Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and in 2010 most states still remain unprepared.

After almost five years after Hurricane Katrina, a new report by Save the Children’s U.S. Program reveals Alabama as the national leader in protecting children in disasters.

“It’s good to know Alabama is high on the ranking list among the nation, and I’m glad we’re doing good when it comes to planning and taking precautions for natural disasters,” said Ki Seroka, assistant clinical

professor in social work for the Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work Department at Auburn.

Alabama meets four key standards identified by Save the Children as being important factors in protecting children during disasters.

Alabama has a plan for children with special needs, evacuating kids in child care, reuniting families after a disaster and an evacuation plan for schools.

The report is the second preparedness report released by Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. Alabama was just one of 12 states to have the four protections in place.

“Alabama is a real leader and sets examples for the country,” said Steven Fisher, head of communications for Save the Children U.S. Programs.

Unlike Alabama, 38 states and the District of Columbia didn’t meet all four basic standards. Some states that meet all of the standards are Mississippi, California, New Mexico, Washington and Wisconsin.

Some states meet a few standards such as New York, Delaware and Tennessee.

Louisiana still ranks low, with only one standard being met, while states such as Idaho, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas meet none of the criteria.

“New plans and requirements are in the works for states that fall short in meeting standards,” Fisher said. “We’re trying to advocate the passage of federal legislation, and make these standards a federal law for every state to meet.”

More than 5,000 children were reported missing after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and it took six months for the last child to be found.

About 50,000 children in Louisiana and Mississippi didn’t attend school during the 2005-2006 school year, and 15,000 didn’t attend during the 2006-2007 school year.

Also, more than one-third of Louisiana children have been clinically diagnosed with depression, anxiety or behavior disorder after the storm.

“We want plans in place to provide protection against children getting separated from their families and suffering from the psychological effects,” Fisher said.

Save the Children Organization members walk the streets when a disaster occurs, making sure shelters and other necessities are present to protect children.

“The anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is coming up in August, and we’re going to continue to support the cause,” Fisher said. “We’re also expecting an above average hurricane season to plan for.”

In addition, the BP oil spill has made people take even more precautions with the economy and rate of disasters occurring.

“I think Auburn students need to know how to be prepared, especially if they plan to be responsible for children or elderly people in their field of work,” Seroka said.

State Rep. Locy Baker said it is also our duty to protect individuals who can’t protect themselves.

For more information on the report, visit the Web site: www.savethechildren.org/publications/reports/2010-Disaster-Report.pdf.