Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) Creation
Why Create an EOP?
Being prepared for disaster is critical. It's not a matter of whether a disaster will or will not occur, but rather, when.
BLOCKS understands childcare. No two childcare organizations or providers are alike. Subsequently, there is no one-size-fits-all template for childcare.
Additionally, the requirements or hazards within each state also vary and so to do those each childcare faces.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that childcare organizations plan for natural and manmade disasters. In addition, BLOCKS recommends that specific planning be done to counter medical and threatening child safety situations.
BLOCKS defines "threatening child safety situations" as situations that could include but are not limited to: abducted or missing children, active shooter or hostile intruders, bomb threats, suspicious packages, disgruntled/impaired employees, parent/guardians or representatives, or a hostage situation.
In addition to planning for specific (and individually applicable) hazards, it is important that Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) include functional annexes that provide and standardize clear and easily executable procedures for evacuations, family re-unification, lock down and shelter in place situations.
BLOCKS has created the below EOP template for your customization and use. Please contact us for help or questions on how to best adapt it to your needs.
BLOCKS Child Care Emergency Operations Plan Template
Connecting Emergency Management and Childcare Requirements
Where Emergency Management Mets Childcare Requirements
Disaster can happen anywhere. Emergency managers are trained in all phases of the emergency cycle (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery).
Childcare providers are trained in child safety, with only a head nod towards disaster preparedness. BLOCKS understands that gap and seeks to translate two diverse languages into action critical to help keep our kids safe.
As a first step in translating requirements, BLOCKS is creating "Childcare and Emergency Preparedness Fact Sheets" for each state. Each sheet provides hazard information provided by state and county emergency management organizations, state laws or statutes as applicable to childcare emergency preparedness, and childcare licensing/accreditation or regulation enforcement information.
Please check back often as we will post completed fact sheets as soon as they are available. If you have questions or would like information on a particular state, please email us at contact@blocksusa.org.
Resources
Where Can I Go To Learn More?
There are many resources out there to learn about how to be better prepared. BLOCKS recommends starting with your local or state emergency management organization.
FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) has a "children and disasters" website - you can access it here.
BLOCKS has compiled resources that may be useful for your disaster planning needs. Some of these resources include books on disaster preparedness for children and videos or other training tools. Click here for a link to more resources. You may also contact us directly at contact@blocksusa.org.
