Disaster Preparedness for Families with Small Children
Hello.
I am Yoshihiko Iwama, Director of Iwama Children's Clinic.
In this article, I will write about ＜Disaster Preparedness for Families with Small Children＞.
Japan is said to be a country prone to disasters due to its geographical characteristics.
What kind of preparations should each household make to be ready for when disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, or floods occur nearby?
The necessary measures vary depending on the type of disaster and the time of occurrence.
Also, the necessary measures change depending on the family structure.
Whether there are elderly people, people with underlying medical conditions, or small children (babies) in the home—these factors must also be taken into account.
Furthermore, measures for living at home when lifelines like water, electricity, and gas are damaged are different from measures for living in an evacuation center.
As you can see, the scope of "disaster preparedness" is broad, and it would be impossible to cover everything even in a single book.Therefore, this time, I will narrow the theme down to "Disaster Preparedness for Families with Small Children," including infants, and write from the perspective of a pediatrician.
【Regarding Advance Disaster Preparedness】
This is about the contents of an "emergency evacuation bag" needed when danger is imminent due to a disaster.
In addition to a standard evacuation set, families with small children should prepare the following items.
・Diapers, baby wipes (at least a 3-day supply)
・Baby formula(Liquid formula that can be stored at room temperature + baby bottles + paper cups)
※When baby bottles cannot be washed, you can use paper cups.
※You can attach a nipple to a can of liquid formula to feed the baby.
・Baby food the child is used to eating (considering allergies)
※There is also a method of warming liquid formula or retort baby food using disposable hand warmers.
・Tableware for toddlers
※Paper plates, paper cups, and small spoons for when disinfection or sterilization is not possible
・Change of clothes
・Small, foldable aluminum blanket(for cold protection)
・Toys the child is used to playing with and favorite picture books
・Oral care products for children
・Plastic bags
・Regular medications / Band-Aids in large, medium, and small sizes / Thermometer
※I will touch on regular medications and thermometers in more detail later.
・Copies of health insurance card / Maternal and Child Health Handbook / Medication notebook + "Child Medical Expense Recipient Certificate" (names vary by municipality, such as Infant Medical Expense Recipient Certificate)
・A medical card with necessary information written for each child, such as name, age, and medical history(made so it can be hung around the neck)
【Regarding Preparations for Asthma】
In a disaster area, a poor environment with dust flying about is expected. Assuming that an asthma attack will definitely occur in the event of a disaster,it is important for families with children who have asthma to take the following measures.
・Stock up on a two-week supply of asthma attack medication.
・For small children who cannot use aerosol-type attack medication, secure a power source for an electric nebulizer (I recommend practicing how to use it so it can be used during a disaster).
・Stock up on plenty of masks and water for hydration.
There are various types of electric nebulizers, including those that support household 100V power and those that run on batteries. For families using a 100V-compatible nebulizer, it is reassuring to have a device called an "inverter" that converts the 12V from a car cigarette lighter into 100V.
Also, a combination of rechargeable batteries, a charger, and a small solar panel will be useful in many ways.
【Regarding Cold Prevention】
Next, let's prepare for "colds."
When the environment changes, such as in an evacuation center, small children in particular are prone to catching colds.
By making the following preparations, you can deal with mild colds even if medical facilities are not open.
・Stock up on a 10-dose supply of fever reducers.
・Stock up on over-the-counter cough medicine.
For fever reducers, put over-the-counter medicine, such as "Pediatric Bufferin," into your emergency evacuation bag without opening the package. Also, it is convenient to keep fever reducers and cough medicine together with a thermometer.I recommend the type of thermometer that measures under the arm as it is accurate.
【Regarding Diarrhea and Vomiting Prevention】
Since small children are prone to upset stomachs, having the following preparations in place can help you manage the situation temporarily even if there are no medical facilities available.
・Stock up on over-the-counter intestinal regulators (e.g., Biofermin).
・Stock up on anti-nausea suppositories (e.g., Nauzelin).
The intestinal regulators referred to here are not what are generally sold as anti-diarrheal medication.
Diarrhea helps the body expel harmful bacteria and viruses that have accumulated in the intestines.
Stopping thatwith anti-diarrheal medication is generally something you should avoid giving to children.
While there are oral types of anti-nausea medication, suppositories are more convenient for small children.
Next, let's answer some questions from moms and dads about "disaster preparedness" for families with small children.
[1. Please tell us about 'first aid for children' that can be used during a disaster]
The method I want you to remember is how to stop bleeding.
I have taught my own children this since they were young:
"If you start bleeding, first press firmly on the affected area."
Ideally, you should press on the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
However, since you may not always have a clean cloth during a disaster, any cloth will do.If you don't have one, just pressing firmly with your fingertips or palm is also effective.
Even if the bleeding is severe, you can stop it while you are applying pressure.
Think about what to do next while you are managing the bleeding.
[2. I am worried about my child's mental state during evacuation life or after a disaster. I would like to know if there are any checkpoints.]
During the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was reported that many children suffered from insomnia due to Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
These stress disorders occur after experiencing a life-threatening event, when memories of that event are repeatedly recalled against one's will, causing distress.
One checkpoint to see if your child is suffering from a stress disorder is,first, whether there has been a significant increase or decrease in their weight.
If their weight has fluctuated by 2 to 3 kilograms over a period of about a month, there is a possibility of a stress disorder.
Another checkpoint is,whether there are any wounds in places on their body that are not easily visible.
Stress can cause them to scratch their skin.
For children in adolescence or older, please be aware that stress disorders can lead to self-harming behavior.
If you have any concerns, please consult a pediatrician.
That is all for this article.
Thank you for always reading.
I hope this is helpful for moms and dads facing the challenges of raising children.
Iwama Children's Clinic
Director Yoshihiko Iwama
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