SUBJECT:    Center Lock Down/Emergency Procedure

 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE:  Emergency drills are held so that children and staff will be prepared in the event of an actual lock down or evacuation emergency.

 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE:

A.  Practice Drills

Practice drills will be held according to the lock down drill schedule of the school closest to each center or during the months of September, November, February and April if the school does not have a regular schedule.

• The Lead Center teacher will obtain a schedule from the school office at the beginning of each school year.

• The ATCAA ECS Head Start/State preschool procedure will be posted with other emergency procedures on the wall near the exit. 

• Teaching staff will document all lock down drills on the Evacuation Drill Form...

1. Drill Procedures to be followed during practice drills or in the event of an actual emergency lock down:

• Bring all children into the classroom.  Use a calm manner to avoid unduly alarming the children. Make sure to check the sign-in sheets to assure all children are accounted for.

• Lock the doors and close the blinds.

• Turn off the lights.

• Keep the emergency binder and telephone with an assigned staff member.

• Keep children away from windows and close to the floor.

• Practice playing a “Quiet Game” with the children.  Choose a game such as the telephone game in which children whisper to one another while lying on their tummies or sitting low to the floor.  Practice the game monthly.

• Be careful with your words and demeanor to avoid scaring the children; e.g., avoid phrases such as, “there are bad people outside” or “the police are outside.”

• Staff and children should remain in place until the school gives a clearance or the drill ends.

• Make sure to give the parents the “Emergency Drill Notice” the day that the drill takes place.

1. In the event of an actual emergency lock down, as soon as it is safe to do so; e.g., when law enforcement officer or school official gives the ok, proceed with the following:

• Notify the main ECS office.

• Follow instructions that have been given by law enforcement. Calmly call parents of the emergency.

• Give parents the exact location where the children are located and where they can be picked up, if necessary.

• When the emergency has ended resume normal activities.

• Consult with Health Services Manager to see what support services are available or recommended for children, families, and staff.

• Make sure parents are given the completed “Emergency Notice.”

2. Fire/Evacuation Drill Procedure - Direct service staff will ensure that classroom fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis.

   • Safe evacuation routes will be established, illustrated, and posted on each exit in the classroom.

   • Safe meeting areas will be in open spaces and away from buildings, overhead power lines, underground gas and sewer lines, and large trees.

   • Fire drills will be documented and integrated into the weekly lesson plan as a safety topic.

   • Information on fire safety, classroom evacuation routes and regularly scheduled drills will be made available to parents in both English and Spanish prior to the date of the child's first drill.

   • Volunteers and Practicum students will be informed about all aspects of fire drills prior to assisting in the implementation.

   • Children will learn about fire safety and practice how to follow the teachers instructions during a drill.

   • The children will learn;

     • How to stop what they are doing, follow the teacher, and walk quickly toward the safety evacuation exit.

     • Where the safe meeting place is outside of the classroom which teachers have determined ahead of time.

     • How to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing, hair, or skin catches on fire.

     • How to crawl out of the room on their bellies when smoke enters the room and causes them to have difficulty breathing.

     • How fire can start and what things to avoid touching and playing with that can cause fires or burn.

   • The drill will begin when a teacher shouts "fire!" or, when available, a bell or alarm is set off. One teacher will instruct the children to come over to the safe gathering location and evacuate the building to the outside "safe meeting place". The teacher at the rear of the line will do a head count of the children and yell out to make sure no persons are left in the room.

   • Once outside, teachers will talk with the children about the drill and allow children to share any feelings they have.

   • A transition period to calm the children should be incorporated at the end of any drill. Singing a song, reading a pertinent story etc...

    

3. Earthquake Drill - Direct service staff will perform an earthquake drill three time a year in October, January, and April. These will be documented on the Evacuation Drill Form.

   • Earthquake evacuation routes and safe meeting areas should be the same as fire evacuation routes and meeting areas.

   • Teachers will plan learning activities, discussions, and demonstrations that will increase understanding and prepare the children to respond safely to an earthquake.

   • Prior to the first drill at least two practice drills and discussions should be planned. Children should be encouraged to talk about their feelings and given support if they are frightened.

   • Parents should be invited to participate in the classroom discussions and drills and sent home information alerting them that earthquake drills will be performed.

   • The drill will begin when the teacher shouts "Earthquake!" Children will be instructed to Duck down onto their knees and crawl to Cover (table, desk, and chair are most appropriate and safe covers) and Hold onto it ( the leg of the desk, chair, or table) until the shaking stops and they receive further instructions from the teacher.

   • The teacher(s) will instruct the children to come over to the safe gathering location and safely evacuate the building to the outside "safe meeting" place. The teacher in the rear of the line will do a head count of the children and yell out to make sure no persons are left in the room.

   • Once outside, teachers will talk with the children about the drill and allow the children to share any feelings they have.

   • A transition period to calm the children should be incorporated at the end of any drill. Singing a song, reading a pertinent story, etc...

Edited: 05/06/2010