Closures due to power outages

[5 Little Monkeys]

Same, in the centres I worked at we would close if the power stayed off for a long period of time. I think after 20-30 minutes the parents were called.

It's tough though because you never know how long the power will be off for.

I likely wouldn't close unless it was due to something major. I'd phone the parents and let them know though. Being in a home without power is a bit different than centres. I have blankets, food, water etc that would sustain us for the day.

Good question, I'm interested in reading what others do

[Lee-Bee]

I think I would stay open the day of the power outage (if it happened during daycare hours)...but let parents know at pick up that you will not open the next day unless the power comes back on (and you would contact them if it was on by X time). In a home we have lower numbers and more ways to keep kids warm, they can cuddle on the couch and read stories etc. But if the power is off a second day the house would be cold enough that it wouldn't be comfortable. There is always enough food in the house to feed kids a cold meal. It may not be a normal, well-rounded meal but their tummy's wouldn't be empty.

If the power goes out in the evening in the dead of winter then I would possibly close the next day. But you'd need to get that message to the families and if you and possibly they have no power I would assume you won't get a hold of them all so would need to be prepared to turn them away at the door.