ABSTRACT
Families Families come in all shapes and sizes, and it is important that emergency managers recognize and acknowledge the various legal and societal de‹nitions of a family. In our society today children live in families that are headed by:
• Two parents • Single parent
• Grandparent(s) • Guardian(s) • Foster parent(s) • Sibling(s) • Homeless/street children
Whatever the family unit, the ‹rst means for accounting for children in disasters is through the family. Family leaders will make the decision to evacuate or not in the face of an impending disaster, to seek shelter, and to provide safety and care for their children. Families are responsible for much that occurs in a child’s daily life, including the following unique children’s needs that emergency managers should be aware of as they make plans to address the unique needs of children in disasters:
Child safety and security • Guardianship • Accountability and tracking • Family reuni‹cation • Shelter safety • Protection from discrimination based on age, gender,
race, ability, etc.
