The Response to Superstorm Sandy Highlights the Importance of Recovery Planning for Child Care Nationwide

The availability of child care after an emergency or disaster is an important part of recovery efforts because it ensures that children are safe while parents make efforts to rebuild their lives and communities. When Superstorm Sandy made landfall on October 29, 2012, it caused widespread flooding that substantially disrupted child care services in New Jersey and New York. Lessons learned from these States' experiences in responding to and recovering from Superstorm Sandy could help ACF to improve nationwide emergency preparedness for child care. In February 2011, ACF recommended that each State develop a statewide disaster plan for child care, and legislation enacted in November 2014 requires each State to do so.