When caring for children, it is important to be prepared for emergencies. In this section, we will review how to create a plan for emergencies and what steps to take to make sure children are safe.
Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.51, subdivision 3, paragraph (a)
Paragraph (a) A licensed family child care provider must have a written emergency preparedness plan for emergencies that require evacuation, sheltering, or other protection of children, such as fire, natural disaster, intruder, or other threatening situation that may pose a health or safety hazard to children. The plan must be written on a form developed by the commissioner and updated at least annually.
Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.51, subdivision 3, paragraphs (b)
Paragraph (b) The license holder must train caregivers before the caregiver provides care and at least annually on the emergency preparedness plan and document completion of this training.
You must use the Department Human Services’ Emergency Preparedness Plan form to develop a written emergency plan for your program. The plan helps you to think about how you will handle emergency situations during child care hours. You will be asked to describe how you will address the special needs of infants, toddlers and any children who have disabilities or medical concerns. You must update your plan each year and make it available for your licensor and any parent who requests to see it. You must train caregivers on the emergency preparedness plan before they begin work.
Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0435, subpart 7
The provider shall have a first aid kit that contains bandages, sterile compresses, scissors, an ice bag or cold pack, an oral or surface thermometer, mild liquid soap, and adhesive tape. A first aid manual must be included. The kit and manual must be accessible and taken on field trips.
Your first aid kit could be an all-in-one kit that your purchase or it could be a kit you assemble yourself, such as a backpack that contains supplies you are required to have. You may even want to have more than one kit so that one stays in your program and the other is easy to take with on walks, trips to the park, or other activities away from your home.
Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.51, subdivision 2, clauses (3) and (4)
The licensed family child care provider must comply with the following procedures for safely handling and disposing of bodily fluids:
Clause (3) sharp items used for a child with special care needs must be disposed of in a "sharps container." The sharps container must be stored out of reach of a child; and
Clause (4) the license holder must have the following bodily fluid disposal supplies available: disposable gloves, disposal bags, and eye protection.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart 8, item A
The provider shall be prepared for emergencies.
Item A. An operable telephone must be located within the residence.
You must have a working phone in the program.
The phone may be a landline or a cell phone.
If using a cell phone, it must be charged.
It may be helpful to have a phone that the children in your care know how to use in case of an emergency.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, Subpart 8, item F
Item F. The provider shall have a written fire escape plan and a log of monthly fire and storm drills on file in the residence. The plan must be approved by the agency and specify:
Practicing fire drills will help the children in your program know where to go in case of a fire. It is helpful for the children to hear what your smoke alarm sounds like so that they understand what that noise means and what they need to do when they hear it. It is a good idea to practice your drills at different times of the day and to have the children use different escape routes.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart 8, item E
Item E. For severe storms and tornadoes, the provider shall have a designated area within the residence that children shall go to for cover, and an operable battery flashlight, and portable radio or TV available.
By practicing storm drills at least every month, the children in your program will know where to go in case of a bad storm. You may want to prepare your storm shelter with items that will make being in that space more comfortable. Examples could include: blankets, extra diapers, supplies, and snacks.
