Whether you’re leading a community organization or early childhood program, it’s imperative to have a plan in case of emergencies. But, just having a plan is not enough if all parties aren’t adequately informed about it. Here’s why emergency-preparedness is so important, now more than ever, and how you can keep your team in the loop about everything going on in your childcare center or local organization, whether it’s an emergency or not.
Emergency Preparation Is Vital
Although we can hope emergencies never happen, it’s wise to be prepared. Trying to come up with or relay a plan in the midst of a crisis will almost certainly compound the problem. As a childcare provider, being prepared ensures that you can provide for children’s safety and basic needs in an emergency.
Knowing how you will respond to unforeseen events also allows you to provide adequate training for your staff so they can carry out your plan without difficulty. It gives parents peace of mind that their children are in good hands at all times.
Having a plan in place also helps your childcare center or organization recover more quickly once imminent danger has passed. When you’re adequately prepared, it’s easier to locate and coordinate resources to get back up and running again as soon as possible.
Keep Everyone Informed
Once you’ve decided how you will handle emergencies and other urgent situations, such as a sudden change of plans, you will need to communicate that to your team. Many organizations document their disaster-response procedures — often in the form of a handbook or some other hard-copy format. While having a plan in writing is vital, you should also be able to communicate with your team about it consistently in real time. In many instances, emergency-preparedness is an ongoing process, as plans may change or new situations or protocols may arise. Sometimes, for example, you may have to update procedures to comply with legal requirements or government recommendations.
Communicate Urgent Information with Go2s
Go2s is a secure app that connects your team through multiple channels — email, text, and app notifications. When you’re facing a disaster or sudden turn of events, it’s critical to be able to contact members of your community as quickly as possible, with minimal effort. With the Urgent Post feature on Go2s, you can do just that. When you send a message to your group, they’ll be notified immediately via text, email, and app notification, so all your bases are covered.
Having a communication platform augments your emergency plan, allowing you to better safeguard staff, volunteers, and any children in your care — not only during the disaster, but afterward, too. In an emergency, it can be difficult to reunite children with their families, especially in the event of road closures, heightened security, and other obstacles. A virtual networking site allows all of you to keep each other current on the most up-to-date information available to avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.
Communicating When It’s Not An Emergency Is Important, Too
Of course, the importance of communication and collaboration isn’t limited to emergencies. Social networking apps provide a relaxed space for your community to share ideas and provide feedback, even when the need to connect isn’t urgent.
One advantage of using social media with your team is that it allows members to engage with the group on their own terms. Having an online platform where they can connect may encourage some individuals to be more involved than they would be otherwise. People can post when it’s convenient for them, and everyone can be seamlessly kept in the loop.
When your community is highly engaged, they can help you grow your childcare center or local organization, too. When members feel like they belong, they’re more likely to tell others about it. Using social media can go a long way toward improving the culture within small businesses and local groups, allowing them to expand their influence.
Go2s also enables them to share files, photos, and other potentially sensitive information without fear of unauthorized parties digitally “looking over their shoulder” to see what’s being posted.
Go2s can help you take your emergency-preparedness plan to the next level. You can use the app alongside your other disaster-preparation efforts to give your community practical solutions and peace of mind. Learn more about Go2s or sign up for a free account today.