Questions and Answers!
Your Training Resource 

Healthy Childcare February-March 2004
Volume 7, Issue 2 

In Sickness and Health: Staying Healthy During a Crisis
How many days should I prepare for? Most authorities recommend preparing for three or more days (72+ hours) either in an evacuation site or sheltering in place.

How much water is needed? You should have one gallon of water available per person per day.

What supplies are needed for hand washing? Liquid soap, paper towels, waterless cleansers, pre- moistened wipes

What about disinfectants? Include a gallon of bleach and empty spray containers to mix bleach and water disinfectant.

Safety First: Emergency Planning Tips

True or False? Your program’s policies and procedures should clearly indicate who is responsible for developing and carrying out each part of the emergency plan. True

What areas should be identified in the facility? Identify the safest area for specific events such as tornados, flooding, earthquake, or chemical spills. Identify two different exit routes from each room.

What should be included on evacuation posters? Posters should include two exit routes from each room, designated safe meeting places away from the building, and safest areas of the building for specific events.

What items should be in the “ready-to-go” supply kit? Communication device, emergency lighting, radio, batteries, first aid kit, food supplies, water, plastic bags, etc.

Nutrition Action: Emergency Food & Water Planning

What type of food should be stored? Familiar foods, that require no refrigeration, little preparation, no cooking, and that use little or no water--such as canned foods.

What about storing milk? Choose UHT milk, canned evaporated milk, and ready-to-feed formula.

What are protein foods? Canned beef, tuna, chicken, pork, and stews, as well as peanut butter.

Health and You: Stress in an Emergency

Are children vulnerable to stress? Yes--and the younger the child, the more vulnerable he or she will be.

What are signs of stress in adults? Feeling anxious, depression, appetite changes, headaches, frequent colds and illness, skin eruptions, asthma, heart disease, digestive problems, pacing, crying, indecisiveness, etc.

What are signs of stress in children? Crying, clinginess, irritability, fretting and frowning, change in appetite, withdrawing from interaction, aggression, excessive energy or restlessness, stomachaches, nervous behaviors, etc.