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3.17.10: In the event of a loss of water

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    Emergency Procedure: Loss of Water

    Purpose

         To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of children and staff in the event of a loss of water supply. This procedure outlines steps to maintain hygiene, hydration, and safety until water service is restored or further action is required.


     

    Procedure

    1. Immediate Response

    1. Assess the Situation:
      • Confirm the extent of the water outage and any potential impacts on the center (e.g., drinking water, restrooms, food preparation).
      • Notify the director or designated supervisor immediately.
    2. Contact the Utility Provider:
      • Call the local water utility company to report the outage and inquire about the estimated time for service restoration.
    3. Notify Staff:
      • Inform all staff about the water outage and provide instructions for implementing alternative measures for hygiene and hydration.

     

    2. Implement Alternative Measures

    1. Drinking Water:
      • Use bottled water from the center’s emergency supplies for drinking and food preparation.
      • If emergency supplies are insufficient, contact local suppliers or authorities to request additional bottled water.
    2. Hygiene:
      • Use hand sanitizer for hand hygiene if running water is unavailable.
      • Limit restroom use if necessary and follow sanitation guidelines (e.g., lining toilet bowls with plastic bags and disposing of waste properly).
      • Encourage frequent use of wet wipes or disposable towels for basic hygiene.
    3. Food Preparation:
      • Avoid preparing meals requiring water if bottled water supplies are insufficient.
      • Serve pre-packaged or ready-to-eat food items during the outage.

     

    3. Communication

    1. Notify Parents/Guardians:
      • Inform parents/guardians of the water outage and any impacts on daily operations.
      • Provide updates if the outage is prolonged or if alternate pick-up plans are necessary.
    2. Coordinate with Local Authorities:
      • Contact local health or emergency services for additional resources or guidance if needed.

     

    4. Evacuation (if Necessary)

    • If the water outage compromises health and safety (e.g., lack of sanitation or drinking water), follow the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.
    • Relocate to a pre-designated alternate site with adequate facilities.
    • Notify parents/guardians of the relocation and provide pick-up instructions.

     

    5. Post-Restoration Actions

    1. Flush Systems:
      • Run faucets and drinking fountains for several minutes to clear any sediment or contaminants from the lines after water service is restored.
      • Check restrooms, kitchens, and other areas to ensure proper water flow.
    2. Inspect for Safety:
      • Verify that water quality meets safety standards before resuming normal operations.
      • Disinfect any surfaces or equipment that may have been affected during the outage.
    3. Communicate Updates:
      • Notify parents/guardians and staff when water service is fully restored and normal operations resume.

     

    6. Documentation

    • Complete an Incident Report Form detailing:
      • The time and duration of the water outage.
      • Actions taken to address the situation.
      • Any impacts on operations or safety concerns.
    • File the report in the center’s emergency records.

     

    Responsibilities

    Staff

    • Follow alternative hygiene and hydration measures.
    • Supervise children and ensure their safety during the water outage.
    • Communicate any concerns to the director immediately.

    Director

    • Coordinate communication with utility providers, parents/guardians, and local authorities.
    • Oversee implementation of alternative measures and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
    • Conduct post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement.

         By adhering to this procedure, the program ensures that health and safety are maintained during a water outage, minimizing disruption and ensuring readiness for any necessary adjustments.


    3.17.10: In the event of a loss of water is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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