It’s September! And as you may know, each September is recognized as National Preparedness Month. Preparedness Month promotes family and community disaster planning now, during the month, and throughout the year. 

Carbon Monoxide 

Emergency events or disasters can happen anywhere at any time.  And with some types of events, power may be lost or turned off for a period of time. Luckily, generators are a good source of power for your home or business and can be used relatively easily. However, it is important to use a generator safely to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Child Care Aware^® of America is pleased to award 11 Child Care Resource & Referral member agencies COVID-19 Quick Response Grants.  The grants were made possible through generous financial support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP).  Funds received from CDP will allow CCAoA to rapidly support CCR&Rs by offering subgrants for the purchase of supplies or enhanced services supports for childcare providers in areas of the U.S. in need and to provide direct aid to those geographic areas entering phased recovery. 

CCR&R staff play a key role in supporting caregivers in child care programs during the response and recovery phases. In-person visits have traditionally been an essential aspect of providing support services to child care providers, yet during the COVID-19 recovery phase these visits have likely been suspended in an effort to ensure the protection of children, caregivers, families and CCR&R staff. Organizations that offer in-person support visits should consult with the local and state health departments before reintroducing this service.

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies and providers have contacted Child Care Aware® of America with questions about how to ensure their programs are properly cleaned and ready when child care programs reopen. 

First, it’s important to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. In short, cleaning means removing dirt or germs from a surface; sanitizing refers to reducing the number of pathogens or bacteria on that cleaned surface; disinfecting kills all bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces. The distinction between the three can seem blurry, so we have gathered some of the most helpful links from partners in public health to ensure you are ready and prepared.   

2020 Tornado Season 

COVID-19 has dominated the news in recent months. As a result, many people may not have heard that this spring’s severe weather season has already made 2020 the deadliest tornado year since 2012. Although it’s early in the season, the National Weather Service has confirmed 443 tornadoes across the country and many more have been reported. Southern states have been hit very hard, especially Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana.