BEST TIME FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING IS NOW...NOT LATER!
Emergency preparedness and response planning is paramount when considering the protection of entire communities. Whether best practices - preparedness plans emphasize safety in case of a fire, man-made or natural disasters, young adults, middle-aged, or elderly need to be knowledgeable. Attention given to emergency readiness and delivery plans has become a shared responsibility in today's workplaces. In 'learning companies' it's common for administrators to encourage communication that facilitate 'safe culture' in educational institutions, i.e. other programs and businesses. Creating an atmosphere that solicits relevant communication -information pertinent to (safety awareness) horizontal (peer-to-peer), and vertical (employee-manager). This type of leadership suggest all hands-on-deck' efforts are needed. In addition, we are in a climate where it's proper to say...'if you see something, say something'. Whereas programs that stimulate embracing a shared concern for each others safety & well-being - through modeling. Thereby, a message of unity is conveyed. The 'concerned neighbor' approach seems justified when it comes to providing help, as well as navigating safety precautionary measures. Thus, taking responsible actions that aid in safeguarding and protecting people in public places...locally, state-wide and nationally. Securing appropriate emergency response plans at any work-place or facility building - wherever adults and children convene should be given priority! In response to the number of events on school premises involving intruders and gun violence, child care programs state-wide, too have stepped up strategies to keep our children and adults safe. Highlighted, a demonstration of renewed interest and the seriousness of programs having a coordinated emergency preparedness plan for intruder(s) risk. Very sadly, once realized that violence like this may touch you or someone you love, it becomes apparent the necessity to answer a safety-care call to action. Reiterating that safety is actually FIRST! Lax (weak) strategies, or worst, not having specific emergency plans for potential crisis in place, undoubtedly can lead to unsafe environments. Where programs demonstrate less concentration or interest in the importance of crisis management, individuals' safety and well-being can become compromised, Yes, it's true that children and adults place a great deal of trust for their personal safety in the hands of others. People who they know... including folks behind the scene(s). While this type of trust deserved or not, and is bestowed in others, the expectation is that due diligence steps are followed. Moreover, that special safety precautions and procedures are well grounded.
PREP-TRAINING DOES MATTER!...Contrary to what some may think or openly admit, regarding how to prepare for dangerous situations which may be life threatening. Do convene training sessions where practice scenarios can be played out, ushering a 'real' awareness associated with crisis management situations. Taking part in an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness planning where vulnerable children are in the picture - calls earnestly for a different heightening of safety awareness. In a devastating situation where the intruder becomes an active shooter inside a school building or child care facility, one's thoughts quickly gear to getting out safely; Away from potential harm. Yes, understandably the impulse to readily flight may be your initial response...protect yourself. After that...you look around and there are four infants or toddlers in your care. What do you do when perhaps there's 17 trusting preschoolers engaged in free choice play? What if this type of threat occurs when you are motivating 23 school-age or hopeful high school students? Most certainly, we hope and pray it does not happen. Even talking about it can be uncomfortable. However, in such a case the time for initial emergency preparedness planning would not be then. While we can not predict exactly what teachers, or other individuals might do under extremely stressful and threating circumstances. The hope is that with advance planning & practice the potential for developing a calmer...more strategic capability to assess what's needed, and act during crisis mode would be greater. This is likely when individuals are first well informed. Informed on safe care behavior and protective or defensive mechanisms. Where are the secure location spots in the building? The importance of knowing safety net options is valued greater when danger is prevalent. Getting a heads- up on knowing what steps to take can be gained primarily through 'inside' training scoop knowledge. Of course, prior to actually handling real life critical emergencies. On a softer note, one would not presume to use their house key to start their vehicle, just because that key is on the ring. No, the appropriate key would be necessary to start the vehicle. True, this is obviously an example of stretched importance. Especially when looked at next to a distressing situation as described. Noteworthy though, there is an element of preparedness and response planning required even here, if any hope of positive outcome is likely.
It is certain that making the right moves are essential when confronted with inevitable danger and threat. Gathering your thoughts while trying to retain a sense of calm or composure is no easy task in chaos. Simply getting young children's attention to listen or influence older students to respond quickly, safely - requires teachers and staff to have good foresight. In as much as teachers & child care providers should gain a realistic perception of their personal (safe-space) and vulnerability while providing service. This awareness does includes calculation of their personal internal/external exposure. Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that bad things can happen in great places. It is with that information and understanding that educators not fail to study...know what the various emergency procedures are in their work place. How to safely evacuate children, including infants in cribs - moving children with special needs using special equipment. What doors to use and safely relocating children. Children also need to be as prepared for crisis event(s) in their learning environment. Again, healthy dialogue gives children the opportunity to ask important questions. It allows for genuine thought about keeping oneself safe, as well as explore what if conditions. Practice...practice...practice workable plans. Even so, it's OK to explore what does not work well. Discuss Why? Then talk about the best plan of action.
Post procedures such as fire, tornado, serious injuries and accidents. Responsible actions take into account not only 'What to do...also, When to do it!' Plus...understanding codes, warning signals given when natural or man-made threats arises. It is half the battle toward pushing back if subjected to dangerous conditions; Possibly saving lives. Also, helpful to know where special binders that contain life-saving information and storage of health-related equipment are kept. Remember, simply to know that written emergency procedures are available , whether in binders, posted, or retrievable electronically...documentation is not beneficial if not READ, FOLLOWED and PRACTICED!!
by: Eartha L. Deyampert, Senior Consultant