How to Prepare an Evacuation Kit for Babies and Toddlers in Daycare

Almost all daycare centers have an evacuation plan and kits for each classroom, in the event of an evacuation of the facility. Last year, the daycare I worked at had to be evacuated because of a gas leak in the building next to ours. It was no fun getting all of the kids in the center onto buses and vans, but we did it, and I'm proud to say that we were very well prepared because we had the right items in our evacuation kits.

Each classroom is different, because the needs of the children are different. Babies need different things than a 4 year old. Most kits will include the basics, as well as things that the specific age group needs. Here's how to prepare a basic evacuation kit for babies and toddlers in your daycare center.

Infant Evacuation Kit
It's impossible to bring all of a child's belongings with you in the event of an evacuation. Because you can't do this, you will need to prepare your kit with general items that each child can make use of. For example, pack different size diapers in the kit, at least 5-6 diapers of each size. It doesn't matter if it's the child's diaper or not, all that really matters is the size and that it fits the child. Along with diapers, bring a pack of wipes as well. You'll need to bring some extra jars of baby food with you. along with some plastic spoons. Kids who have moved through the infant room, transitioning from baby food to table food, left some of their jar foods at the center. We would add those jars to the evacuation kit, as long as the food wasn't expired. Be sure to have a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables and meats. You may even want to bring cereal along with you. One thing that we don't carry in our kits at my center is powder formula. I think this would be important in an evacuation, and much better than taking all of the kids' bottles with us. I know that there are allergies, and parents only want their kids to have a certain formula, but in an emergency, it really shouldn't matter. But since I'm sticking with our plan at my daycare, leave the formula out of the kit. Next, you'll need to put some extra bibs in the kit, at least 5 bibs. Also, we use gloves to change diapers at my daycare, so pack a box of gloves in the kit. Paper towels are also a necessity. Pack some extra clothes for the kids too, basic clothing items such as onesies, shirts, pants and socks. The last thing we put in our kit are blankets, to comfort the infants if they get sleepy or cold. Once your center is about to be evacuated, gather the kids' bottles up and place them in a cooler if possible. Be sure to take each child's emergency contact card with you, this is very important because you will most likely be calling parents to come get their kids if it will be a lengthy evacuation away from the center.

Toddler Evacuation Kit
Toddlers need just about the same things in their kit. They will not need jars of baby food, since this age group should be eating table food now. I would recommend taking some snacks though, such as Goldfish crackers or Puffs. Take some plastic cups in your kit, so that the kids have something to drink water from at the very least. You'll need to pack diapers in this kit as well, with a variety of sizes, along with wipes. Be sure to pack gloves and paper towels as well. Blankets are important to pack too in this kit. I have extra clothes in my toddler kit, basic things like pants, t-shirts, sweatshirts and socks. Just as in the Infant kit, you will need to make sure you have your emergency contacts with you, to contact parents if necessary.

Along with taking the kits in your center, somebody should bring a first aid kit with them, stocked with everything from band-aids to a thermometer. As with an evacuation, remain calm and don't panic. It's important to set a good example for the kids, and to not scare them at the same time. Once you reach your evacuation destination, try to pick up your day where you left off at the center. Keep the kids calm and safe, remember they are your #1 priority. Call parents if need be. If the evacuation will be more than a few hours, your Center Director should plan on ordering food for the kids, or having some other way of feeding them. When you return to the center, be sure to replace everything you used in your evacuation kits.