It should also allow families to stay together.
Use step-by-step, child-friendly instructions that explain to children and parents what they need to do, why they are doing it, and what to expect.
Take into consideration that infants are slippery when wet. You may need an inventive way to get them through the decontamination process using plastic buckets, car seats, or stretchers.
Safe Refuge/Observation Area
Set up or assign an area or building as a safe refuge/observation area for victims who do not require medical attention. Here they can be monitored for a delayed outbreak of symptoms or indications of residual contamination.
Unattended children may require supervision. Provide additional staff as necessary. Recommended age-appropriate staffing ratios for unattended children are:
1 adult to 4 infants
1 adult to 10 preschool children
1 adult to 20 school-age children
Medical Triage Area
Set up a separate medical triage area for victims who are symptomatic and might require treatment and transportation to a medical facility.
Take precautionary measures to preserve the health and safety of emergency responders working within the Contamination Reduction (Warm) Zone and the Exclusion (Hot) Zone. This includes ensuring responders wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).