The response phase is when the program follows its preparedness plan. This phase begins the moment a program is alerted that a disaster is coming and lasts until it is over. Each emergency or disaster is unique, and the response will depend on the type and severity. In an emergency, early childhood programs need to know how to carry out their plans for: evacuation and relocation, shelter-in-place, lockdown and stay safe, and infectious diseases.
Tips and Strategies for Supporting Emergency Response Efforts
- Train staff to use their first aid kit and emergency supply kit or gobag.
- Give training on medication administration and how to use assisted devices so staff can care for children with special health care needs until they can reunite with their family.
- Talk with local public health experts to decide the level of risk in your community during a disease outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic, and follow their recommendations to reduce the risks.
- Use tips from your mental health consultant on how to use calming strategies and the Bee CALM backpack to help children feel more secure during the emergency.
- Help staff use a trauma-informed approach to care for children who may need extra emotional support during an emergency.
For more information on the different types of responses, visit the Emergency Preparedness Manual for Early Childhood Programs.
Learn More
- Stay Safe Procedures in Early Childhood Programs
- Using Bee CALM Backpacks with Children During Emergencies
- Food Safety Emergency Response Pocket Guide
- How Children Respond to Stress and Trauma
Last Updated: May 28, 2025