The response by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to a situation depends on issues such as the type of disaster, the needs of children, pediatric resources available, whether assistance has been requested, and the phase of the disaster. A disaster is an event or situation that overwhelms available resources and results in injury, death, and/or destruction of property. Terrorism or disaster preparedness includes several phases.
For information on the AAP response to previous disasters, see
Haiti Recovery,
Influenza/Pandemics,
Japan Response, and
Oil Spill Affecting the Gulf Coast.Severe WeatherSevere weather can happen anywhere at any time and includes
floods;
hurricanes,
thunderstorms and lightning; and
tornadoes. Because of their physiology, children need to be protected by the adults who care for them and are more susceptible when there are
extreme temperatures. Everyone is at risk and should take steps to prepare for
severe weather.
Resources- AAP Friends of Children Fund offers support for disaster relief. Contributions can be made to support pediatricians and the children they treat as a result of natural or man-made disasters anywhere in the world. These funds can also be used to support AAP efforts to train its members and prepare communities, states, regions, and countries to respond to disasters.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency posts information on declared emergencies, major disasters, and fires.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers information on severe storm warnings and climate monitoring.
- National Weather Service provides forecasts and details on active weather alerts.
