Save the Children Mobilizes Emergency Response Team, Prepares to Help Florida Kids Threatened by Powerful Hurricane Ian

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Sept. 27, 2022) — As Hurricane Ian strengthens and churns toward Florida’s west coast, bringing with it life-threatening winds, storm surge and flash flooding, Save the Children has mobilized an emergency response team that’s preparing to help children and families in the areas hardest hit by the powerful storm.

With emergency supplies pre-positioned ahead of the storm, Save the Children staff are equipped to deliver essential, child-focused items to kids and families who need them most in western Florida – including water, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, portable cribs and more. The global humanitarian nonprofit is also coordinating with national and state partners, and initial response staff will first assess how to best meet children’s most immediate needs after the storm hits.

“Children are always among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes, and our thoughts and hearts go out to kids and families in the pathway of this dangerous storm,” said Barbara Ammirati, head of Save the Children’s Hurricane Ian response team. “With hundreds of thousands of people under mandatory evacuation orders, we hope people are able to safely return to their homes very soon. But while children and families are displaced during this crisis, Save the Children will be working to ensure children are safe and help them recover, both in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian and long-term.”

In addition, Save the Children is communicating with local education partners in Florida, and stands ready to help restore child care and early learning centers that may be impacted by Hurricane Ian.

As the national leader in protecting children in emergencies, Save the Children has been supporting children’s most critical needs in emergencies along the Gulf Coast since 2005, including Hurricanes Irma and Michael. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Michael, Save the Children coordinated emergency distributions of child-centric supplies, set up child-friendly spaces in evacuation shelters, helped child care centers recover, and provided social and emotional support programs to help children and their families cope and build resilience.

By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you will help Save the Children protect kids in the United States when disaster strikes. To learn more about Save the Children, please go to www.SavetheChildren.org.

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.