Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 290 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 290-2 - FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES
Subject 290-2-7 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR OUTDOOR CHILD CARING PROGRAMS
Rule 290-2-7-.18 - Disaster Preparedness

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 290-2-7-.18

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

The Outdoor Child Caring Program 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, involving any placement homes within a local or widespread area;

4. Loss of heat or air conditioning in facilities, outdoor temporary structures or primitive natural environments where campers may be housed;

5. Fire, explosion, or other physical damage to facilities, outdoor temporary structures or primitive environments where campers may be housed; and

6. Pandemics or other situations where the campers' need for services exceeds the capacity and availability of services regularly offered by the Outdoor Child Caring Program.

(b) There shall be plans to ensure sufficient camp staff and supplies for campers to provide room, board and watchful oversight during the emergency situation.

(c) There shall be plans for the emergency transport or relocation of all campers, should it be necessary, in vehicles appropriate to the camper's needs. Additionally there shall be written agreements with any agencies which have agreed to receive the program's campers in these situations.

(d) The Outdoor Child Caring Program shall document quarterly disaster drills.

(e) The disaster preparedness plan shall include a requirement that the program notify the Department of the emergency situation as required by these rules and notify the parents, placement agency or lawful custodians of the camper's whereabouts and condition.

(f) The Outdoor Child Caring Program 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 Outdoor Child Caring Program's plan for the management of external disasters.

(g) The Outdoor Child Caring Program's disaster preparedness plan shall be made available to the Department for inspection upon request.

(h) 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.

O.C.G.A. Secs. 49-5-3, 49-5-12.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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