FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Sept. 28, 2022) — As Hurricane Ian strengthens and churns toward Florida’s west coast, bringing with it life-threatening winds, storm surge and flash flooding, Save the Children has mobilized an emergency response team that’s preparing to help children and families in the areas hardest hit by the powerful storm. 

With emergency supplies pre-positioned ahead of the storm, Save the Children staff are equipped to deliver essential, child-focused items to kids and families who need them most in western Florida – including water, hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, portable cribs and more. The organisation is also coordinating with national and state partners in the US, and initial response staff will first assess how to best meet children’s most immediate needs after the storm hits. 

Barbara Ammirati, head of Save the Children’s Hurricane Ian response team, said: 

“Children are always among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes, and our thoughts and hearts go out to kids and families in the pathway of this dangerous storm. With hundreds of thousands of people under mandatory evacuation orders, we hope people are able to safely return to their homes very soon. But while children and families are displaced during this crisis, Save the Children will be working to ensure children are safe and help them recover, both in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ian and long-term.” 

In addition, Save the Children is communicating with local education partners in Florida, and stands ready to help restore childcare and early learning centres that may be impacted by Hurricane Ian. 

As the national leader in protecting children in emergencies, Save the Children has been supporting children’s most critical needs in emergencies along the Gulf Coast since 2005, including Hurricanes Irma and Michael. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Michael, Save the Children coordinated emergency distributions of child-centric supplies, set up child-friendly spaces in evacuation shelters, helped childcare centres recover, and provided social and emotional support programs to help children and their families cope and build resilience.