Preparing together across generations

Disasters can be particularly hard for young children and older adults. As you think about ways that you'll plan to keep all of the people who matter to you safe and healthy in a disaster, consider how their needs may change as they grow or as they become older. Whether you are planning to keep little ones safe or you are starting a conversation with older parents about what you will do to help each other when a disaster strikes, these resources can help you prepare across the generations.

Children

Preparing to Care for Children in Disasters: If you are a parent or caregiver, take some time to learn about different aspects of preparedness for kids. CDC has assembled some great resources that cover everything from learning about the ways that kids are different from adults to incorporating preparedness into back-to-school planning. Check out their resources and find out what you need to know to keep your family safe and healthy before, during, and after a disaster.
Learn to Prepare. Prepare Together: Disasters can affect everyone, but Ready.gov has resources that can help kids, parents and educators work together to make preparedness fun. Check out Ready Kids to learn more!
Prepare with Ready Wrigley: Join Ready Wrigley as she helps her family prepare for emergencies! This adorable pup helps kids understand how to prepare for a wide range of emergencies, including hurricanes, tornadoes, severe winter weather and earthquakes.
Learn about Changing Mental Health Needs: Young people react to trauma differently than adults and it can be hard for parents, caregivers and teachers to know when a child needs help coping. Before a disaster occurs, learn about some common reactions that children can have to traumatic events and find out how you can help.
Emergency Response Planning for Child Care Providers: This planning guide offers child care providers the knowledge and tools to establish an “all hazards” emergency response plan for their individual child care program.

Older adults

Prepare for Emergencies: Although everybody needs an emergency plan, older adults may have some additional needs. Plan for Emergencies Now gives older adults a great quick-start guide to emergency preparedness andDisaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors provides a more in-depth look at special planning considerations.
Plan for Medical Concerns: Some older adults have medical concerns that are relatively easily managed on a day–to-day basis, but can become a real problem during a disaster. CDC has assembled resources to help address specific physical and mental health issues.
Learn about Planning Considerations for Caregivers: This webinar provides information for those who assist family caregivers in planning for emergencies and disasters. It includes guidance and examples for informing family caregivers on keeping themselves and their loved ones safe in a disaster or emergency by developing personal preparedness plans.