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Chapter Ideas

 
Key Contact Network
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges AAP Chapters and other groups to prepare for future disasters by forming a network of key contacts to communicate with during and after an emergency.
  • Identify those who should be part of the network.
  • Put a mechanism in place for the network to communicate effectively.
  • Compile an electronic mailing list.
  • Exchange cell phone numbers.
  • Identify a Web page for members with up-to-date information.
  • Provide instructions for texting via cell phones if other communications fail.
  • Describe options for communication and let network members know what to expect.
  • Test the communication options.

Potential Disaster Preparedness Initiatives
The following ideas are designed to help chapters promote disaster preparedness:

  1. Ask which members are already involved in disaster preparedness initiatives.
  2. Identify an AAP member to serve as a chapter contact for disaster preparedness.
  3. Establish a chapter committee on disaster preparedness.
  4. Work with your local Community Emergency Response Team to conduct training or provide information on relevant courses to chapter members.
  5. Identify disaster preparedness committees, task forces, or initiatives in your state and appoint a chapter member to represent the pediatric perspective and children's needs as needed.
  6. Host a meeting or CME presentation for interested chapter members.
  7. Determine who oversees the state plans for disaster preparedness and pandemic influenza. Identify chapter members who can review these plans for inclusion of children's issues.
  8. Review AAP disaster preparedness resources and customize a handout or publication for chapter members, families, or other key audiences. Refer to the Maryland AAP Chapter newsletter article, "Preparing Your Office for a Disaster," by Jacqueline Dougé, MD, MPH, FAAP as an example.
  9. Plan to do "just one thing" in September, National Preparedness Month.
  10. Refer to the chapter initiatives for each state/region for other ideas.
  11. Join the Southeastern Regional Pediatric Disaster Surge Network or work with other AAP Chapters to form a similar network in your region.
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