Photo 1: Terrorism (Bombing)
Bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, April 19, 1995. There were 168 victims, including 19 children. The picture, an Oklahoma City fireman with a child's body, by Charles H. Porter IV- Sygma, appeared on the cover of the May 1, 1995 issue of Time Magazine.

Photo 2: Terrorism (Airplane Attacks)
Two airplanes on hijacked flights crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. The number of victims is unknown. Weeks after the attack, the death toll was estimated at 6,000; the number of children affected directly and indirectly by this event cannot be calculated. The source of this picture of the towers, taken sometime during the midst of the destruction, is unknown.

Photo 3: Wildfires (Natural Disaster)
Beginning in October 2007 there were a series of wildfires that began burning across Southern California. At least 1,500 homes were destroyed and more than 500,000 acres of land burned from Santa Barbara County to the US-Mexico border. Nine people died as a direct result of the fires, and 85 others were injured. More than 900,000 people were evacuated their homes. Countless families dealt with power outages, business and school closures, and the short- and long-term affects of unhealthy air quality. Children are particularly vulnerable because they normally breathe more times per minute than adults and are therefore exposed to larger doses of the particles in smoke-filled air. The source of this picture is unknown.

Photo 4: Identification of Children (Prevention Strategy)
Children may be at increased risk for being lost, injured, abducted, abused, or neglected during a disaster or times when their parents or caregivers are experiencing unusual stress. If there is a disaster or emergency situation, adults should take care to ensure that children are supervised by site and sound at all times, reinforce safety rules, and talk to children about what they should do if they need help. The AAP emphasizes that children should not be separated from their families to the maximum extent possible during evacuation, transport, sheltering, or the delivery of other services. Identification systems or bracelets, like the one shown in this photo, along with family locator registries are useful ways to help families stay together during evacuations and can support reunification when needed. The source of this picture is unknown.

Photo 5: Hurricane (Natural Disaster)
Although many disasters may strike without warning, the National Weather Service through its National Hurricane Center monitors and can predict the path and strength of a wind/rain event, tropical storm, or hurricane. When advance notice is given, families and pediatricians can take appropriate steps to prepare. See resources for families at Ready America and The Disaster Preparedness Plan for Pediatricians. Citizens should pay close attention when their governor or other staff official declares a state of emergency or a disaster. If a mandatory evacuation is declared, everyone should prepare and leave immediately. It takes from 48 to 72 hours to evacuate areas that are facing a hurricane safely. This picture was taken in a coastal area near Biloxi, MS, soon after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The source of this picture is unknown.

Photo 6: Storms (Natural Disaster)
Wind and rain events or storms are common across the country. These can include cyclones, tornadoes, lightening, and floods. The effects of severe storms, especially flash-floods can be severe and life threatening. Floods are one of the most common disasters in the United States. When preparing for disasters, the first step that the AAP recommends is to become aware of common and potential disasters that could happen in your community. See the FEMA Web site for information on declared disasters and emergencies and types of disasters and hazards.

Photo 7: Hurricane (Natural Disaster)
This picture was taken in Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The source of this picture is unknown.

For more information or to provide information on the source of these photographs, please e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.