Children represent nearly 25 percent of the US population and need to be included in local, regional, state and national disaster planning.  Infants and children of all ages are at high risk for injury, separation, victimization and mental health consequences during disaster events.

Under the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2013 infants, children, pregnant women and individuals with functional access needs must be included in disaster planning efforts. In 2014 the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response asked that all State EMSC programs throughout the US support efforts to improve disaster preparedness for infants in children by partnering with local, regional and statewide neonatal pediatric disaster preparedness coalitions.  The following are important resources that will help your community prepare effectively.

• California Neonatal and Pediatric Diaster Coalition Resource
• Pediatric Readiness
• Health Resources on Children in Disasters and Emergencies