Emergency Plans

Evacuation Plan: Thrive practices emergency evacuation plans in order that children and staff know what to do.

Building Evacuation: Practiced as fire drill once per month.

• Staff take children out closest exit. We will meet in our parking lot for a head count.
• On their way out, a staff will check bathrooms, nooks, behind doors, etc. to ensure no child is left behind.
• A staff will take out the sign in/out attendance records.
• A staff will take with them group 1st aid kid with emergency contact cards.
• Staff will ensure they have their cell phones on them.
• Parents will be notified if it becomes unsafe to re-enter the building. If so we will load children into program vehicles, and staff cars, and relocate to our alternate location Parks and Rec 145-179 Vesuvius Road, Salt Spring Island Phone 250-537-4448.
• Parents can also contact Salt Spring Thrive at 250-221-9794.

Neighborhood evacuation: In the case that we need to leave the neighborhood we will load children into program vehicles, and staff cars, and relocate to our alternate location Fr. Scott Whittemore 135 Drake Road, Salt Spring Island, contact numbers 250-537-2150 or 250-931-0074. Parents can also contact Salt Spring Thrive at 250-221-9794.

City evacuation: Our building is the designated evacuation spot for all of Salt Spring Island, so we will go to the designated location in the building, unless emergency personnel direct us to relocate off island then we will load children into program vehicles, and staff cars, and relocate to the location determined by Emergency Personnel.

Parents can contact Salt Spring Thrive at 250-221-9794.

In the case of any emergency staff will attempt to keep children calm and if possible debriefed before leaving with parents.

In the event that we are unable to return to our building following an emergency, parents will be notified regarding any long term alternative plans as soon as possible.

Our program vehicles are equipped with emergency evacuation kits including:

Blanket, space blankets, water bottles, non perishable snacks, candles, lighter, flashlight, batteries. This is supplemented with first aid kits which include the children’s emergency contact cards.

Lock down: All church doors will be closed and locked children will be kept in program area away from windows if safest, no one will be allowed in or out until it has been deemed safe to do so. Children will be kept calm and distracted and will be debriefed before leaving Parents will be contacted to be notified of the lock down.

Medical emergency Plan: Staff to apply basic first aid. Ambulance to be called, parents to be called, if ratios allow it staff will go to hospital to meet parents and be with child until then. Children in group will be debriefed.

Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness:

It is important to take action as soon as the ground first begins to shake.

• When the ground moves DUCK, COVER and HOLD. At the first sign of the ground shaking, duck under a desk or table, cover your head and torso, and hold onto the legs of the table or desk. It is very important to make sure that your head and neck are protected.
• For older children: sit on the floor with your back toward an inside wall, knees up to your chest, elbows on your knees, and hands over your head. Make sure that you are away from windows and outside walls.
• If you are outside when the ground shakes, stay there unless it is unsafe. Move away from buildings trees, streetlights and utility wires.

When the shaking stops staff will:

• Remain calm, assess the situation and determine the course of action.
• Stay in your safe place and count to 60. When you move from your safe place, move cautiously, looking up and around for potential hazards.
• Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
• If electricity goes out, use flashlights and battery powered lanterns. Do not use candles, matches or open flames indoors because of the possibility of gas leaks.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound open a window and leave the building immediately and call the gas company. If possible, shut off the main gas valve outside.
• If there is electrical damage, shut off the power at the main control panel.
• If water pipes are damaged, shut off water supply at the main valve.
• Wear sturdy shoes in areas covered with fallen debris and broken glass.
• Check the building for structural damage.
• Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines have not been damaged.
• Open cabinets cautiously and beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Only use the phone (including cell phones) to report a life-threatening emergency. Hang up phones that were shaken off their hooks to keep lines clear.
• Listen to news reports for latest emergency information.
• Stay away from damaged areas, unless the relevant authorities have specifically requested your assistance.

NOTE: Earthquakes are usually followed by smaller tremors, or aftershocks. Be prepared for these.

Tsunami: If news reports indicate the possibility of tsunami, go to designated place in our building, which is the Emergency meeting place in case of a tsunami on Salt Spring Island, unless otherwise specified by Emergency personnel.

Regular earthquake and tsunami drills will be practiced separately from fire drills and will happen once a month.