Save the Children Disaster Checklist for Families
As tornado-ravaged Oklahoma and other states across the Midwest brace for more severe storms, the East Coast is getting ready for hurricane season.
In light of National Hurricane Preparedness week, now through June 1, Save the Children is releasing its disaster preparedness tips to help parents across America keep their children safe when disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes strike.
“Disasters can cause fear, anxiety and stress in children that can last long after the initial impact,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children.
“That’s why we have to do everything we can to minimize the emotional effect of such traumatizing events on children, who are the most vulnerable during emergencies, and provide the support they need.”
[ Also Read: Carolyn Miles Keynotes Mom+Social Event ]Save the Children Disaster Checklist for Families
- Comfort Items: stuffed animal, doll, pacifier or blanket
- Personal Hygiene: baby wipes, feminine products, diapers, nursing pads
- Children’s Activities: books, puzzles, games
- Infant Nutrition: nursing supplies, formula, pre-packaged baby food
- Medical needs: infant/child fever reducer, rash ointment
- Family meet-up: Pick a safe spot to meet if separated such as a local school or library
- Out-of-towner: A family contact who would not be affected by a local disaster
- ICE: Cell phones should have “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) programmed into their contacts
- Text: Text messages can often get through, even when a phone call can’t
- Contact school or day care: Ensure they know what your child is supposed to do in case of an emergency
- Identification: Write down your child’s name and your contact information on a notecard and keep it with your child.
Save the Children’s U.S. emergency response team is making sure the needs of children in tornado-affected Oklahoma are prioritized during the recovery process.
In the picture above: Felicia Owen’s grandmother’s house in the Highland neighborhood of Moore, Oklahoma was totally destroyed when the tornado hit on May 20, 2013. Felicia and her friend Jamie Johnson are working to salvage what they can from the house. Pictured here are Jamie’s children (Randa, 14, Shelby, 16, and Brett, 10) and Felicia’s 9-year-old daughter Mykayla.
