Federal Government Shows Modest Progress in Disaster Planning for Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2010

www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov

Federal Government Shows Modest Progress in Disaster Planning for Children

The National Commission on Children and Disasters has delivered a report to the White House and Congressional leaders that revealed only modest progress of federal agencies in implementing recommendations designed to ensure better protections of children during major domestic disasters.

The new report (www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov) measured the response of six federal agencies to an earlier commission report released in late 2009 that identified several shortcomings in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

The Commission found signs of progress in the design of safer emergency sheltering environments for children. However, the report also showed federal agencies made limited progress in pediatric disaster medical care and training, disaster mental health research, and the need to encourage states and child care providers to improve their disaster preparedness plans.

“Hurricane Season is just around the corner. Kids are the most vulnerable Americans during disasters. To protect children, much more needs to be done, and it needs to be done now,” said Mark Shriver, Chairperson of the Commission.

Disasters are especially traumatic and disruptive for children. Following a catastrophic event like a hurricane, earthquake or flood, it is essential for schools and child care centers to have plans for evacuation and reunification with families. Shelters need to have age-appropriate supplies, like formula, diapers and cribs. All settings must have a plan for children with disabilities.

The Progress Report urges the Obama Administration and Congress to take bold and swift action to prepare and respond to the unique needs of children in disasters. The Commission calls for the White House to develop a National Strategy for Children and Disasters to command better integration, coordination and outcomes from federal agencies and state, Tribal, local, and non-governmental partners. Congress must provide adequate resources to support first responders, hospitals and a national disaster human services case management program to meet the recovery needs of children and families.

The National Commission on Children and Disasters is an independent, bipartisan Commission established to examine and assess the needs of children in the preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards. The next Commission report is due to the President and Congress in October 2010.

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The Nashville Flood of 2010

Health and Safety Information

• Metro Public Health Department Information and Updates
• Community Health Information for re-entering your home after a flood / Spanish version
• Skin and wound care after contact with flood water / Spanish version
• Protect yourself from mold after a flood / Spanish version
• Food safety after a flood / Spanish version
• Animal care after a flood

The Metro Health Department is currently out of tetanus vaccine, but expects 2,400 doses to arrive at the Lentz Public Health Center by 12 p.m. today. Vaccines will then be available at the Lentz clinic, and doses will also be sent to the following locations:

Lentz Public Health Center (615) 340-5616
311 23rd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203

East Clinic (615) 862-7916
1015 East Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37216

Woodbine Clinic (615) 862-7940
224 Oriel Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210

• Flood waters may contain sewage and other hazardous substances – there is some risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood water.
• If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water.
• If you smell the odor of natural gas in your home (similar to rotten eggs) do not turn appliances on or off, and do not use your home phone. Leave the premises immediately and call Piedmont Natural Gas from a neighbor’s home or your cell phone. Do not try to turn off your natural gas service on your own.
  Piedmont Natural Gas Safety Bulletin
• If you see a downed power line wires, assume it is live and report the emergency to 911.
• Be sure to turn off all power to flooded areas in your home containing electrical wires or appliances.

Oil Spill Notice to Dialysis and Transplant Providers

Dear Southern Louisiana Dialysis / Transplant Providers:

(Medical Directors, Nurse Managers, & Facility Administrators)

This email to provide available information and resources in regards to the Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Louisiana state officials are stressing that there is “no risk to water systems” at present. Having said that, all dialysis providers should continue to monitor your dialysis and water systems as per your routine. Please note that any disruption in normal water supply and/or maintenance issues (pressure) requires vigilance with regards to water for dialysis services. Pay extra attention to your water tests and cultures.

Be cognizant that your patients may have questions and/or concerns and your staffs should be ready to answer them accordingly. For those of you that work with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HD) patients, please remind them to stay vigilant about their monitoring, as well. Share the air quality information listed below (e.g., odor) with your staffs and patients. The Network will continue to monitor communications from Louisiana state officials and provide updates as necessary.

Louisiana Response Information: In response to the oil leaking in the Gulf of Mexico and out of an abundance of caution, state agencies are on alert to ensure that we work to protect Louisiana’s coastline and natural resources in the event that oil reaches our shores. The state took immediate steps this week to protect our wildlife and fisheries by requesting the placement of protective barriers, called “booms” around areas of our coastline. Leaders of our affected agencies, who deal with the coast and our natural habitat, are in constant contact with the federal officials, including the United States Coast Guard. Working together, we will respond to any threat to our shores. The federal government has launched an informational website about the response to the oil leak. It is online at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

Statement by Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Regarding Petroleum Odor in Onshore Communities:

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality are reporting that residents of coastal areas of southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, may be detecting an odor possibly resulting from the oil spill approaching the Louisiana coast. DHH and DEQ have requested continuous air quality testing and monitoring from the EPA, and DEQ will be assisting the EPA by increasing the frequency of air sampling at its Kenner and Chalmette monitors. These samples will receive expedited turnaround by EPA labs. If it is determined that air quality issues exist, DEQ and DHH will communicate these issues immediately to local authorities or take any other action deemed appropriate to protect public health and safety.

Some people may be sensitive to any change in air quality, which could cause symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or headaches. If you have these symptoms, you should consider staying indoors, ventilating your home with air conditioning and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. If these symptoms do not improve, you should then consider contacting your primary care physician or other health care provider for medical advice. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness, you should consider communicating with your physician if you feel symptomatic.

Additional Resources:

· Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/safewater/index.html

· USGS public water utility information: http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FAQ.htm

· Louisiana Emergency Management Agency: http://emergency.la.gov/