Understanding Tornado Drill Requirements in Colorado Child Care Programs

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Colorado weather can change in an instant, which is why emergency preparedness is a core component of child safety in licensed childcare programs. Among the required emergency procedures, tornado drills play a critical role in ensuring staff and children know exactly what to do when severe weather strikes.

Whether you’re a Director, Owner, or educator, staying compliant with state regulations helps protect children and strengthens your program’s overall safety culture. Here’s what Colorado providers need to know about tornado drill requirements.

Colorado Licensing Requirements for Tornado Drills

Under Colorado childcare licensing rules, programs must:

• Conduct tornado drills at least once every month during tornado season, March through October in CO, though programs may choose to practice year‑round.

• Document each drill, including:

  • Date and time

  • Number of children and staff present

  • Location of the safe area

  • Any issues observed and corrective actions taken

• Ensure all staff are trained on:

  • The program’s tornado response procedures

  • How to safely move children to designated shelter areas

  • How to maintain active supervision during the drill

• Review and update emergency plans annually, or whenever the building layout or staffing patterns change.

Failure to maintain drill documentation is one of the most common findings during supervisory inspections—something easily avoided with consistent practice and clear recordkeeping.

What a Strong Tornado Drill Looks Like

A high‑quality drill includes:

• A clear announcement or signal

• Calm, quick transitions to interior shelter areas

• Staff positioned strategically to maintain visibility and supervision

• Children seated in safe positions away from windows and hazards

• A brief debrief afterward to identify improvements

Programs should also ensure that substitutes, floaters, and new staff are trained before working independently with children.

Tips for Staying Compliant All Year

• Add tornado drills to your monthly safety calendar

• Keep drill logs in a central, easy‑to‑access binder

• Review procedures during staff meetings and onboarding

• Use reflective supervision to help staff understand their roles during emergencies

• Conduct occasional unannounced drills to test readiness

Consistency builds confidence—for children, families, and your team.