Natural Disasters: Helping Kids During Crisis
- Try and keep routines as normal as possible. Kids gain security from the predictability of routine, including attending school.
- Limit exposure to television and the news.
- Be honest with kids and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to handle.
- Listen to kids’ fears and concerns.
- Parents and adults need to first deal with and assess their own responses to crisis and stress.
- Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships.
ASCA Resources
- Position Statement: The School Counselor and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Webinar: Counseling Kids in Crisis
- Webinar: Effective Crisis/Trauma Response
- Webinar: Supporting Students After Crisis and Loss
- ASCA U: Trauma and Crisis Specialist
Additional Resources
- School Counselors Help Build Resilience After Natural Disaster (European Journal of Educational Sciences, 2019)
Suggested Websites
The American Psychological Association Health Center
Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Children
Recovering from Wildfires
Manage Flood-Related Distress by Building Resilience
Strengthening Your Emotional Well-Being Ahead of the Flood
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Wildfire Resources
Tornado Resources
Hurricane Resources
Earthquake Resources
Flood Resources
Ready.gov
Wildfires
Hurricanes
Floods
Tornadoes
Disasters and Emergencies
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Floods
Wildfires
Earthquakes
Drought
Disaster Distress Helpline
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Helping Children Cope With Disaster
FEMA for Kids
FEMA for Teens
U.S. Department of Education
Natural Disaster Resources
Resources for Communities following Natural Disasters
American Red Cross: Recovering Emotionally After a Disaster
Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA