A National Leader in Responding to Disasters in the U.S. 

Save the Children has been responding to emergencies in the in United States and humanitarian crises around the world for over 100 years. Since Hurricane Katrina, we’ve reached an estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. alone with emergency assistance. Today, we stand ready to support our long-standing partners as they face the 2024 hurricane season. 

We’re committed to the children, families and communities facing unique challenges in the aftermath of disasters that can prolong recovery. Your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund Donate helps support communities' urgent needs and long-term recovery.

DONATE NOW

How to Prepare Kids for Emergencies and Disasters

Save the Children is the national leader for children in emergencies. America’s 74 million children are safer today because we helped set the national standards for protecting children in emergencies.

When a crisis strikes, being prepared is one of the most important things you can do protect your children and families. After the disaster, it is important to help children cope with the after-effects they may experience. Save the Children urges parents and caregivers to talk to their children about emergencies and disasters. Our experts have compiled these tips to help keep kids safe when disaster strikes.  

Tips for Keeping Children Safe Before, During and After a Disaster

A group of children stands amid the debris that was once their grandmother’s home after an EF5 tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma in May of 2013.

Tornado Safety Tips

Tornadoes are more common in the U.S. than any other country. To learn more about keeping children safe before, during and after a tornado, read these tornado safety tips.

hurricane

Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricanes are scary and disruptive for kids – they can take children away from their homes, their schools and their friends. Learn more about hurricane safety and how you can be prepared if disaster strikes.

After an 8.2 earthquake severely shook Mexico Save the Children’s emergency response team quickly mobilized to ensure the children in shelters are protected and learning, with access to safe spaces to learn and play

Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquakes are caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. They can strike without warning and can occur at any time. Learn what you should do to keep your family safe with these earthquake safety tips.

Save the Children staffers carry supplies to families impacted by the Kentucky Floods.

Flood Safety Tips

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in the U.S. Here are 10 tips on how to keep children safe before, during and after a flood.

Extreme heat can cause illness and dehydration and even death. People who are at greater risk from the effects of heat include children, senior citizens and those who live in urban areas.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Extreme heat can cause illness, dehydration and even death. Here are 10 tips on how to beat the heat.

Children attend a special Prep Rally at Butterfield Trail Elementary School organized by the Washington County Community Resilience Coalition. Photo Credit Bob Coleman/Save the Children 2017.

Keeping Children Safe in a Fire

Fires and burns are one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 15. Learn more about how preventing fire is key to keeping children safe.

Wallow Fire in 2011 burned 538,000 acres and was the largest in Arizona history. Photo Credit: Rick D’Elia 2011.

Wildfire Safety Tips

Four out of five wildfires are started by people’s negligence. Save the Children offers 10 tips for keeping children safe in a wildfire.

A Children in Crisis Forum held in Fairfield CT in the after math of 9-11. The forum was led by Neil Boothby and members of the US programs. Photo Credit: Susan Warner/Save the Children 2001.

Helping Children Cope with Terrorism

Save the Children keeps children safe – including after acts of terrorism. Here are 10 tips on how to help children cope with the after-effects of a terrorist attack.

A girl plays outside in the snow

Winter Weather Safety Tips

Low temps can lead to dangerous conditions for kids – and injuries too. These tips from our emergency response experts can ensure that kids stay safe and warm in winter.

A broken down bus

Violence and School Shooting Safety Tips

Today, many students participate in active shooter drills at school. Their awareness of school shootings can lead to emotional conversations filled with complex questions. Here are tips to help you talk to children about school shootings.

A young girl sits pensively at a desk in a classroom in Tennessee.

Tips for Talking to Kids About Racism and Social Justice

Every child has the right to grow up healthy, educated and safe – regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. Systemic change to end racism is essential to achieving this vision. Learn about how you can talk to your kids about racism & social justice.

Two children play outside

How to Help Children with Difficult Transitions

Childhood is a time of transition. Some transitions that kids make can be a bit scary at first, like removing a pair of training wheels, and other transitions are more difficult to navigate. Learn about how you can talk to your kids about difficult transitions..

Save the Children's Disaster Response and Long-Term Recovery Programs

Disasters are scary and disruptive for kids – they take children away from their homes, their schools, their friends, and can have lasting consequences. That’s why Save the Children's teams are working year-round to equip educational organizations and childcare programs with the information they need to prepare for disasters.

  • Emergency Preparedness

By pre-positioning supplies, we get critical family supplies – like diapers and wipes, cribs, strollers, infant washbasins and hygiene kits – into the hands of moms and dads who need them most after disaster strikes. We also prepare childcare centers and early education providers so that when a disaster hits, we can quickly direct funds and supplies those in need.

  • Restoring Child Care and Education

We work to make sure kids can get back to school as soon as possible to mitigate learning loss following a disaster. Our Education in Emergencies team does this by distributing emergency cash assistance, providing supplies and learning materials to local partners for distribution, providing training to childcare professionals and advocating for resiliency.

  • Mental Health Support

Our Save the Children-designed social and emotional programs, Journey of Hope and Bridges, help children understand and cope with the stress, fear, loss and trauma that can come in the wake of a disaster. We also work to provide caregivers with training and resources that increase their capacity to support children following a disaster.

  • A National Network of Local Partners

Disasters are unique to each community. Save the Children works with a large network of trusted local partners to respond to the needs of children and families as well as strengthen communities' resiliency to future disasters. Our work with both state and community partners helps to ensure that disaster responses are locally driven, culturally appropriate and best meet the needs of children and families. 

Great Disaster Resources from Our Partners

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Child Safety & Prevention

US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness & Response
Early Childhood Disaster-Related Resources

American Red Cross
Be Red Cross Ready family preparedness tools

Zero to Three
Helping Young Kids Cope After Exposure to Traumatic Event

American Academy of Pediatrics
Disaster Planning Standards and Resources for Child Care Providers. Visit Disaster Planning Standards & Resources for Child Care Providers

FLASH (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)
Severe weather risks U.S. Map

CDC' Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response
Ready Wrigley Activity Books for Children

US Department of Education
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center

Welcome!

Thank you for signing up! Now, you’ll be among the first to know how Save the Children is responding to the most urgent needs of children, every day and in times of crisis—and how your support can make a difference. You may opt-out at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email.

By providing my mobile phone number, I agree to receive recurring text messages from Save the Children (48188) and phone calls with opportunities to donate and ways to engage in our mission to support children around the world. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for info. Message & data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy at savethechildren.org/privacy.