In the event of an emergency concerning a 4-H member or 4-H volunteer first contact 911, alert emergency contacts and the 4-H staff person on site, and file an incident report. The 4-H staff person will communicate with the UMass 4-H Program Director on any emergency situations.
All 4-H events must have an emergency weather protocol that allows members of the 4-H community present to stay safe during a weather related emergency. Outdoor events should be moved indoors if possible, and/or postponed or cancelled if lightning and high winds are present.
An incident report needs to be filed for any injury that occurs at the event. This applies to animal injuries as well.
4-H members and volunteers are held to the 4-H Code of Conduct and will conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner as consistent with the code of conduct. Concerns about 4-H members and volunteer behavior should be taken directly to the 4-H Staff person present at the event. 4-H volunteers are not permitted to dismiss 4-H members or 4-H volunteers from an event. 4-H Volunteers serve at the discretion of the UMass 4-H Program Director.
All 4-H member and volunteer health information are confidential. Designated 4-H Chaperones are the only 4-H volunteers with access to 4-H member health information for overnight events.
Chaperones must be screened volunteers prior to the event (including having current CORI on file) and be at least 21 years of age (minimum age 23 for national and out-of-state events). Chaperones must adhere to the Volunteer Code of Conduct. Chaperones will have a background check completed by the 4-H State office prior to the overnight event.
If a 4-H member needs assistance, they may get help from another 4-H youth. The helper does not have to be from the same club. If there is an immediate safety concern, it is appropriate for adults to step in until the danger passes. Parents or leaders who think a 4-H member needs non-emergency adult assistance are encouraged to contact their Regional 4-H Educator prior to the event.
Any parent or guardian seeking special accommodations for their 4-H member must submit a request to the regional 4-H office at least two weeks prior to the event.