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4240-4 C. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION The family hiring an In-home caregiver must ensure their home is free of fire hazards and an emergency evacuation plan is developed ensuring the complete evacuation of the home within one hundred and fifty (150) seconds, or two and one half (2½) minutes during an emergency.

The plan must include procedures for reunifying the child and family when the family’s home is inaccessible.

In-home caregivers must conduct and document emergency evacuation drills at least once a month, unless postponed due to severe weather. The reason for postponement must be documented. A record of each evacuation drill must be made and retained by the provider and made available upon request. This record must include:

1. The date and time of the drill;

2. The name of each child in care who was present at the time of the drill including those who did not participate in the drill, and the reason for nonparticipation;

3. The amount of time used to complete the drill; and

4. A critique of the drill including a brief evaluation of the evacuation. The critique of the drill must include: a. A review of actions taken by thecaregiver; b. A review of responses by children in care during the drill; c. An evaluation of whether existing policies were followed and, if not, an explanation of why a policy was not followed; d. An evaluation of whether the policies followed were effective and, if not, a description of how any policy will be revised for future drills; e. An identification of factors contributing to an ineffective drill for any critique that indicates a drill was ineffective in any way; and f. Any suggestions for improving future drills.