Payne, Jr. Reacts to Save the Children Report Showing Children Still at Risk in Disasters

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, applauded Save the Children for conducting a status report on the recommendations issued by the National Commission on Children in Disasters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to assess gaps in protecting children from disasters. Save the Children found that 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, children remain unnecessarily vulnerable to disasters.

“Yesterday, Save the Children issued Still at Risk: U.S. Children 10 Years After Hurricane Katrina, a report that found that 79 percent of the recommendations by the National Commission on Children in Disasters to improve our ability to care for children when disaster strikes have not been implemented,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “Although some progress has been made to ensure safeguards are in place to protect children affected by disasters, it is disappointing that we have not come further in addressing the needs of this vulnerable population in the decade following Hurricane Katrina. From addressing preparedness gaps at child day care centers and schools to ensuring that the unique needs of children are addressed in Federal, State, and local disaster planning, critical gaps remain in our ability to care for and protect children in the wake of a disaster.”

Still at Risk: U.S. Children 10 Years After Hurricane Katrina highlights how 79 percent of the recommendations developed by the commission following Hurricane Katrina have yet to be fulfilled, most notably in the areas of disaster management and recovery, child physical health and trauma, elementary and secondary education, and child welfare and juvenile justice. What progress that has been implemented is not being monitored and receives a limited funding stream due to lack of authority.

“As a representative of communities struck by Superstorm Sandy, I commend Save the Children for its continued advocacy to protect children in disasters, and ensuring recommendations for improvement remain a national priority,” added Congressman Payne, Jr. “With the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina rapidly approaching, I look forward to renewing efforts to improve the national capability to protect children from the devastation disasters can bring.”