Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (EPC)* | |||
Eliminate potential hazards in classrooms and throughout the site: | |||
Bolt bookcases in high traffic areas securely to wall studs | |||
Move heavy books and items from high to low shelves | |||
Secure and latch filing cabinets | |||
Secure cabinets in high traffic areas with child safety latches | |||
Secure aquariums, computers, typewriters, TV-VCR equipment to surfaces, such as by using Velcro tabs | |||
Make provisions for securing rolling portable items such as TV-VCRs, pianos, refrigerators | |||
Move children's activities and play areas away from windows, or protect windows with blinds or adhesive plastic sheeting | |||
Secure water heater to wall using plumber's tape | |||
Assess and determine possible escape routes | |||
Establish a coordinated response plan involving all of the following: | |||
Involving children: | |||
Teach children about earthquakes and what to do (see resource list below) | |||
Practice "duck, cover, and hold" earthquake drills under tables or desks no less than 4 times a year | |||
Involving parents: | |||
Post, or make available to parents, copies of the school earthquake safety plan (including procedures for reuniting parents or alternate guardians with children, location of planned evacuation site, method for leaving messages and communicating) | |||
Enlist parent and community resource assistance in securing emergency supplies or safeguarding the child day care site: | |||
_____ | store a 3-day supply of nonperishable food (including juice, canned food items, snacks, and infant formula) | ||
_____ | store a 3-day supply of water and juice | ||
_____ | store food and water in an accessible location, such as portable plastic storage containers | ||
_____ | store other emergency supplies such as flashlights, a radio with extra batteries, heavy gloves, trash bags, and tools | ||
_____ | maintain a complete, up-to-date listing of children, emergency numbers, and contact people for each classroom stored with emergency supplies | ||
Involving child day care personnel and local emergency agencies: | |||
Identify and assign individual responsibilities for staff following an earthquake (including accounting for and evacuating children, injury control, damage assessment) | |||
Involve and train all staff members about the earthquake safety plan, including location and procedure for turning off utilities and gas | |||
Contact nearby agencies (including police, fire, Red Cross, and local government) for information and materials in developing the child day care center earthquake safety plan | |||
*For more free resources contact: | |||
(1) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2) Office of Emergency Services (3) Red Cross |
Ca. Health and Saf. Code § 1596.867