Rule 290-2-6-.25 - Diaster Preparedness(1) The center shall prepare for potential emergency situations that may affect the care of children by the development of an effective disaster preparedness plan that identifies emergency situations and outlines an appropriate course of action. The plan must be reviewed and revised annually, as appropriate, including any related written agreements. (a) The disaster preparedness plan shall include at a minimum plans for the following emergency situations: 1. Local and widespread weather emergencies or natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, ice or snow storms, or floods; 2. Manmade disasters such as acts of terrorism and hazardous materials spills; 3. Unanticipated interruption of service of utilities, including water, gas, or electricity, either within the center or within a local or widespread area; 4. Loss of heat or air conditioning; 5. Fire, explosion, or other physical damage to the center; and 6. Pandemics or other situations where the community's need for services exceeds the availability of beds and services regularly offered by the center. (b) There shall be plans to ensure sufficient staffing and supplies during the emergency situation. (c) There shall be plans for the emergency transport or relocation of all children, should it be necessary, in vehicles appropriate to the children's needs. Additionally there shall be written agreements with any facilities which have agreed to receive the center's children in these situations. (d) The center shall document participation of all areas of the center in quarterly fire drills. (e) In addition to fire drills, the center shall have its staff rehearse portions of the disaster preparedness plan, with a minimum of two rehearsals each calendar year either in response to an emergency or through planned drills, with coordination of the drills with the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) whenever possible. (f) The plan shall include the notification to the department of the emergency situation as required by these rules and notification of the lawful custodians of the children's whereabouts and condition. (g) The center shall provide a copy of the internal disaster preparedness plan to the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and shall include the local EMA in development of the center's plan for the management of external disasters. (h) The center's disaster preparedness plan shall be made available to the department for inspection upon request. (i) The department may suspend any requirements of these rules and the enforcement of any rules where the Governor of the State of Georgia has declared a public health emergency. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-6-.25
O.C.G.A. Secs. 49-5-8, 49-5-12.
Original Rule entitled "Disaster Preparedness" adopted. F. Jan. 27, 2009; eff. Feb. 16, 2009.