In the News

Are You Ready for Summer?

Summer has officially arrived — and there’s no better time to learn about steps you can take to keep kids safe from potential natural hazards. Depending on where you live, your community may be facing extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, or other seasonal threats.

Making sure children are part of emergency and disaster planning for families, communities, and health care systems is an essential way to keep kids safe.

For tips on protecting children by being ready before disaster strikes, check out:

• Ready Kids: Resources to help children and families learn about and prepare for a variety of natural disasters, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Be Ready Toolkit: Video and downloadable infographics from Region V for Kids, with guidance for families and communities on ensuring children and youth with special health care needs are part of disaster planning in any season.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Disaster Resources: Guidance from NCTSN to help families before, during, and after natural disasters, including wildfires, landslides, and tornadoes.
• Excessive Heat: Keeping Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar (via Healthy Children): Tips on protecting children on hot days, from the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children and Disasters.

Stay safe this summer!