Guidelines for in Home Girl Scout Meetings or Activities

The safety of girls and adults is a top priority of Girl Scouts.  Girls benefit from a safe environment in which they can develop critical life and leadership skills.  At all Girl Scout activities, including those in home, two unrelated, registered and background checked approved volunteers MUST be present at ALL times.

The following guidelines must be met before an approved volunteer can hold regularly scheduled meetings or activities in a private home.

o   Permission to Meet in the Home Application and Approval Form must be completed and approved by GSMISTS.

o   Copy of current Homeowner’s/Rental Insurance (stating Personal Liability and Medical Payment to Others amounts) on file with GSMISTS.  Upload at end of this form.

o   All adults 18+ who live in the home OR are regularly in the home must complete and pass a Criminal Background Check. They will receive an e-mail to complete a Criminal Background Check from Sterling Volunteers. No other adults are permitted to visit/drop in during troop meetings or activities.

o   Parent Permission for Girl to Attend Meetings/Activities in the Home Form for each girl must be on file with the volunteer who is holding meetings/activities. In addition, parents/guardians will need to provide a completed Girl/Adult Health History Form for each girl. Forms must be at each meeting and easily accessible to the troop leader. 

o   Volunteer to girl ratios must be met at all times.  During all meetings/activities, approved volunteers must be present according to the ratios of girls to volunteers. Consult Safety Activity Checkpoints for ratio information. 

o   Read Safety Activity Checkpoints, Volunteer Policies & Procedures, and Volunteer Essentials to ensure you are keeping the girls safe. 

o   Must meet all First Aid requirements as noted in Safety Activity Checkpoints.

o   A GSMISTS emergency evacuation plan must be completed (all exit routes listed) and practiced by girls and volunteers, and kept on file with the volunteer who is holding the meeting/activity.

o   Pets must be in a safe and secure location completely separate while girls are present in home.  Pets must be up to date with all vaccinations.

o   No smoking in the home.

Permission to Meet in the Home Application and Approval Form.

An application and approval are required for any meetings and/or activities
that will be in a private home. Include Homeowner’s/Rental Insurance with this
application. GSMISTS will e-mail a Criminal Background Check link directly to all additional adults in the home. Allow at least 4 - 6 weeks for processing.

I am aware of and agree to comply with all standards in Safety Activity Checkpoints and GSMISTS Volunteer Policies and Procedures for meeting in the home.  I understand that only approved meeting/activity locations that follow all guidelines with registered members of GSMISTS are covered by the basic plan insurance.  Damage to property is not covered.

Additional Adults in the Home Information

Complete the information below for all additional adults (18+) living in the home.

Evacuation Plan Requirements for troops meeting in home

In case of a FIRE:

o Call 9-1-1.

o Without panic, adults need to evacuate Girl Scouts out of the home through the nearest unblocked exit. A best practice is to evacuate in a single file, holding hands if needed.

o Proceed to designated meeting spot.

o Adult in charge takes attendance and alerts fire department of any Girl Scouts or adults who are unaccounted for.

o Do not go back into the building to get any personal items.

 

In case of a SEVERE STORM:

o Check the weather forecast and keep an eye on the sky if you plan to be outdoors.

o Homeower will monitor weather and alert parents by text of any severe storms.

o Go inside the home if a severe storm hits.

o Stay inside the home. No one should be outside when there is thunder and/or lightning.

o If you are caught outside, do not stand under a natural lightening rod, such as a tall, isolated tree or telephone pole. Stay away from open water and metal equipment.

 

In case of a TORNADO WATCH and TORNADO WARNING:

o A TORNADO WATCH is a statement issued by weather forecasting agencies to advise the public that atmospheric conditions may lead to the development of tornadoes within the region over several hours. o A TORNADO WARNING is a public warning that is issued by weather forecasting agencies to an area in the direct path of a tornado, or a thunderstorm capable of producing one, and advises individuals in that area to take cover.

o The homeowner will monitor weather and alert parents by text of any tornado watches or warnings.

o When under a tornado warning, if time allows, without panic, take cover in the pre-determined designated area. 

o If time does not allow, without panic, shelter in place. Go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. If you are outside, try to get in an area without trees.

o Kneel on the ground and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

o Stay in the building until the weather has passed.

o Call 9-1-1 if needed.

Evacuation Plan

I am aware of and agree to abide by all evacuation plan requirements and attest that I will execute the above evacuation plan in the event of fire, severe storm, or tornado watch or warning.