Water, gas, electricity or other utilities are expected to perform regularly every time we need them. And they do most of the time. But once in a while those systems break down. You need to know what to do when such events happen.

Things You Can Do Before a Utility Disruption (Preparedness & Mitigation)

Ask a licensed contractor to inspect all of your buildings to find any utility hazards or problems, either inside or out.
Contact your landlord or leasing agent to fix any problems that are found. If you own your buildings hire a licensed contractor to fix the problems.
Instruct all staff of the location of utility turn-off switches and valves. Locate an appropriate turn-off tool next to each switch or valve. Turning off a gas main requires a special tool.
Develop a written list for contact people and their telephone numbers: Who to contact for a municipal utility disruption, landlord or leasing agent, licensed contractor, and other people who can help.
Develop a written agreement with a licensed contractor to fix whatever utility disruption might occur, after the disruption.

Things You Can Do During a Utility Disruption (Response)

Make sure children are out of the way and safe from any effects of the utility disruption.
Report disruption to the program administrator.
Program administrator gets in touch with the sponsoring agency (if there is one) and the appropriate utility to report disruption.
If child evacuation is necessary go to the pre-determined assembly area and stay until authorities indicate that it’s safe to return to the facility again.
While children are waiting to return to the facility play quiet games with them to help them stay calm.

Things You Can Do After a Utility Disruption (Recovery)

If you have evacuated keep children in assembly area until authorities have determined that it is safe to return to the facility.
As soon as possible after the initial disruption, staff should perform an initial damage inspection of the facility in all interior and exterior areas.
A licensed structural engineer, architect or building inspector can assist in a detailed safety inspection of buildings.
Contact vendors to inform them of the emergency if it will disrupt service to children.
Communicate with funding sources explaining any need for relocation, damage to buildings and any injuries or deaths to children or adults.
Provide opportunities for children and staff recovery from the fear they may have experienced.
Talk with parents about how you are working with their children in helping them through what might have been a frightening experience. Give them ideas of what they can do with their children to help.


Information compiled by Beryl Cheal.

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