Protect Children’s Health: Natural Disasters and Emergencies

Rising sea levels in combination with extreme weather events increases instances of flooding and dampness indoors. Floods can spread waterborne diseases and cause mold growth indoors on water-damaged items triggering respiratory distress and long-term health effects, especially in children with pre-existing conditions. 

Children and pregnant women need to take extra precautions to avoid overheating on days of extreme heat.

Children’s developing lungs are especially sensitive to smoke and ash. With projected increases in wildfire activity, children and pregnant people should know the ways they can protect their health.

Learn about the actions schools can take to become stay open during, or reopen quickly and safely after, natural disasters and extreme weather events.