1. A. Emergency and Disaster Plan.

   1. (1) At least one facility employee shall:

      1. (a) Complete emergency preparedness training that is approved by the office; and
      2. (b) As part of the approved emergency preparedness training, prepare a written emergency and disaster plan for the facility.
   2. (2) The operator shall maintain the emergency and disaster plan prepared in accordance with §A(1)(b) of this regulation.

   3. (3) The emergency and disaster plan shall:

      1. (a) Establish procedures for:

         1. (i) Evacuating the facility, including an evacuation route;
         2. (ii) Relocating staff and children to a designated safe site;
         3. (iii) Sheltering in place in the event that evacuation is not feasible;
         4. (iv) Notifying parents of children in care; and
         5. (v) Addressing the individual needs of children, including children with special needs;

      2. (b) Contain:

         1. (i) The name of, and contact information for the local emergency operations center;
         2. (ii) Assignment of staff responsibilities during an emergency or disaster;
         3. (iii) A list of local emergency services numbers; and
         4. (iv) The radio station call sign and frequency for the local Emergency Alert System;

      3. (c) Be practiced by staff and children at least:

         1. (i) Once per month for fire evacuation; and
         2. (ii) Twice per year for other emergency and disaster situations; and
      4. (d) Be updated at least annually.
   4. (4) A copy of the emergency escape route floor plan shall be posted in each area and room in the facility.
   5. (5) Each employee shall be oriented to the contents of the written emergency and disaster plan required at §A(2) of this regulation.
   6. (6) In the event of a declared emergency, the operator shall be prepared to respond as directed by the local emergency management agency through sources of public information.
   7. (7) During an emergency evacuation or practice, a staff member shall take attendance records out of the facility and determine the presence of each child currently in attendance.

2. B. If the child care facility is included within a comprehensive emergency and disaster plan, the facility operator shall ensure that:

   1. (1) The comprehensive plan contents meet all emergency and disaster plan requirements set forth at §A(3)(a) and (b) of this regulation; and
   2. (2) A copy of the comprehensive plan is available to all staff.

3. C. An operator shall post, immediately accessible to each telephone in the facility, a notice stating the:

   1. (1) 9-1-1 emergency telephone number to summon fire, police, and rescue services;
   2. (2) Facility's name, address, and telephone number;
   3. (3) Telephone number of the Child Protective Services unit of the local department of social services;
   4. (4) Telephone number of a poison control facility;
   5. (5) Name and telephone number of the local health department or a physician to consult about issues regarding health and illnesses;
   6. (6) Name and telephone number of the available adult as required by COMAR 13A.17.08.02; and
   7. (7) Telephone number of the office.

Authority: Education Article, §§9.5-401, 9.5-404, 9.5-405, 9.5-409, 9.5-411, and 9.5-413—9.5.418; General Provisions Article, §4-333;
Human Services Article, §1-202; Annotated Code of Maryland
Agency Note: Federal Statutory Reference — Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.);
Pro-Children Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. §6081 et seq.);
Child Care Development Block Grant (45 CFR Parts 98 and 99 and 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.);
Social Security Act §418 (42 U.S.C. 618)

Effective date: October 20, 2008 (35:21 Md. R. 1827)

Regulation .01 amended effective April 19, 2010 (37:8 Md. R. 619)

Regulation .01A amended effective March 21, 2011 (38:6 Md. R. 396)

Regulation .01B amended effective January 13, 2020 (47:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .02 amended effective April 19, 2010 (37:8 Md. R. 619)

Regulation .02C amended effective January 13, 2020 (47:1 Md. R. 16)

Regulation .04 amended as an emergency provision effective August 31, 2023 (50:20 Md. R. 885); amended permanently effective February 5, 2024 (51:2 Md. R. 76)

Regulation .04I adopted effective March 21, 2011 (38:6 Md. R. 396)