Take the first step to kickstart disaster response plans during National Preparedness Month in September.
Don’t know where to start? Think about what disasters and emergencies could happen in your community. Weather-related disasters, earthquakes, wildfires, pandemics and economic downturns all take a toll on children and families.
Identify what each child in your practice, including those with special health care needs, would need to cope with a disaster or emergency. Hand out the Family Readiness Kit that explains how to make a plan, be informed and get involved.
Preparing and responding to children’s needs during public health emergencies continues to be challenging. The AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have collaborated to promote pediatric preparedness through implementation of pediatric-focused exercises (as well as by adding pediatric content to existing exercises).
The AAP developed a Pediatric and Public Health Preparedness Exercise Resource Kit to assist coalitions, hospitals and other entities develop or test their disaster plans. Email [email protected] for a copy of the kit and sample pediatric scenarios.
See www.aap.org/disasters/preparednessmonth for educational materials and National Preparedness Month strategies.
