The first decade of the new millennium is almost over – and the group Save the Children is dubbing it the “Disaster Decade,” at least as far as the United States is concerned. From September 11, 2001 through present day, we’ve seen wildfires, numerous hurricanes, and mass school shootings. So Save the Children hired a research firm to look at the impact of disasters on children – and to see how all 50 states and the District of Columbia fared in making sure children are protected.

The results of this report card are disturbing. Only 7 states – Arkansas, Maryland, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Alabama and Vermont – are meeting four key standards. Those key standards include evacuation and relocation, reunification and plans for special needs children at child care facilities, as well as multi-hazard plans at schools.

For example, during Hurricane Katrina, it took up to six-months to reunify some children with their families. Does your child’s school have a plan in place to reunify children with their parents if a disaster hits during the school day? Do you know what that plan is? Are there plans for special-needs children?

The National Commission on Children and Disasters plans to incorporate the recommendations of the report card into its interim report due to Congress in October. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is taking a look at the proposals as well. But on a grass-roots level, you can take action now, by encouraging every school and child care facility in your community to become Red Cross Ready Rating members. That way, they will have made a commitment to preparing for a disaster and improving their preparedness each year.