Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs

Training on modified model of programme for enhancement of emergency response flood preparedness based on the local wisdom of Jambi community

The community’s role during a disaster within the first 24–72 hours before having government’s aid is crucial in making the condition under control in a timely manner. Disaster management institution, especially at local level, has not had any models for flood preparedness training through participative approach based on the local wisdom of Jambi community to reduce disaster risks. This study tries to evaluate the effectiveness of training programme for flood preparedness based on the local wisdom designed for Jambi community, Indonesia. This research is an experimental study with pre- and post-test control design, in-class training followed by field practice and evaluated using three components: pre-test and post-test evaluations (score scale: 0–100), skill observation during disaster training (score scale: 1–4). The participants consisted of 24 local people chosen from the disaster-prone area; all participated in the disaster training. The score of pre- and post-test evaluations indicates improved post-test result with 71.4 (p < 0.005). There was also a skill improvement in the final simulation with 75% excellent score using model modification of programme for enhancement of emergency responses based on the local wisdom. This study completely evaluates the effectiveness of training for flood preparedness based on the local wisdom to improve the knowledge, ability and skill of people in disaster-prone areas.

Disaster Preparedness in Families With Children With Special Health Care Needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) may present unique challenges for disaster preparedness. This study's objective was to determine the impact of a disaster supply starter kit intervention on preparedness for families of CSHCN. The study was a 1-group pre-post cohort design with consecutive enrollment at the Arkansas Children's Hospital Medical Home Clinic. Pre- and postintervention survey findings were compared using McNemar's test. Of the 249 enrolled, 223 completed the postsurvey. At presurvey, 43% had an Emergency Information Form, compared with 79% at postsurvey (P < .001). At presurvey, 18% had a disaster kit, compared with 99.6% at postsurvey, and 44% added items. Of the 183 respondents who did not have a disaster kit at presurvey, 99% (n = 182) had a disaster kit on postsurvey, and 38% (n = 70) added items. An inexpensive educational disaster supply starter kit may increase preparedness. Further investigation on sustainability and dissemination to other populations is needed.