Following an emergency, you will need to complete a damage assessment of your facility (e.g., center or family child care home) to reopen safely. Assessments will be different based on the type of emergency. Work with your emergency preparedness task force to make sure an assessment is prompt and accurate.
After assessing the damage, work with your insurance company to file a claim if applicable. Plan how your program will make repairs to resume operations. Contact partner agencies such as your Head Start Regional Office, local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, licensing agency, or Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) lead agency about opportunities for more support. They can connect you to resources to help you reopen your program, or offer temporary services in another place if your community has had significant damage that needs mitigation.
Read these resources to help with your damage assessment:
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Audience: Directors and Managers
Last Updated: June 5, 2025