How to Plan for Emergency Situations with Your Nanny
Emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable—but when you’re a parent (especially a working parent), having a solid emergency plan in place can be the difference between panic and peace of mind. If you rely on a nanny to care for your children, it's crucial to include them in your family’s emergency preparedness strategy. Whether you're a physician working long shifts, a business owner juggling meetings, or a parent who just needs reassurance that your home is covered, this guide will walk you through how to plan for emergency situations with your nanny.
1. Start with a Family Emergency Plan
Before you even bring your nanny into the conversation, take time to outline your family’s general emergency plan. This should include:
Designated emergency contacts (local and out-of-state)
Preferred hospitals or urgent care centers
Evacuation routes and safe meeting spots
Medical needs or allergies for each child
Where supplies are stored (first aid kits, flashlights, etc.)
Once you’ve outlined your plan, bring your nanny into the conversation and walk them through every detail.
2. Create an Emergency Contact Sheet
Print and laminate a physical emergency contact sheet and keep it in an easily accessible spot (e.g., fridge, inside a kitchen cabinet). Include:
Parents’ phone numbers and work locations
Emergency services: 911, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), local police and fire departments
Trusted neighbors or nearby family members
Your pediatrician's name and contact information
Insurance details (if needed for urgent care visits)
Home address and directions (in case your nanny needs to call emergency responders)
Pro tip: Give your nanny a digital copy for their phone as well.
3. Train Your Nanny in CPR and First Aid
This one’s non-negotiable. Your nanny should be certified in infant and child CPR and basic first aid. If they aren’t yet certified, offer to pay for a class or include it as part of your onboarding process.
Make sure they know:
How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on infants and toddlers
What to do in case of allergic reactions, seizures, or head injuries
How to recognize signs of dehydration, fever, or respiratory distress
If your child has a specific health condition (e.g., asthma, food allergies, seizures), your nanny should be trained to respond appropriately.
4. Discuss Specific Emergency Scenarios
Go beyond generalities and walk through specific “what if” scenarios together. For example:
What if the smoke alarm goes off while the toddler is napping?
What if there’s a tornado warning during a morning walk?
What if the baby has a fever of 104 and you’re unreachable?
What if there's a break-in or suspicious activity nearby?
Role-playing a few of these scenarios can help your nanny build confidence and give you both a chance to address any gaps.
5. Set Clear Communication Expectations
During emergencies, communication is key—but stress can muddle good judgment. Discuss:
Who to call first in various types of emergencies
When to call 911 vs. when to wait or call a parent
What to text vs. what to call about
How to share timely updates and stay in touch
If you’re in surgery or in a meeting and can’t be reached, designate a backup person your nanny can contact immediately.
6. Provide Access to Supplies
Ensure your nanny knows where to find:
First aid kits (fully stocked!)
Thermometers, medications, and dosage instructions
Flashlights and batteries
Extra diapers, formula, and water
Emergency snacks and blankets
Bonus: Keep a small “go bag” packed with essentials in case they ever need to leave the house quickly with your child.
7. Tech and Security Tools
Make sure your nanny has access to:
Home security systems (codes and how to disarm alarms)
Door locks and garage openers
GPS trackers or baby monitors if used
Any smart home tools or emergency apps your family relies on
Apps like Life360 or Find My iPhone can be helpful tools for keeping tabs during an emergency—but always have your nanny’s consent and comfort level in mind.
8. Don’t Forget Natural Disasters
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters—tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires—your nanny should be briefed on what to do during those events. This includes:
Where to take shelter (basement, bathroom, etc.)
Whether to evacuate or shelter in place
How to use emergency kits
Local sirens, alerts, or weather radio instructions
Make sure your emergency plan aligns with local guidelines and school district protocols if you have older children.
9. Include Emergency Days in Your Work Agreement
It’s smart to prepare for logistics beyond the emergency itself. Consider adding language to your nanny contract that covers:
Who pays for additional time if the nanny stays longer during an emergency
Transportation plans if roads are closed or unsafe
Overnight accommodations in rare cases where your nanny may need to stay with the children
Being proactive ensures both sides know what to expect and how to navigate tricky situations.
10. Check In Regularly
Emergency planning isn’t a one-and-done event. Review your plan every 6–12 months, or whenever something significant changes (like a move, new medical needs, or hiring a new nanny).
Make check-ins a normal part of your caregiver communication. You might say, “Hey, it’s tornado season—do you feel clear on our plan?” or “We updated the pediatrician—here’s the new info.”
11. Normalize Preparedness Without Creating Panic
The goal isn’t to make your nanny anxious—it’s to empower them with the tools they need. Frame emergency planning as part of being a trusted caregiver and a core part of the job. Remind them you trust their instincts, but want to give them everything possible to feel confident and equipped.
12. Bonus: Create a Child-Friendly Version of the Plan
Depending on your child’s age, involve them too. Teach older children:
How to unlock doors
Their home address and phone number
Who to call in an emergency
How to use a walkie-talkie or phone
Where to go during a fire or weather alert
Let your nanny know how much or how little the child knows so they can respond appropriately in the moment.
Final Thoughts
You may never need your nanny to spring into action during a true emergency—but that’s the point. The best emergency planning happens when everyone feels calm, supported, and prepared long before anything actually happens.
Whether you’re in the operating room, stuck in traffic, or just trying to make it through another day balancing everything, you deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing your nanny has a plan—and you do, too.
Suggested Resources to Share with Your Nanny:
Red Cross First Aid & CPR Training
Ready.gov Emergency Planning
Poison Control Emergency Line
FEMA’s Emergency Supply List
Want more peace of mind when hiring and training your nanny?
We help busy families—especially physician families—find trustworthy, experienced nannies and create seamless onboarding plans that include emergency readiness. Learn more about our placement services at Hunny Nanny Agency.
