Planning and Triage in the Disaster Scenario

4.3. Medical Planning for Shelters

Shelters should have an identifiable person who is available, accountable, and responsible for communicating with agencies or organizations for supplies and assistance. Emergency planning must consider the possibility of prolonged shelter use which would require additional supplies and greater attention to organizational details. Planning should include sources of supply and methods of transportation. The needs of pregnant women, infants, and young children must be considered with respect to formula, diapers, basic first aid, hygiene, and safety. Shelters also must consider children with special health-care needs. For example, children with asthma may need nebulizer treatments. Although their families are likely to have brought their own nebulizers, a source of electricity is needed for these devices to operate.

Similarly, a refrigerator is required to store insulin for children and adults who have diabetes. Families with very young or debilitated children may move temporarily to a shelter to protect them from the heat, cold, sun, wind, or rain. Whenever possible, shelter staff members should have direct telephone or radio access to emergency medical care services to obtain medical advice. Ideally, a shelter should have isolation protocols for highly contagious infections such as measles and chickenpox.

Shelter life must also be organized so that children are supervised and have the opportunity for constructive play and entertainment. Supervised activities enable the staff to inform children and keep them safe, while allowing them to participate in activities and tasks. Drawing and other creative activities can help children express themselves and reduce stress. Activities engaging adolescents reduce the potential of adolescent violence and mischief.

Safety in shelters is as important as safety at home. Keep drugs, medical supplies, and potentially dangerous personal items out of children’s reach. Reduce the risk for slips or falls in bathrooms and on all floors.

Lock unoccupied rooms and monitor exits. People residing in shelters should know where the emergency exits are and how they are used. If the shelters allow the possession of weapons, these must be kept out of children’s reach.