Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place: Training Staff for Calm and Order Meeting Kit
WHAT’S AT STAKE
In childcare, emergencies can happen suddenly, and how staff respond in those first moments makes a critical difference. Whether it’s an evacuation or shelter in place, children rely entirely on adults to guide them safely through situations they may not understand. When there is confusion or hesitation, risk increases quickly.
WHAT’S THE DANGER
Disorganized Movement and Panic
When instructions are unclear or delayed, children may become confused, move unpredictably, or panic, increasing the risk of trips, falls, or being left behind.
Breakdown in Supervision and Accountability
In fast-moving situations, children can become separated from the group if roles and headcounts are not maintained, leading to missing children or delayed response.
Environmental and Hazard Exposure
Depending on the emergency, children may be exposed to hazards such as fire, smoke, severe weather, or unsafe individuals, which can result in burns, breathing issues, impact injuries, or other harm.
Note: If staff are unsure of procedures or hesitate, response time increases, which can worsen outcomes and increase the severity of injuries or risk to children and staff.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
When it comes to evacuations or shelter-in-place situations, the goal is simple: stay calm, stay organized, and move with purpose.
Be Prepared Before Anything Happens
This is not something you figure out in the moment. Know your procedures, your exits, your safe areas, and your role. When everyone knows what to do ahead of time, the response becomes faster and more controlled.
Stay Calm and Take the Lead
Your behavior matters. Speak clearly, keep your movements steady, and avoid showing panic. Even if the situation is serious, staying calm helps children feel safe and follow instructions.
Communicate Clearly
Give simple, direct instructions. Children don’t need a lot of information, they need clear direction. Keep it calm, short, and easy to follow.
Keep Children Together and Accounted For
Always know how many children you have and where they are.
- Do headcounts before, during, and after movement
- Keep children in sight and close together
- Never assume someone else is watching
Move with Control, Not Speed
It’s not about rushing, it’s about moving safely. Guide children, don’t push them. Watch for obstacles, hazards, and anything that could cause trips or falls along the way.
Be Ready to Adjust
Things don’t always go as planned. If something changes, respond quickly and follow your procedures. Trust your training and don’t hesitate to act.
What to Do If a Child Is Missing
If a child is unaccounted for, act immediately. Stop movement, alert your team, and follow your emergency procedures without delay. Do not assume the child is with another group. Keep the rest of the children together and supervised while the situation is addressed and communicate clearly until the child is located.
FINAL WORD
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. When you stay calm, follow the plan, and keep children organized and accounted for, you turn a stressful situation into a controlled one. Preparation and consistency are what make the difference when it matters most.