In the News

Putting the Pediatric Population in Preparedness

Published September 22, 2022

September is National Preparedness Month, and we are reminded of the importance of being ready for any disaster and emergency — and the critical need to ensure all children and teens are included in plans.

The Pediatric Pandemic Network focuses its efforts to ensure all children and adolescents are an integral part of preparedness, from family emergency plans to hospital drills.

Why pediatric preparedness matters

Children and adolescents account for a quarter of the U.S. population and have unique needs when it comes to disasters. Those needs aren’t always included in emergency planning.

Research shows people under 18 are more vulnerable than other demographics to negative, long-lasting impacts after disasters.

Effects on kids can include:

  • Physical health issues: Studies have shown that children who experienced a natural disaster had an increased chance of acute illnesses (diarrhea, fever, respiratory problems).
  • Mental health problems: As many as 50 percent of children say they have experienced post-traumatic stress, depression symptoms, anxiety, and other related issues after a disaster.
  • Impacts on school attendance and learning: During disasters, many schools are forced to close, causing children to lose days or weeks of learning time. Some children exposed to trauma have brain function problems, which inhibit their ability to learn.

Health disparities impact the pediatric population, too. As planners, we need to ensure equity is at the heart of preparedness.

Many organizations and agencies offer guidance on including children in emergency and disaster planning. Check out:

Do you work in pediatric preparedness?

We want to hear from you! Tell us why you’re a champion for including children and adolescents in emergency and disaster readiness. Send us your story here.

Stay in touch

We’re working on educational resources to support pediatric preparedness for pandemics, disasters, and everyday emergencies. Sign up to receive updates and follow PPN on Facebook and Twitter.

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The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of grant awards U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.