On this page you will find plans for:

Please note: Staff have read through and are quizzed on all emergency plans in their 1st week of employment and plans are reviewed in monthly safety meetings.

Evacuation Plans

Building Evacuation: Practiced as fire drill once per month.

  • Staff take children out the closest exit in an orderly fashion. Meet in our parking lot for a headcount roll call.
  • On their way out, staff will check bathrooms, nooks, behind doors, etc. to ensure no child is left behind.
  • Staff will take out the sign-in /out attendance records
  • Staff will take with them group First-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, in which case that we will relocate to the Tim Hortons located at 5655 BC-97A, Enderby
  • Location Phone: Parents can also contact our center cell phone at 250-803-8402

Neighbourhood evacuation: In the case that we need to leave the neighbourhood we will load children into program vehicles, & staff cars, and relocate to our alternate location: Gardom Lake Bible Camp at 651 Glenmary Rd, Enderby, phone (250) 838-6645.  The camp is located halfway between Enderby and Salmon Arm.  Parents can also contact our own centers’ cell at 250.803.8402

In the case of a city evacuation: We will relocate to Gardom Lake Bible Camp 651 Glenmary Road, Enderby, V0E 1V3, 250-838-6645. The camp is located halfway between Enderby and Salmon Arm. 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.

Emergency Evacuation Practice: Thrive will practice & record the neighbourhood evacuation once a year. The entire group leave at one time & review the plans outlined. (Out of town destinations will not be used in the practice)

Our program vehicles are equipped with emergency evacuation kits including: Blanket, space blankets, drinking water, non-perishable snacks, candles, lighter, flashlight, batteries. This is supplemented with first aid kits which include the children’s emergency contact cards.

Lockdown

In event of a lockdown, all center doors will be closed and locked children will be kept in the 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 lockdown.

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 the 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 the 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 the latest emergency information.
  • Stay away from damaged areas, unless the relevant authorities have specifically requested your assistance.

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

Lockdown and earthquake emergency plans will be practiced twice per year as a low stress activity with the children.

Medical Emergency

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

Emergency Recovery

Following an emergency, children are debriefed as a group, parents are communicated with & required reporting will be done. In the event that the center requires repair before children can safely return parents will be notified and relocation to another building will happen as soon as possible. Parents can continue communication with the center via cell phone, email and FB messenger.