To the Parent (s)/Guardian (s) of the Apple Dumpling Gang - Mechanicsburg Center:

This letter is to assure you of our concern for the safety and welfare of children attending our center. Our Emergency Plan provides for response to all types of emergencies. Depending on the circumstance of the emergency, we will use one of the following protective actions:

• Immediate evacuation: Students are evacuated to a safe area on the grounds of the facility in the event of a fire, etc.

• In-place sheltering: Sudden occurrences, weather or hazardous materials related, may dictate that taking cover inside the building is the best immediate response.

• Evacuation: Total evacuation of the facility may become necessary if there is a danger in the area.  In this case, children will be taken to either relocation facilities located at PHICO Main Building (located on the same grounds as the center) or Cumberland Valley Middle School Gymnasium (located at 6746 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County) depending on the situation.

• Modified Operation: May include cancellation/postponement or rescheduling of normal activities.  These actions are normally taken in case of a winter storm or building problems  (such as utility disruptions) that make it unsafe for children but may be necessary in a variety of situations.

Please listen to local radio or television stations for announcements relating  to any of the emergency actions listed above.

We ask that you not call during the emergency.  This will keep the main telephone line free to make emergency calls and relay information. You may call my cell phone at 717-574-8755 and check our website for updates www.dumplinggang.org.

A copy of the form designating emergency contacts and those authorized to pick your child up, is a part of our emergency and evacuation kit. We urge you NOT to attempt to make different arrangements during an emergency.  This will only create additional confusion and divert staff from their assigned emergency duties.

In order to assure the safety of your children and our staff, I ask your understanding and cooperation.  Should you have additional questions regarding our emergency operating procedures please feel free to contact myself either phone or via e-mail ceo@dumplinggang.org or Miss Glenda at the center.

Sincerely,

G. Gordon Glen, CEO/Director

Apple Dumpling Group, Inc.

EMERGENCY KITS AND SUPPLIES

This list contains the minimum items you should have in your center in case of an emergency. 

Center Emergency Kit

• Copies of all contact lists

• For families and staff, include the name, phone number, and e-mail as well as information for someone preferably out-of-state, at least out of the immediate area

• Phones numbers and e-mails for your Sponsor Liaison and/or immediate Supervisor

• Flashlights with extra batteries

• Long-life, emergency flashlights

• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

• AM/FM, weather band/TV band

• Manual can-opener

• First Aid Kit

• Add gloves and Kleenex

• Notepad and pens/pencils

• Scissors

• Hand-Sanitizer and cleansing agent/disinfectant

• Whistle

• Disposable Cups

• Wet Wipes

• (4) Handheld 2-Way Radios

 In the Center in General

• Charged cell phone w/extra battery

• One gallon of water for every four children and staff

• Disposable cups

• Non-perishable food items like soft granola bars, cereal, cheese and crackers, cans of fruit, and special infant items, etc. – should be nut-free in case of allergies

• Extra supplies of critical medication such as insulin, epi-pens, etc. for children and staff

 Each Child Should Have: 

• A change of seasonally appropriate clothing

• A blanket

• Extra diapers (one-day supply as space allows)

• Extra formula (one-day supply as space allows)