What emergency supplies should daycares have on hand?

As a parent, entrusting your child to a daycare means placing immense faith in their preparedness for any situation. A critical component of that preparedness is a well-stocked inventory of emergency supplies. While state licensing agencies mandate specific items, understanding what a quality program should have on hand provides peace of mind and empowers you to ask the right questions. This guide outlines the essential emergency supplies every daycare should maintain, based on common licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood safety.

Essential Emergency Supplies for Every Daycare

A comprehensive emergency kit goes beyond a simple first-aid box. It should support the safety and basic needs of all children and staff during a shelter-in-place scenario, such as a severe weather event, extended power outage, or other local incident that prevents immediate departure.

• First-Aid Kits: Multiple, well-stocked kits should be accessible in every classroom and common area. They must include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, a digital thermometer, and instant cold packs. A separate, portable kit should be available for evacuations.
• Water and Non-Perishable Food: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 72 hours. Daycares should store sufficient bottled water and a supply of ready-to-eat, non-perishable food (like crackers, cereal bars, or canned fruit) that does not require heating or refrigeration.
• Emergency Lighting and Communication: Reliable flashlights with extra batteries, battery-powered lanterns, and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio are vital for maintaining light and receiving critical updates if power fails. A fully charged backup power bank for cell phones can be crucial.
• Basic Sanitation and Comfort: Supplies should include moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, diapers, baby wipes, and basic hygiene items. Blankets, emergency foil blankets, and a change of clothing for each child can provide necessary comfort.
• Critical Documents and Tools: A waterproof container should hold an updated roster of children with emergency contact information, copies of children's authorization forms for emergency medical care, staff contact lists, and a list of local emergency numbers. A multi-tool, duct tape, and a whistle are also valuable additions.

Specialized Supplies for Medical Emergencies

Beyond general first aid, daycares must be prepared for specific health crises. This requires both supplies and clear protocols.

• Epinephrine Auto-Injectors: For children with diagnosed life-threatening allergies, the daycare should have a stock of unexpired epinephrine auto-injectors as authorized by a child's physician and parent. Staff must be trained in their use.
• Asthma Relief Inhalers: Similarly, rescue inhalers for children with asthma must be kept on-site with proper medical authorization. Staff should be trained to recognize asthma symptoms and administer medication.
• Bloodborne Pathogen Kit: A kit containing personal protective equipment (like gowns, gloves, and face shields) and materials for safely cleaning and disinfecting bodily fluid spills is a standard requirement to protect against infection.

Evacuation and Shelter Supplies

Preparedness also means being ready to move children safely. Each facility should have a clear evacuation plan practiced regularly through drills.

• Go-Bags or Evacuation Carts: Portable containers or carts should contain a class roster, a first-aid kit, water, a flashlight, and other immediate essentials to grab quickly during an evacuation to a safe location.
• Infant Carriers: For centers caring for non-mobile infants, having enough portable infant carriers to evacuate all babies swiftly and safely is non-negotiable.
• Shelter Materials: In regions prone to tornadoes or earthquakes, designated shelter areas should be stocked with additional protective items like helmets or heavy mattresses for cover.

Questions to Ask Your Daycare Provider

When touring a potential daycare, do not hesitate to inquire about their emergency preparedness. Your questions demonstrate your engagement and concern for safety.

1. Can you describe your emergency plans for shelter-in-place and evacuation? How often do you practice drills?
2. Where are your emergency supplies stored, and how often are they checked and replenished?
3. How are staff trained on using first-aid supplies, epinephrine auto-injectors, and other emergency equipment?
4. How do you manage and store emergency medications for children with specific health conditions?
5. What is your communication plan to update parents during an emergency event?

Remember, licensing standards for emergency supplies vary by state and locality. The information provided here is a general framework based on industry best practices. Always verify specific requirements with your state's childcare licensing agency and discuss the detailed emergency protocols of any daycare you are considering. A provider's transparent and thorough approach to emergency preparedness is a strong indicator of their overall commitment to your child's safety and well-being.