Disasters can strike anywhere, at anytime. When a community is affected, friends and neighbors join efforts through a number of venues to help and aid those in need. One of the most critical disaster relief activities includes providing safe shelter. At a recent gathering, three organizations affirmed their commitment to help one of the largest population groups affected by disaster -- children.
The American Red Cross, Children's Disaster Services (a program of the Church of the Brethren) and Save the Children signed a Memorandum of Understanding which defines how these organizations collaborate to establish "Safe Spaces" in emergency evacuation shelters during disaster events in the United States. Recent Red Cross disaster statistics show that in FY 2006, nearly 450,000 people were sheltered following disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, other storms, fires and explosions. It is estimated that at least one-third of those seeking a safe haven were children.
During a shelter situation, "Safe Spaces" provide children with safe physical areas in which they can play, learn, socialize and express themselves under the supervision of a caring adult. Safe Space Kits contain materials that can be used to set-up and establish a safe space within a shelter. These pre-packaged kits contain materials to mark off a special area for children, activity supplies (such as art materials, books, games and toys), and other materials to assist children and families in a shelter environment. The structured, supervised activities offered in Safe Spaces are designed to strengthen children's resilience and help them begin to work through their emotions following a disaster.
The tri-lateral agreement signed today defines the broad cooperative actions of each organization. Depending on the scope and scale of the disaster and impact and available resources, the Red Cross will provide space in shelters for children's activities, Save the Children will provide equipment and materials in the form of a Safe Space kit and Children's Disaster Services will provide volunteers to work with children in the shelter or any other service delivery location.
As June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, now is the time for individuals and families to prepare for the unexpected and have a pre-established evacuation plan. Identify locations in your community which may serve as evacuation shelters during a severe storm or flooding.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home. Make sure to include a first aid kit containing essential medications and at least three gallons of water per person in your home. Canned food and a non-electric can opener are a must along with protective clothing and raingear. Be sure to also include a battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries in case of a power outage and store supplies in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container, such as a plastic tub with handles.
To learn more about these three organizations and their respective missions in helping children, especially following a disaster, visit the following websites.
American Red Cross .
Save the Children
Children's Disaster Services, a program of The Church of the Brethren
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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