CANADIAN DISASTER CHILD CARE SOCIETY
Edmonton, Alberta
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Edmonton, Alberta
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EDMONTON FLOODING RESPONSE - JULY 27-30, 2004
In response to flooding in early July, caused by severe storms that affected areas in the west and south areas of the city, the province set up reception centres in three locations to collect information pertaining to uninsurable damage caused by these storms. The city of Edmonton was asked to run and manage these centres for the province. As CDCC had signed a service contract with the city just days before these events, we were called in to provide child care at the three locations. The expectation was that the City Hall location in the heart of the city would attract primarily adults who came after or during their work day. However, the city wanted to consistently provide equal services to all locations and thus, we did set up in the City Hall location. After the first day, with only three children accessing this downtown centre, it was mutually decided to close that centre and focus our efforts on the Laurier Heights and D.K. MacKenzie locations, both of which were well utilized by children. Hours of operation were Noon to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. There were 2-3 child care givers at each site at all times. The City of Edmonton did an amazing job in attending to the needs of both victims of the flooding and staff. Chaplains welcomed people, offered them refreshments and invited children and their parents to utilize the child care service. They also cared for staff, ensuring that there was coverage for breaks, they handed out candies, and were there to offer support. While there were never more than nine children in any one centre at any time, we had a steady stream of children, and had many opportunities for interaction. The most popular play centre included the ‘play dough’ and children of all ages enjoyed creating and manipulating the dough as they talked with the caregivers. Many children also enjoyed the city floor mat and its accompanying items such as people, cars, pets, rescue workers and vehicles. Others enjoyed the dolls and dishes. The majority of the children initiated discussion regarding their experiences pertaining the flooding, however few seemed traumatized by the event. Many asked questions about the process at the reception centre, and were most interested in the police presence. One officer at the Laurier Heights location was exceptional in her interest and interaction with the children. Where we found parents to be stressed or worried about their children, we talked with them and handed out our pamphlet with information about how children change in response to disasters and what parents can expect.
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disasterchildcare@shaw.ca with
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