A National Leader in Responding to Disasters in the U.S.Ìý
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91²Ö¿â has been responding to emergencies in the in United States and humanitarian crises around the world for over 100 years.ÌýSince Hurricane Katrina, we’ve reached an estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. alone with emergency assistance. Today, we stand ready to support our long-standing partners as they face the 2024 hurricane season.Ìý
We’re committed to the children, families and communities facing unique challenges in the aftermath of disasters that can prolong recovery. Your donation to the Children's Emergency FundÌýDonate helps support communities' urgent needs and long-term recovery.
How to Prepare Kids for Emergencies and Disasters
91²Ö¿â is the national leader for children in emergencies.ÌýAmerica’s 74 million children are safer today because we helped set the national standards for protecting children in emergencies.
When a crisis strikes, being prepared is one of the most important things you can do protect your children and families. After the disaster, it is important to help children cope with the after-effects they may experience.Ìý91²Ö¿â urges parents and caregivers to talk to their children about emergencies and disasters. Our experts have compiled these tips to help keep kids safe when disaster strikes.ÌýÌý
Tips for Keeping Children Safe Before, During and After a Disaster
Tornado Safety Tips
Tornadoes are more common in the U.S. than any other country. To learn more about keeping children safe before, during and after a tornado, read these tornado safety tips.
Hurricane Safety Tips
Hurricanes are scary and disruptive for kids – they can take children away from their homes, their schools and their friends. Learn more about hurricane safety and how you can be prepared if disaster strikes.
Earthquake Safety Tips
Earthquakes are caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. They can strike without warning and can occur at any time. Learn what you should do to keep your family safe with these earthquake safety tips.
Flood Safety Tips
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in the U.S. Here are 10 tips on how to keep children safe before, during and after a flood.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips
Extreme heat can cause illness, dehydration and even death. Here are 10 tips on how to beat the heat.
Keeping Children Safe in a Fire
Fires and burns are one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 15. Learn more about how preventing fire is key to keeping children safe.
Wildfire Safety Tips
Four out of five wildfires are started by people’s negligence. 91²Ö¿â offers 10 tips for keeping children safe in a wildfire.
Helping Children Cope with Terrorism
91²Ö¿â keeps children safe – including after acts of terrorism. Here are 10 tips on how to help children cope with the after-effects of a terrorist attack.
Winter Weather Safety Tips
Low temps can lead to dangerous conditions for kids – and injuries too. These tips from our emergency response experts can ensure that kids stay safe and warm in winter.
Violence and School Shooting Safety Tips
Today, many students participate in active shooter drills at school. Their awareness of school shootings can lead to emotional conversations filled with complex questions. Here are tips to help you talk to children about school shootings.
Tips for Talking to Kids About Racism and Social Justice
Every child has the right to grow up healthy, educated and safe – regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Systemic change to end racism is essential to achieving this vision. Learn about how you can talk to your kids about racism & social justice.
How to Help Children with Difficult Transitions
Childhood is a time of transition. Some transitions that kids make can be a bit scary at first, like removing a pair of training wheels, and other transitions are more difficult to navigate. Learn about how you can talk to your kids about difficult transitions..
91²Ö¿â's Disaster Response and Long-Term Recovery Programs
Disasters are scary and disruptive for kids – they take children away from their homes, their schools, their friends, and can have lasting consequences. That’s why 91²Ö¿â's teams are working year-round to equip educational organizations and childcare programs with the information they need to prepare for disasters.
Emergency Preparedness
By pre-positioning supplies, we get critical family supplies – like diapers and wipes, cribs, strollers, infant washbasins and hygiene kits – into the hands of moms and dads who need them most after disaster strikes.ÌýWe also prepare childcare centers and early education providersÌýso that when a disaster hits, we can quickly direct funds and supplies those in need.
Restoring Child Care and Education
We work to make sure kids can get back to school as soon as possible to mitigate learning loss following a disaster.ÌýOur Education in Emergencies team does this by distributing emergency cash assistance,Ìýproviding supplies and learning materials to local partners for distribution, providing training to childcare professionals and advocating for resiliency.
Mental Health Support
Our 91²Ö¿â-designed social and emotional programs, Journey of HopeÌýand Bridges, help children understand and cope with the stress, fear, loss and trauma that can come in the wake of a disaster. We also work to provide caregivers with training and resources that increase their capacity to support children following a disaster.
A National Network of Local Partners
Disasters are unique to each community. 91²Ö¿â works with a large network of trusted local partners to respond to the needs of children and families as well as strengthen communities' resiliency to future disasters. Our work with both state and community partners helps to ensure that disaster responses are locally driven, culturally appropriate and best meet the needs of children and families.Ìý
Great Disaster Resources from Our Partners
Child Safety & Prevention
Early Childhood Disaster-Related Resources
Be Red Cross Ready family preparedness tools
Helping Young Kids Cope After Exposure to Traumatic Event
Disaster Planning Standards and Resources for Child Care Providers. Visit Disaster Planning Standards & Resources for Child Care Providers
Severe weather risks U.S. Map
Ready Wrigley Activity Books for Children
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center