Children
The Promising Practices
North Carolina Child Care Training Program
UNC Schools of Global Public Health
Chapel Hill, NC
Vulnerable Populations Action Team
Seattle King County Public Health
Seattle, WA
Overview
Children can often be overlooked as a special needs population, but they have special needs that are both biophysical and emotional in scope. Because their needs vary considerably by developmental age, the way their needs are addressed may have both immediate and long-term effects. Specific concerns for children who experience a public health emergency include the following:
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Increased susceptibility to man-made disasters (e.g., chemical, biological or radiological attack)
- They have rapid respiratory rates compared with adults, thus increasing their absorption of aerosolized chemical or biological agents; and
- They have greater surface area relative to their body mass and can absorb more chemicals through the skin.
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An array of potential psychological consequences during and after a public health emergency
- They may react to their parents' anxious response during an emergency;
- They may develop a fear or anxiety of being separated from parents or other family members; and
- They may have difficulty understanding what is occurring and need extra attention and explanation.
Strategies and Resources for Addressing the Public Health Emergency Needs of Children
| Why is this group at greater risk? | How can planners help this group? | What resources are available to help? |
|---|---|---|
| Increased physiological susceptibility to attacks |
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| Immediate and long-term emotional consequences |
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| Lack of developmentally appropriate information |
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| Dependence on school and child care staff |
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