Child Safety

Emergency Preparedness

Child Safety
Emergency Preparedness

When an emergency happens, it’s important to be ready. By taking the time to prepare, you can minimize the impact of emergencies, and be better equipped to handle any situation that may arise. This page offers resources to help you plan ahead to keep children safe during and emergency. 

Emergency Preparedness

Child Care Providers

Did you know licensed child care providers are required to have an emergency plan? Children and families count on caregivers to keep children safe when the unexpected happens. Here are some tools and resources to help you prepare and respond to emergencies when they arise.  

Emergency Supplies

When services and basic resources are unavailable, especially if you need to evacuate,  it is important to have all the items you need to provide for the children in your care.

Relocation Plans and Reunification

In certain emergencies, you may need to evacuate to a safe location if it is unsafe to return to your site. It is important to have a relocation site within walking distance, and one outside of the area, and have a communication plan in place so children can reunify safely with their families.

child hugging woman from behind

 

Become a Guardian Program 

Guardian Programs are licensed child care facilities that offer temporary child care for local relief workers, such as firefighters, and emergency responders. They may also assist other temporary facilities with personnel or supplies during a major emergency or disaster. It is our goal to have Guardian Programs throughout our six-county service area.

These programs have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Child Care Connections. Emergency preparedness plans and networking are a result of this partnership. Learn more about this opportunity to make a powerful impact for essential workers in your community with our Guardian Program Brochure.

  

For more information on CCC’s emergency preparedness resources or for help making your own plan please contact us at office@cccmontana.org or (406) 587-7786.

child hugging woman from behind
Build an Emergency Kit

Do you have everything you need when an emergency hits? Stocking up on necessary supplies such as food, water, and medical supplies is crucial for emergency preparedness. Families should have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours in case of an emergency. 

The Red Cross has a emergency kit guide to help you prepare everything you might need in an emergency. 

Emergency Preparedness

Is your Family Prepared?

By preparing and planning ahead, you can minimize the impact of an emergency, and protect your loved ones. You can get started by taking these steps:

 

Make a Plan

Having an emergency plan in place can help you respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. This should include designated meeting places, emergency contacts, evacuation routes and essential supplies. It is also important to practice your emergency plan so that you are prepared and confident in your response when there is a crisis. You can build your own emergency plan with helpful tools at Ready.gov.

Be Informed

Staying informed about potential risks in your area can help you prepare for emergencies. This includes signing up for emergency alerts and staying up to date on weather conditions in your area. Click on your county below for more information about Disaster and Emergency Systems in your community. 

Community Resources

Montana Disaster Legal Services

The Montana Disaster Legal Services Program (MDLSP) provides disaster related civil legal aid to low income Montanans. Disaster related legal aid includes help with housing, public benefits, and consumer issues.

 Community Resources

Helping Kids Prepare

Ready Kids has fun games, tools, and education to help children learn about how to prepare for disasters, and cope when they happen. 

Community Resources

Offering Comfort in Stressful Times

Emergencies can be scary. While an emergency or crisis is unfolding, children need help to cope with big emotions and uncertainty. We’ve gathered some resources to help caregivers comfort children on the scariest, toughest days 

Kids putting their hands in the center
Child Care Connections

Our Donors

Every donation to Child Care Connections is an investment in the future of our communities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Child Care Connections counts on our donors to support our work. Learn more about our current donors and how to join in their support today!