In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

The National Commission on Children and Disasters recently approved an initial set of recommendations in its interim report to President Obama and Congress. The final report, due in October, will reflect an assessment of persistent gaps in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for children and include policy suggestions to fill the gaps. The panel’s preliminary recommendations are:

* Creating an office within the Federal Emergency Management Agency specifically focused on incorporating children into disaster planning, response and recovery;

* Creating a standing advisory body to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to formulate guidance on emergency medical countermeasures for children;

* Adopting standards for providing safe and age-appropriate environments and supplies to children housed in emergency shelters;

* Elevating child care to an essential service in community recovery efforts;

* Requiring comprehensive disaster plans, training and exercises for facilities that serve or house children-schools, child care centers, group homes and juvenile justice systems-and are developed and approved in partnership with local and state emergency managers.

For more information on the Commission’s work, you can go to www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov.