Disasters come in all shapes and sizes whether a fire in your house or a hurricane that takes out power and communications in your neighborhood for an extended period. The key to handling any type of disaster is being prepared in advance. Waiting to get supplies and information together until you are faced with an imminent danger is too late. Visit these resources to learn how to prepare your family and home for any type of situation.
As we observe National Disaster Preparedness Month, read tips by a pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurse with extensive emergency response experience in helping families.
Keep Your Family Safe
- Digital flyers developed by our Children in Disasters special interest group.
- Be informed. Make a plan. Build a kit. Resources from ready.gov
- Kids can help plan too with these kid-friendly tools.
- The American Red Cross provides advance support and planning guides.
- Tips for talking to your children about disasters and how to handle a situation.
- Learn about all types of traumatic events and how to prepare for or cope with the stress.
- Take small steps to become prepared.
- Fire prevention tips in Spanish.
Protect Your Children’s Mental Well Being
- NAPNAP’s information for parents – How to Help Your Child/Teen Cope Stressful Events or Uncertainty.
- NAPNAP’s information for school-aged children/teens – Dealing with Stress and Anxiety.
Additional Resources for Healthcare Providers
- Learn how to prepare and educate patient families.
Developed for the Children in Disasters SIG by Clara Marie Talban
Educational Resources for Children | |
Pandemic | CDC Coordinating Pediatric Medical Care During an Influenza Pandemic NAPNAP Coronavirus Safety Lurie Children’s Hospital Pandemic Care Guidelines |
Wildfires | www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Wildfire-safety-tips www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire#About |
Shooter Mass Casualty | |
Tornadoes | |
Floods | |
Earthquakes | www.earthquakecountry.org/prepare/ www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake |
Hurricanes | www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane#About |
General Resources | Red Cross – how to create your emergency plan American Academy of Pediatrics – Disaster Family Readiness Kit |
