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Preparedness and Response Readiness: Providers
Fire Hazards
“I watch the news and if I see there is a fire somewhere, I use that opportunity to talk to the children about what to do in case of fire. I have a trumpet that I will not play unless there is a real emergency.”
Spanish-speaking, family child care provider “We have fire drills once a month.”
English-speaking, center-based provider
Need for More Emergency Preparedness Knowledge and Skills
Although providers indicated that they are technically prepared for earthquakes, some providers indicated that they will not know how prepared they are until the situation strikes. However, providers did indicate several emergencies and natural disasters for which they do not feel prepared. Those include terrorist attacks, explosions, kidnapping, restraining orders, and other natural disasters such as tornados and hurricanes.
Resources to Increase Preparedness in the Early Care and Education Settings
When discussing resources that would help providers better prepare for emergencies and disasters, participants focused on receiving information that is personalized to the providers or audience of focus. FCC providers in the Chinese-speaking focus group expressed the need to receive visual information such as videos in Chinese rather than written documentation.
On-Site Trainings for Providers
“I would want the information personalized to my center and have involvement from emergency responders. I would like the information to be on video instead of in a big book.” (whole group agreed)
Chinese-speaking center-based provider
“To have trainings and drills more often and with actual firemen or with an agency like that.”
Spanish-speaking, family child care provider
“Having someone tailor the training directly to the site and check in periodically would be of great
benefit.”
English-speaking, center-based provider
“The first safety training with the firemen helps the kids stay calm. The firemen put on the gear and crawl on the floor so the children see what the firemen would look like coming at them during an actual emergency.”
English-speaking, center-based provider
Child Care Resource Center |27
