Skip to main content
Print

Step 1: Identify Community Partners

During an emergency, local governments manage and coordinate the response. Your local emergency management agency will understand your needs better if you give them information about your program. They can help you determine the kinds of risks in your area and give advice and recommendations. You can also give information about your early childhood program to community partners involved in emergency response. For example, it may help them to know where your facilities are, the number of staff at each site, and the number and age ranges of the children you serve. See the Local Emergency Contacts Form for an example of how to keep track of this information. You can also complete the Program Information to Share with Community Partners Worksheet and give it to your community partners and emergency management agency.

Stay in contact with your local community partners. You might attend local community preparedness events and meetings or host a community meeting so families, neighbors, and staff can get to know people in the community who can help in a disaster.

Follow these tips for working with community partners:

  • Invite local emergency workers and local public health professionals to be on your emergency preparedness task force or your Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee.
  • Invite a first responder to a parent meeting to offer information and answer questions.
  • Arrange a field trip to the local fire department for the children in your program.
  • Get to know your neighbors. People who are near can be very helpful in an emergency!
  • Take part in local disaster preparedness events.
  • Create memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with neighboring early childhood programs and other local partners.
  • Reach out to local chapters of volunteer organizations that are active in disasters for more information and resources.

Keep Mental Health in Mind

Recognize that some people may need more support or may not wish to meet with first responders or law enforcement because of discomfort or previous experiences.

Read more:

,  Safety Practices