3.17.10: In the event of a loss of water

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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     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.