As Japan continues to respond to the earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear power plant crisis, parents in the U.S. may be wondering what the risks are to people here.
Federal and state agencies have been monitoring air and water in the U.S. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has stated that currently there is no health risk for radiation exposure to U.S. residents from events in Japan. People in the U.S. need not be concerned about additional health risks as a result of this disaster. They should not use countermeasures such as potassium iodide unless advised to by local or federal health authorities.
Previous disasters and the current events in Japan can serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster planning for health care providers, families, and communities everywhere. Improving day-to-day emergency readiness begins with personal and family preparedness.
Images and news accounts of disasters can be extremely distressing, especially for children. Parents are encouraged to minimize children’s access to the media. Remember that if you are watching, listening, or viewing news media, your children may be exposed too. Ask questions about what your children have already heard and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner, while assuring them about their safety.
Below are some tips for talking with children.
- Talk about the event with your child, taking into consideration your child’s age. Not talking about it makes the event even more threatening in your child’s mind. Silence suggests that what has occurred is too horrible to even speak of. Chances are he or she has already heard about it.
- Start by asking what your child has already heard about the events and what understanding he or she has reached. As your child explains, listen for misinformation, misconceptions and underlying fears or concerns. For older children who may be engaged in social media, be sure your child is getting information from accurate sources.
- When children ask if it is possible that an earthquake (or exposure to radiation) could occur, they are probably wondering if it is “likely” – when appropriate, reassure them that the risks in your community are quite low. Also tell children that your family, community and school have plans in place and know what to do if something like this should ever happen.
- Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer those questions directly. Like adults, children are better able to cope with a crisis if they feel they understand it. Question-and-answer exchanges help ensure ongoing support as your child begins to understand the crisis and the response to it.
- Limit your child’s exposure to media images and sounds related to the disaster. Remember they often overhear or see what you are watching on TV or listening to on the computer or radio.
- Work with your child to figure out a way the child can help people who were affected by the disaster. Children may also find benefit in helping others in need in their own community.
- Consider sharing your feelings about the event or crisis with your child. This is an opportunity for you to role model how to cope and how to plan for the future. Before you reach out, however, be sure you are able to express a positive or hopeful plan.
- If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, contact her pediatrician, other primary care provider, or a qualified mental health care specialist.
Additional resources:
Family Disaster Supplies List
Getting Your Family Prepared for a Disaster
CDC Information
Radiation Emergencies
Potassium Iodide
