates of this plan will be shared with parents
Fire Extinguishers are properly charged, annually tagged, and checked every month
Fire Extinguishers are located one outside under the sink and a second near the refrigerator by a hall within easy reach and all adults know how to use them.
We keep exits clear of obstructions.
We keep tall furniture away from pathways so that furniture cannot fall and block evacuation.
We do not store heavy or sharp objects on open shelves.
Cribs are kept away from the windows
We do not use room dividers or other tall objects to divide the rooms in which children are cared for or in which they sleep.
Our house number is posted and visible from the road.
We do not use fluorescent lights (tube kind) anywhere in the home to prevent the long bulbs from falling out during an earthquake or other situations.
Exits are easy to see and reach. Flashlights with new extra batteries are stored in the hall by the bathroom and are easily accessible to adults.
We have a sign-in and out procedure for all visitors to protect children from those outside of the program. Only those with a CBR, a regulatory capacity, or State or Local Government Official badge enter the program while children are in care.
We keep the doors to the front outside locked to prevent young children from being able to open the doors to escape.
The water shut-off is by the sidewalk in front of the home, Electrical breaker box is in the garage to the left of the door. Both are easily accessible and known by adults in the program. Never shut off the Gas! Leave it to the experts.
Our shelter-in-place area is in the hallway area on the far side of the bathroom. It is clearly shown on our floor plan diagram as well as pathways of egress to the outside.
Smoke detector batteries are checked monthly, and they are air-cleaned once a year.
Our Program would evacuate children in the Dodge Caravan back seat with PROVIDER likely driving. should another vehicle be needed and ONLY in an extreme emergency another ADULT or family member may need to use his vehicle to transport additional children.
In a TRUE emergency, we may have to transport for a Level 3 Go Now evacuation without car seats. Please understand that this would be a serious licensing violation; however, in a true emergency, getting out safe and alive is the priority we will deal with the rest once we survive. We are licensed for 16 children. We have seat belts for 5 children. Some parents could pick up before evacuation and may be willing to assist with transport. We would only double up on seat belts if it is a true matter of life or death.
Parents: Have you made a video recording using your cell phone at home? It’s a quick and easy way to conveniently inventory your home. Don’t store the video on (only) your phone though – use a free YouTube or a Cloud or Drive account to store your video on so you can access it from anywhere. You might also consider uploading it to a large enough flash drive or card and keeping it with your valuable papers in your “Go Bag.”
If the evacuation looks as though it could be extended for a few days, PROVIDER and her household would shelter at a hotel near the reunification sites listed earlier in this plan. Should a parent be unable to reunify immediately with their child and was unable to use their emergency contacts to pick up their child, we would, of course, shelter with their child. We would use text and phone as much as possible to update a parent in this situation.
Allergies
Reactions can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of allergy:
Mild reactions
May include hives, itching, nasal congestion, and watery, red eyes
Moderate or severe reactions
May include abdominal pain, abnormal breathing sounds, anxiety, chest discomfort, coughing, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing
Food allergies
May include tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, and hives
Insect sting allergies
This may include a large area of swelling at the sting site, itching or hives all over the body, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
If a reaction is noted call the family ASAP, or if severe call 911
Have antihistamines such as Benadryl available
If needed Cindy’s Kids is trained in using an epinephrine auto-injector,
Make an incident report of the situation
What if?
What if Cindy’s Kids loses water supply – we have enough water back up for 3 days for our household which would work out to a one-day supply for the child care program. If we lose water for more than 1 business day, we will likely have to close until water service is restored.
What if lCindy’s Kids loses electricity – Short-term power outages of less than 1 day would not affect the child care. Power outages longer than 1 day, would require Our Program to close temporarily until power was restored.
What if Cindy’s Kids lose their air conditioning or their furnace – we have fans that can be used to circulate air, We can dress warm and use blankets for short times of furnace problems.
What if there is severe weather and schools are closed for the day – at Cindy’s Kids, we encourage parents not to travel with their children in severe weather, but we also understand that sometimes a parent must get to work. It is standard practice to follow Salem Keizer schools' advice to be closed during severe weather.
What if there is a disaster that forces us to shelter in place? During a serious shelter-in-place situation, please do not bring your child to Cindy’s Kids During a disaster if you need somewhere to shelter, please know that we will help you. Communicate with PROVIDER in these situations.
What if the air quality is in the Hazard Zone? we would remain closed to avoid you needing to go out yourself, However, if your family needs help to find a safe facility please let Cindy know, we can help.
Responsibilities of Cindy’s Kids include
Supervise children under their charge.
Take steps to ensure the safety of children and adults in the implementation of the response to the incident.
Direct children in our charge to inside or outside safe areas, following signals, warnings, written notifications by text or other means according to established emergency plans.
Give appropriate action commands during an incident.
Take attendance throughout the incident but especially when the group relocates to an outside or inside assembly area when entering and exiting vehicles and when reaching another location during an evacuation.
Report missing children to PROVIDER who will notify ELD and emergency responders.
Execute assignments as directed by the plan and/or PROVIDER.
Provide or obtain first aid services for injuries for any child or adult.
Render first aid as necessary according to their mandatory first aid and CPR biannual training.
Survey and report building damage.
Control main shut-offs for utilities and service to the building.
Assist in the conservation, use, and disbursement of supplies and equipment.
Repair and maintenance as needed or contract to get larger projects done promptly.
Report building damage and give updates to licensing regarding building use.
Answer phones and assist in receiving and providing consistent information to callers.
Provide for the safety of essential records and documents.
Monitor radio and weather emergency broadcasts.
Assist with health incidents.
Use, prepare, and serve food and water (possibly on a rationed basis) whenever feeding of children and adults becomes necessary.
Responsibilities of the children in care include
Cooperate during emergency drills and exercises and during an incident.
Learn to be responsible for themselves and others in an incident at a developmentally appropriate level.
Understand the importance of not being a bystander by reporting conditions of concern.
Develop an awareness of “normal” conditions and hazards with the associated prevention, protection preparedness, and mitigation measures as developmentally appropriate
Take an active part in incident response and recovery activities in developmentally appropriate ways.
Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
Encourage and support safety and incident preparedness programs.
Participate in volunteer service projects promoting preparedness.
Provide requested information concerning the incident, closings, and other related release information.
Practice incident management preparedness in the home to reinforce safety and incident-related learning and understanding.
Have a family emergency plan.
Communicate with a program.
Ensure that Cindy’s Kids has a primary contact that can communicate at all times when children are in care.
Participate in talking about the drills
In the event of a disaster or emergency, follow these steps for recovery:
1. Document the damage.
2. Assess the damage.
3. File an insurance claim if necessary.
4. Update ELD, Food Program Sponsor, and ODHS within 24 hours if required.
5. Make repairs and clean up quickly to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
6. Update ELD/ODHS and Food Program Sponsor upon completion of repairs.
7. Communicate the progress of the steps In case of medical or any emergency in which Cindy’s Kids will require assistance, call 911
8. Educate adults and children about available crisis counseling services.
Local Emergency Rooms near Cindy’s Kids program are:
Salem Hospital
Silverton Hospital
Stayton Santiam Hospital
In an emergency medical situation, your child would most likely be transported to one of these three hospitals by ambulance. PROVIDER would be able to let you know which one when she contacts you. In the event that the PROVIDER is unable to communicate with you, the PROVIDER/STAFF or another adult will do so.
The Poison Control Number is 800-222-1222. All adults have this number on their phones. Should an accidental poisoning occur, an adult would call poison control while another cares for the child. If warranted, 911 would be called at the same time. All adults have been trained in first aid including poisonings.
In the event of an emergency where cell phones are unusable and digital communications are down in Oregon, Should an evacuation be necessary, Cindy’s Kids will plan to meet at the planned locations and will post the location on the outside of the door before evacuation, if possible.with parents and keep them informed about reopening.
Cindy’s Kids has established emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The provider is responsible for implementing the emergency plan, with staff ready to step in if needed. The program prioritizes meeting children's basic needs and providing comfort during and after any emergency. Specialized training in addressing children's post-traumatic stress is in place. Drills are conducted with minimal notice to ensure preparedness and safety. The provider documents all drills and ensures the all-clear afterward.
Disclaimer Statement – Emergency Preparedness Limitations
It is the policy of Cindy’s Kids that no guarantee is implied by this plan of a perfect incident management system. As personnel and resources may be overwhelmed in a true emergency. Cindy’s Kids can only make every reasonable effort to manage the situation, with the resources and information available at the time.
FIRST AID SUPPLIES SHALL INCLUDE:
bandaids,
adhesive tape,
sterile gauze pads,
soap or sealed antiseptic towelettes
solution to be used as a wound cleaning agent,
Scissor
Tweezers
Meat tenderiser for bee stings
disposable plastic gloves for handling blood spills
chlorine bleach for sanitizing after a blood spill
sanitary temperature taking device
CPR mouth guards
current phone list include staff ER information
Crackable ice
Hand sanitizer
Clorox wipes
White wash cloth in ziplock
Baby Wipes
3 diapers in ziplocks separately
2 bottles of sealed water
Face mask
Medical wrap
Tissue
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Len wipes
Children's tylenol
Adult pain reliever
Burn free
Benadryl
Fast carbs