State Officials' Responses to Disaster Preparedness Report State officials across the country have expressed support for Save the Children's report on the need for additional state regulation of day-care centers and schools to ensure these facilities are prepared for emergencies. Maryland State Senator Brian Frosh Maryland State Senator Brian Frosh: "Protecting children has to be one of the nation's highest priorities. Save the Children has done a terrific service by highlighting the need to ensure children's safety during domestic emergencies. I'm glad to see that Maryland did well on Save the Children's scorecard. But we can do better, and I plan to work during the upcoming legislative session to make sure we do." Arkansas State Senator Hank Wilkins Arkansas State Senator Hank Wilkins: "Making sure children are protected during natural disasters is a top priority. The Save the Children report raises some very important issues about the readiness of states to deal with children in emergencies. I am encouraged to hear that the Arkansas Department of Human Services is taking proactive steps to strengthen childcare disaster planning. I plan to pursue legislation this coming session to address any unmet needs or fill any gaps that may still remain." Virginia Governor Tim Kaine Gordon Hickey, spokesman for Virginia Governor Tim Kaine: "One of the lessons learned from hurricane Katrina is that evacuation plans must account for our most vulnerable citizens, including children. That's why in Virginia we have paid special attention to ensure every school and day care has an evacuation plan." Back to Press Release on New Report: "Protecting Children during U.S. Emergencies"