Keeping Children Safe Away from Home

At a glance

  • Emergencies can happen while you are not with your child.
  • Have a plan to protect your child with the school, childcare setting, or other caregiver.
  • Review the plan yearly and keep contact information up to date.
Woman kneeling down with a young boy with their foreheads pressed together.

Background

Emergencies such as weather events, violence, or a water main break at school or childcare setting occur with little or no warning. Being prepared before an event with a plan is a good way to protect your child.

It is important to review the plan yearly and keep all contact information up to date.

Emergencies are chaotic. Work with your child's school or childcare setting using the steps listed below. They can help ease confusion and keep your child safe so you may reunite with them as quickly as possible.

Easy as A-B-C

Use the following A-B-C steps to protect your child during emergencies while at school or childcare settings.

Ask about how you will be reunited with your child including:

  • How will you be notified in the event of emergency or evacuation?
  • Where should parents/guardians go for pick up?

Bring extra items your child would need overnight including:

  • Extra essential supplies such as diapers or a battery pack for equipment.
  • Extra or special food, milk, or formula.
  • Extra essential medications, including inhalers.
    • Does the school or daycare keep these on hand, or do you need to bring items to be stored?
    • What is the policy for administering medicine to your child? (How, when, by whom?)

Complete a contact card for your child's backpack and your wallet with:

  • Your child's name, date of birth, and any medical conditions/allergies
  • Contact information for the school, daycare, or caregivers.
  • Contact information for parent/guardian
  • Contact information for emergency contacts to call if you cannot be reached.

Resources

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Content Source:
Office of Readiness and Response