How can you ensure that your emergency plan addresses children's specific needs?

1 Assess the risks

The first step in any emergency plan is to assess the potential risks and hazards that could affect your sector and location. This includes identifying the types and frequency of emergencies, the likely impacts and consequences, and the existing capacities and resources to cope with them. When assessing the risks, you should also consider how they might affect children differently from adults, such as their physical, emotional, developmental, and educational needs. For example, children may be more prone to injuries, infections, dehydration, malnutrition, trauma, separation, or exploitation in an emergency.

2 Involve children and families

The second step in any emergency plan is to involve the stakeholders and beneficiaries in the planning process. This means consulting and engaging with children and their families, as well as other relevant actors, such as schools, child protection agencies, health care providers, and community leaders. By involving children and families, you can gain valuable insights into their perspectives, preferences, concerns, and capacities. You can also empower them to participate in decision-making, raise awareness, and build trust and collaboration.

3 Address the gaps

The third step in any emergency plan is to address the gaps and challenges that might hinder the effective protection and assistance of children in an emergency. This means identifying and prioritizing the actions and resources that are needed to ensure that children's specific needs are met. For example, you might need to provide safe and accessible shelters, water, sanitation, hygiene, food, health care, education, psychosocial support, family reunification, or legal aid for children. You might also need to train and equip your staff and volunteers on child-friendly approaches, policies, and procedures.

4 Test and update the plan

The fourth step in any emergency plan is to test and update the plan regularly. This means conducting simulations, drills, exercises, or evaluations to check the feasibility, effectiveness, and efficiency of the plan. You should also review and revise the plan based on the feedback, lessons learned, and changing circumstances. By testing and updating the plan, you can ensure that it is relevant, realistic, and responsive to the evolving needs and risks of children in an emergency.

5 Coordinate and communicate

The fifth step in any emergency plan is to coordinate and communicate with other actors and stakeholders involved in emergency management. This means establishing and maintaining clear and consistent channels of information sharing, collaboration, and coordination with other sectors, agencies, authorities, or organizations that work with or for children. You should also communicate with children and families before, during, and after an emergency, to inform them of the plan, the actions taken, the services available, and the rights and responsibilities of everyone.

6 Monitor and evaluate

The sixth step in any emergency plan is to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of the plan on children and their families. This means collecting and analyzing data and evidence on the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of the plan. You should also solicit and incorporate the feedback and views of children and families, as well as other stakeholders, on the strengths and weaknesses of the plan. By monitoring and evaluating the plan, you can measure the progress, identify the gaps, and improve the quality and accountability of your emergency management.