Emergency preparedness of families of children with developmental disabilities: What public health and safety emergency planners need to know

Abstract

Objective To assess the emergency preparedness knowledge, behaviors, and training needs of families of children with developmental disabilities (DD). Design An online survey. Participants A sample of 314 self-selecting US parents/guardians of children with DD, aged birth-21 years. Main outcome measures 1) Preparedness self-assessment; 2) self-report regarding the extent to which families followed 11 specific preparedness action steps derived from publicly available preparedness guides; and 3) parent training and support needs. Results Although most participants assessed themselves to be somewhat to moderately well prepared, even those who reported being “very well prepared” had taken fewer than half of 11 recommended action steps. Most participants expressed a need for preparedness support; virtually all the respondents felt that training was either important or very important. Conclusions Children with disabilities are known to be particularly vulnerable to negative disaster impacts. Overall, parents in this study appeared under-prepared to meet family disaster needs, although they recognized its importance. The results suggest opportunities and methods for public health and safety planning, education and outreach to parents of children with DD who would benefit from targeted training such as information and skill building to develop effective family preparedness plans and connections to local emergency management and responders.

Children and Adolescents with Disabilities and Exposure to Disasters, Terrorism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Scoping Review

“…Parents were surveyed regarding the following: making plans, stockpiling and/or gathering information, holding a family emergency preparedness discussion, developing and practicing a written emergency plan, developing an emergency medical information sheet, knowledge of a public emergency shelter location and accessibility, familiarity and previous interaction with local emergency resources, and disaster planning with schools. They reported that while most participants reported “somewhat” to “moderate” levels of being well prepared, they had taken fewer than half of the recommended 11 action steps and expressed a need for training in preparedness support [ 36 ••].…”

Needs of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Geographic Location of Emergency Shelters Suitable for Vulnerable People during a Tsunami

“…Children who require special health care are particularly vulnerable to disasters, and preparedness based on their inherent health issues and special training for emergencies is needed [ 39 , 40 ]. Coordination with local service providers can increase preparedness and training for managing emergencies [ 41 ]. It is therefore important for nurses and public health nurses in charge of support to work with children and families who would need to evacuate.…”

The Preparedness Level of Families with Disabilities Children in Facing the Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster in Padang, West Sumatra

“…According to Adiwijaya (2017), disaster knowledge is the ability to remember events or series of events that threaten or disrupt people's lives and livelihoods caused by natural or non-natural factors or human factors. From the results of other studies, it is also stated that families with children with disabilities need to anticipate and plan for handling in the face of disasters (Wolf-fordham et al, 2017).…”