Children In Disaster

‘A‘ohe ipu ‘ōpio e ‘ole ka mimino i ka lā.

Did you know?

Children are more vulnerable than adults during disasters because of their smaller size, developmental stage, mental development, dependence on adults, and vulnerability to victimization.

In a Disaster,
Children are Vulnerable to

Physical harm
Psychosocial stress
No access to quality education
Exploitation and violence
Family separation Abuses related to forced displacement (evacuation)
Recruitment into armed groups

Three simple things you can do

Kids

1. Learn your parents’ phone number. 2. Practice “the buddy system.” 3. Have your parents teach you which adults to trust in an emergency.

Parents

1. Have a family emergency plan that includes where to meet if separated. 2. Create a “go bag” that has supplies (food, spare clothes, medicine, etc.) 3. Have your children learn their names and family phone number as soon as possible.

Childcare Providers

1. Receive First Aid and CPR training. 2. Make an emergency plan and have drills. 3. Develop a plan to provide off-site schooling or care (i.e., in a shelter) if the situation calls for it.

Businesses

1. Consider a child care location onsite when schools close and parents still should work. 2. Offer a disaster preparedness workshop for employees. 3. Have emergency plans and drill periodically.

In Case of a Disaster

Parents/Guardians should continue routines, be a role model and listen, provide perspective, limit media, and watch their child for changes in behavior.

Learn more

Take a closer look

View or download the Children in Disaster trifold here.

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Resources

How to Prepare Kids for Emergencies and Disasters

Emergency Preparedness Resources for Childcare Programs

Family Emergency Planning

Coping with Disasters Resource for Kids