Chapter Ideas for the Hurricane Season
To prepare for hurricane season or other types of disasters, AAP Chapters are urged to:

	Form a network of key contacts to communicate with during and after an emergency
	Put a mechanism in place for the network to communicate effectively
		Compile an electronic mailing list
		Exchange cell phone numbers
		Identify a Web page for members with up-to-date information
		Provide instructions for texting via cell phones when other communications fail
	Describe options for communication and let network members know what to expect
	Test the communication options

Ideas for Disaster Preparedness Initiatives
The following ideas are designed to help AAP Chapters promote disaster preparedness:

1.	Ask which chapter members are already involved in disaster preparedness initiatives.
2.	Identify an AAP member to serve as a Chapter Contact for Disaster Preparedness.
3.	Establish a chapter committee on disaster preparedness.
4.	Provide information on relevant courses/trainings to interested chapter members.
5.	Identify disaster preparedness committees, task forces, or initiatives in your state and appoint a chapter member to represent the pediatric perspective and children's needs as needed.
6.	Host a meeting or CME presentation for interested chapter members.
7.	Determine who oversees the state plans for disaster preparedness and pandemic influenza. Identify chapter members who can review these plans for inclusion of children's issues.
8.	Review AAP disaster preparedness resources and customize a handout or publication for chapter members, families, or other key audiences.
9.	Plan to do "just one thing" in September, which is disaster preparedness month.
10.	Refer to the Chapter initiatives for each state/region for other ideas.