1. Disaster Planning for Children and Families Lou Romig MD, FAAP, FACEP Miami Children’s Hospital FL-5 DMAT

2. Best practices?  We’re getting practice  We’ve got little data  Every practice setting is different Just like kids, no plan or policy fits all.

3. Getting a grip  The 9-11 attacks, Katrina and the threat of pandemic flu have skewed our planning processes  The basics must be tackled first and addressed with solid plans.

4. family For children, there’s nothing more basic than family.

5. You don’t need a distinct Pediatric Plan if you… Empower and support Families Families

6. Family Issues  Every day can be a disaster Ú Strengthen critical community infrastructure to meet the daily needs of children and their caregivers

7. Family Issues  The family is the strongest unit of survival Ú Personal identification On each person Family records Centralized records (photos, fingerprints, DNA)

8. Family Issues  The family is the strongest unit of survival Ú Family identification Begin data collection and identification at the time of first contact with the response system Develop family identifiers (photos, unique numbers, barcodes)

9. Family Issues  The family is the strongest unit of survival Ú Keep families together Shelter families together Evacuate families together Take the time to do it right Optimize existing resources to assist with record-keeping and planning

10. Family Issues  The family is the strongest unit of survival Ú Reunification in family planning School and workplace plans Rendezvous points Communication plans Identifying materials as a part of evacuation supplies

11. Family Issues  The family is the strongest unit of survival Ú Reunification planning by agencies Assist with integration of documentation systems across agencies Support appropriate identification record programs Work with reunification agencies and programs before a disaster occurs

12. Family Issues  Family disaster preparedness isn’t cheap Ú Encourage preparedness incentives Insurance discounts Tax-free days, tax credits(?) Ú Expand funding programs to help pay for supplies/equipment Medications/Medical goods Food/formula Batteries, flashlights, etc Ú Community service projects addressing family preparedness

13. Disaster Shelters Family-friendly Family-safe Family-functional

14. Family Issues  Family-friendly shelters Ú Allow families to remain together and care for each other Ú Plans consider the special needs of children Food Supplies Hygiene Activities Psychological support

15. Family Issues  Family-safe shelters Ú Healthy environment Smoke free Drug/alcohol free Ú Safety and security “Child-proofing” Supervision Exit/internal security Ability to isolate children from disturbing situations

16. Family Issues  Family-functional shelters Ú Information center Ú Recovery resources available Ú Access to communication resources Ú Access to medical care/resources Ú Child care/supervision Organize shelter occupants to assist Utilize community child care workers Utilize community mental health/child life resources for therapeutic play and psychological guidance for families

17. Family Issues  Psychology: Strength vs. scarring Ú A culture of disaster preparedness Ú Make disaster preparedness a part of the way we bring up our children “Duck and cover”

18. Information about pediatric disaster psychology is abundant. Pediatric mental health programs are not.

19. Family Issues  Psychology: Strength vs. scarring Ú Parents/caregivers Ú School personnel Ú Primary medical care providers Ú Disaster responders Advocate for stronger mental health systems.

20. Pediatric and Family Disaster Planning Resources  Experienced parents  Family representatives Ú School-based parent groups Ú Parents of children with disabilities and special medical/psychological needs  Primary care medical practitioners and professional organizations  Mental health professionals  State EMS for Children programs

21. Pediatric and Family Disaster Planning Resources  Pediatric Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness: A Resource for Pediatricians www.ahrq.gov/research/pedprep/resource.htm  American Academy of Pediatrics “Children and Disasters” website www.aap.org/terrorism  Columbia University National Center for Disaster Preparedness website www.pediatricpreparedness.org/

22. Pediatric and Family Disaster Planning Resources  National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies Disaster Planning Initiative www.naccrra.org/disaster/  National Advisory Committee on Children and Terrorism Recommendations to the Secretary www.bt.cdc.gov/children/recommend.asp  HRSA/MCHB EMS for Children Program website http://bolivia.hrsa.gov/emsc/

23. Pediatric and Family Disaster Planning Resources  FEMA for Kids website www.fema.gov/kids  Ready Kids website www.ready.gov/kids  JumpSTART website www.jumpstarttriage.com

24. Challenges to You  Focus on the basics  Focus on families  Think like a parent  Empower the caregivers to give the care

25. Challenges to You  Recruit the help of child and family advocates  Use the knowledge and experience of others  Collect data!