2. Planning Process

2.5. Continuous Education and Training

Ongoing Education, Training, and Exercises

Ongoing education and training help planning team members remain informed about current research, promising practices, policies, procedures, and child-specific disaster considerations.

Planning team members should:

  • Participate in relevant local training and disaster exercises.
  • Conduct joint drills with hospitals, emergency management agencies, and other child-serving organizations.
  • Practice incorporating children’s developmental, medical, behavioral, and functional needs into response procedures.
  • Evaluate performance after each exercise and incorporate lessons learned into plans, procedures, and future training.
Joint training and exercises strengthen communication, clarify responsibilities, identify planning gaps, and improve each stakeholder’s understanding of their role during a disaster.