On Wednesday, October 6, 2010 the National Commission on Children and Disasters (NCCD) delivered its landmark 2010 Report to the White House and Congress. The report contains more than 100 recommended actions for Federal and non-Federal partners.
The report is available at http://www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov/.
Children represent 25% of our population. Their unique needs must be addressed throughout disaster management laws, policies, programs and planning. While the report cites areas of progress, there are still significant gaps:
* Only 6% of hospital emergency rooms and less than 20% of ambulances carry essential supplies and equipment for children
* Only 12 states meet basic emergency preparedness standards for children, such as requiring schools to have a multi-hazard preparedness plan, and child-care facilities to have a plan that addresses evacuation, reunification and accommodating children with disabilities or other special needs
* We lack a cohesive national strategy to support the critical needs of children before, during and after disasters
The work of the National Commission on Children and Disasters is far from over. The Commission looks forward to continuing to work with all interested parties toward a common goal of turning the Commission's recommendations into reality.
The report is available at http://www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov/.
Children represent 25% of our population. Their unique needs must be addressed throughout disaster management laws, policies, programs and planning. While the report cites areas of progress, there are still significant gaps:
* Only 6% of hospital emergency rooms and less than 20% of ambulances carry essential supplies and equipment for children
* Only 12 states meet basic emergency preparedness standards for children, such as requiring schools to have a multi-hazard preparedness plan, and child-care facilities to have a plan that addresses evacuation, reunification and accommodating children with disabilities or other special needs
* We lack a cohesive national strategy to support the critical needs of children before, during and after disasters
The work of the National Commission on Children and Disasters is far from over. The Commission looks forward to continuing to work with all interested parties toward a common goal of turning the Commission's recommendations into reality.
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