Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Drought | Earthquake | Flood | Hurricane | Pandemic Influenza | Radiation Exposure | Technological Disasters | Terrorism | Tornado | Tsunami | Wildfire | General Preparedness | General Response

Drought

Preparedness

American Red Cross. (2009). Drought Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/drought

This web page provides information on the different types of drought and how to conserve water.

Colorado State University Extension. (2012). Making decisions and coping well with drought. Retrieved from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10256.pdf [PDF - 396.42 Kb]

This tip sheet discusses ways to cope with the psychological effects of a drought and the difficult decisions it can cause.

Colorado State University Extension. (2012). Managing stress during tough times. Retrieved from http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/10255.pdf [PDF - 445.53 Kb]

This tip sheet discusses the mental health effects of drought on rural populations.

Missouri Department of Mental Health. (2012). Tips for coping with drought-related stress. Retrieved from http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/diroffice/disaster/FarmStressCopingTips_001.pdf

This tip sheet provides common signs of stress and coping strategies for drought-related stress.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). When every drop counts: Protecting public health during drought conditions; A guide for public health professionals. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Docs/When_Every_Drop_Counts.pdf

This guide provides information about drought as it affects the health of the U.S. public. Behavioral health-related information is discussed in various sections of this document, particularly beginning on page 27.

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Earthquake

Preparedness

American Psychological Association. (2010). Managing your distress about the earthquake from afar [Tip sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/distress-earthquake.aspx

This tip sheet provides guidance on coping with stress for family and friends of those living in areas recently impacted by an earthquake.

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Earthquake safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240216_Earthquake.pdf [PDF - 229 Kb]

This fact sheet provides information on earthquake preparedness, safety during an earthquake, and what to do after an earthquake.

(Also available in French at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440195_Earthquakes_FR_final.pdf [PDF - 318 Kb] and Haitian Creole at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4540088_HT_FloodSafety_final.pdf [PDF - 262 Kb]

Fassler, D. (n.d.). Talking to children about earthquakes and other natural disasters. Retrieved from http://www.aacap.org/galleries/default-file/TalkingtoKids.Earthquakes.NaturalDisasters.3.11.2011.pdf [PDF 80 KB]

This two-page handout suggests ways for parents, teachers, and other adults to talk to children about earthquakes and other disasters.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2005). Earthquake safety checklist (FEMA 526). Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1664

This booklet is designed to help the public plan for and survive a major earthquake.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Being prepared for an earthquake. Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/prepared.asp

This website explains actions the general public can take to remain safe and healthy in the event of an earthquake.

Response

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). After the earthquake: Helping young children heal. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_young_children_heal_earthquake.pdf [PDF 22.24 KB]

This document informs parents of common child reactions to earthquakes and provides tips on supporting children after an earthquake. (Also available in Japanese at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/healing_the_young_children_after_the_disaster_japanese.pdf [PDF 190.33 KB]

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). Guidance for caregivers: Children or teens who had a loved one die in the earthquake. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Earthquake_Caregiver_071008_Formatted.pdf [PDF 112 KB]

This informational packet discusses how to interact with children or teens who have lost a loved one in an earthquake. It includes common reactions, the grieving process, and signs that suggest a youth is having difficulty coping with traumatic grief.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). Guidance for school personnel: Students who had a loved one die in the earthquake. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Earthquake_School_Personnel_071008_Formatted.pdf [PDF 118 KB]

This guidance helps school personnel provide support to children and teens who are experiencing traumatic grief after losing a loved one in an earthquake.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2008). Teacher guidelines for helping students after an earthquake. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Teachers_Talk_to_Students_about_Earthquake.pdf [PDF 62.26 KB]

This document informs teachers of common child reactions to earthquakes and provides tips on supporting children after an earthquake. (Also available in Haitian Creole at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Konsey_pur_pwofese.pdf [PDF 73.30 KB] and French Creole at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/Gid_Pou_pwofese.pdf [PDF 75.98KB]

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Parent guidelines for helping children after an earthquake. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Parents_Talk_to_Children_about_Earthquake.pdf [PDF 62.9 KB]

This guidance informs parents of common child reactions to earthquakes and provides tips on supporting children after an earthquake. (Also available in Haitian Creole at http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Konsey_pou_paran.pdf [PDF 73.6 KB])

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Tips for parents on media coverage of the earthquake. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Earthquakes_Media_final.pdf [PDF 71.9 KB]

This tip sheet provides information for parents on how to limit a child's exposure to disturbing media images after an earthquake.

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Flood

Preparedness

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Strengthening your emotional well being ahead of the flood. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/flood-preparation.aspx

This tip sheet provides simple and effective ways to manage flood-related fears and anxiety.

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Flood safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340128_Flood.pdf [PDF - 78 Kb]

This fact sheet provides information on what to do before, during, and after a flood. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340130_Flood_SPN.pdf [PDF - 75.2 Kb])

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Key facts about flood readiness. Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp

This fact sheet provides tips on how to remain safe and healthy in the event of a flood.

Response

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Manage flood-related distress by building resilience. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/flood-distress.aspx

This tip sheet provides simple and effective ways to strengthen resilience and thereby manage flood-related stress.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). Floods. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/floods

This webpage offers information on how to prepare for a flood and what to do during and after a flood. It also offers information about the National Flood Insurance Program and has an outreach toolkit for community leaders.

North Dakota State Government. (n.d.). A flood of emotions. Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov/des/uploads/resources/305/a-flood-of-emotions.pdf [PDF - 62.87 Kb]

This tip sheet discusses the emotions a survivor may feel after a flood, how they can cope with these emotions, how to help others deal with the same emotions, and how to help family members recover.

North Dakota State Government. (n.d.). Helping children through the flood. Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov/des/uploads/resources/320/helping-children-through-the-flood.pdf [PDF - 61.67 Kb]

This tip sheet offers advice to parents on how to help their children deal with the emotions after a flood and when to seek professional help.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). The flood is over. What do you do now? Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/library/feelings-after-flood.pdf [PDF - 252.23 Kb]

This tip sheet discusses what children may feel after a flood and what they can do to feel better.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Key facts about hurricane and flood recovery: Protect your health and safety after a hurricane or flood. Retrieved from http://www.montgomery.nj.us/about/CDC Flood Recovery.pdf [PDF 86.3 KB]

This fact sheet provides tips on how to remain safe and healthy after a flood.

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Hurricane

Preparedness

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Tips to strengthen your emotional well-being before the arrival of a hurricane. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/hurricane-preparation.aspx

This tip sheet provides ways to recognize common emotional reactions and steps to prepare for a hurricane that will be helpful in safeguarding the emotional well-being of the survivor.

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Hurricane safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340160_Hurricane.pdf [PDF - 77.5 Kb]

This tip sheet explains how to prepare for a hurricane. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440162_Hurricane_SPN.pdf [PDF – 81.7 Kb])

Federal Emergency Management Agency (n.d.). Hurricanes. Retrieved from http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

This site describes hurricanes and what to expect and provides links with lists of what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Effects of disasters: risk and resilience Retrieved from http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/effects_of_disasters_risk_and_resilience_factors.asp

This page describes the effects of disasters, what might put people at higher risk of having negative mental health outcomes, and what kinds of things help people to recover more easily and quickly.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Distress Helpline. (n.d.). Hurricanes and tropical storms. Retrieved from http://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/disasters/hurricanes-and-tropical-storms.aspx

This site provides information about what to expect in a hurricane, tips for managing distress related to the hurricane, and resource information and the Helpline number for those affected by a hurricane to call for immediate crisis counseling.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005). Key facts about hurricane readiness. Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/library/readiness.pdf [PDF 80.7 KB]

This fact sheet lists supplies needed for a hurricane and provides safety tips related to preparing for a hurricane.

Response

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience: After a hurricane. Retrieved from http://www.georgiadisaster.info/GeneralPublic/GP15%20ImportanceOfResiliency/Resilience%20After%20Hurricane.pdf [PDF 61.1 KB]

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Pandemic Influenza

Preparedness

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Preparing for bird flu. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/bird-flu.aspx

This web page explains ways to reduce stress and anxiety about avian flu. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo/gripe-aviar.aspx)

Trust for America's Health. (2005). It's not flu as usual: What faith-based and community organizations need to know about pandemic flu. Retrieved from http://healthyamericans.org/reports/flu/brochures/FluBrochureFaith.pdf [PDF 330 KB]

This brochure highlights differences between annual and pandemic flu and provides information on what community and faith-based organizations can do to prepare for and respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). Pandemic flu planning checklist for individuals and families. Retrieved from http://www.tchd.org/pdfs/checklist_individuals.pdf [PDF 667 KB]

This resource provides a list of things to do in preparation for a pandemic flu.

Response

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (2009). Pandemic flu fact sheet: A parents' guide to helping families cope with a pandemic flu. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Pandemic_Flu_Factsheet.pdf [PDF 367 KB]

This fact sheet provides information about the impact of flu on families and the community, as well as guidance in preparing for, coping with the stress of, helping children cope with, coping with grief from loss during, and recovering from pandemic influenza.

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Radiation Exposure

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Psychological and behavioral issues healthcare providers need to know when treating patients following a radiation event. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CSTS_issues_radiation%20event.pdf [PDF – 107 KB]

This fact sheet for health care responders provides information on psychological and behavioral issues following a radiological incident.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Radiation emergency medical management. Retrieved from http://www.remm.nlm.gov

This webpage offer guidance and information for healthcare providers on how to respond after a radiation event. It also offers response information for first responders.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009). Radiation emergencies: Information for clinicians.Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/clinicians.asp

This website section has information to help clinicians develop plans and response capacity for radiation emergencies.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Psychological First Aid in radiation disasters. Retrieved from http://www2a.cdc.gov/TCEOnline/registration/detailpage.asp?res_id=2490

This web-based training will help increase the awareness of the unique psychological reactions when responding to the survivors of a radiation emergency.

U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2010). Frequently asked questions about the Japan nuclear crisis[Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.nrc.gov/japan/faq-need-to-know.pdf [PDF 1.72 KB]

This fact sheet answers the frequently asked questions people might have as they monitor the nuclear crisis in Japan from the U.S.

Yevelson I. I., Abdelgani, A., Cwikel, J., & Yevelson, I. S. (1997). Bridging the gap in mental health approaches between East and West: The psychosocial consequences of radiation exposure. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1469916/pdf/envhper00331-0166.pdf [PDF 1.24 MB]

This article examines the social and psychological consequences for the people who lived through the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. It also discusses what researchers in various countries have developed to classify distress and disorders and design treatment programs.

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Technological Disasters

American Psychological Association. (2010). The Gulf oil disaster: Developing a positive outlook in the face of tragedy. Retrieved from http://www.escambiahealth.com/recent_hot_topics/2010/pdfs/apa_developing_positive_outlook.pdf [PDF 36.8 KB]

This fact sheet provides tips for coping and developing hope in the wake of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. It includes information on understanding loss and building resilience.

Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. (2009). Coping with technological disasters. Retrieved from http://pwsrcac.org/programs/oil-spill-prevention/coping-with-technological-disasters

This web page addresses some of the mental health issues that were experienced following the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill off the coast of Alaska in 1989. The page also offers the DVD training course "Coping with Technological Disasters: Peer Listener Training."

Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. (2009). Coping with technological disasters: A user friendly guidebook. Retrieved from http://pwsrcac.org/wp-content/uploads/filebase/programs/oil_spill_prevention_planning/coping_with_technological_disasters.pdf [PDF 217.8 Kb]

This guidebook helps community officials and individuals throughout a region affected by a technological disaster recognize, identify, and mitigate the adverse psychological effects associated with these events. Included are culturally appropriate outreach and community healing strategies.

Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. (2009). Coping with technological disasters: Appendices. Retrieved from http://pwsrcac.org/wp-content/uploads/filebase/programs/oil_spill_response_operations/coping_with_technological_disasters_appendices.pdf [PDF - 4.8 Mb]

The appendices are a companion document to Coping with Technological Disasters: A User Friendly Guidebook. This document includes community surveys, newspaper articles, in-service training, information directories, and reports.

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Response

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008). Tips for Dealing with the Gulf Oil Spill. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/Disaster/traumaticevents.aspx

This series of tip sheets discusses reactions people commonly have in dealing with an oil spill. It also provides tips on talking to children about an oil spill and on experiencing and addressing the emotions of being affected by an oil spill. (Available in English, French, Cambodian, Haitian Creole, Lao, Spanish, and Vietnamese.)
The following are titles in the series:

Tips for Parents and Teachers
Tips for talking to children & youth about the oil spill disaster—a guide for parents and educators (largest PDF file size - 685 KB)
Tips for talking to children & youth about the oil spill disaster—interventions at home for preschoolers to adolescents (largest PDF file size - 1.5 MB)
Tips for talking to children & youth about the oil spill disaster—a guide for teachers and school administrators (PDF file sizes - 685 KB)
Tips for the General Public
Tips for coping with the oil spill disaster—managing your stress (largest PDF file size - 484 KB)
Tips for dealing with grief due to the oil spill disaster (largest PDF file size - 356 KB)
Tips for Emergency Response Workers
Tips for oil spill disaster response workers—possible signs of alcohol and substance abuse (largest PDF file size - 245 KB)
Tips for oil spill disaster response workers—managing and preventing stress for managers and workers (largest PDF file size - 2 MB)

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Terrorism

Preparedness

American Red Cross. (2001). Terrorism: Preparing for the unexpected. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440084_Terrorism.pdf [PDF - 1.76 Mb]

This guide explains what individuals can do to prepare for an unexpected terrorist attack and reduce the stress in case of such an emergency. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4440085_TerrorismSp.pdf [PDF - 887 Kb])

Response

Alpert, J. L., Brown, E., Gurwitch, R. H., Duffy, D. K., La Greca, A. M., & Schreiber, M. (2007). Fostering resilience in response to terrorism: For psychologists working with children. Retrieved from http://www.deep.med.miami.edu/media/FostResilRspTerChildAPA.pdf [PDF 209 KB]

This fact sheet for mental health professionals who work with children is designed to assist in fostering children's resilience in response to terrorism.

American Psychological Association. (2002). Tapping your resilience in the wake of terrorism: Pointers for practitioners. Retrieved from http://www.georgiadisaster.info/Healthcare/HC13%20SecondaryStress/Link%209%20--%20Tapping%20Your%20Resilience%20APA%20Pointers%20for%20Practitioners.pdf [PDF 82.1 KB]

This fact sheet for healthcare practitioners contains information relevant after a terrorist incident. It includes self-care tips, pointers for assisting others, and challenges associated with behavioral healthcare work following a terrorist attack.

Butler, L. D., Hobfoll, S. E., & Keane, T. M. (2007). Fostering resilience in response to terrorism: A fact sheet for psychologists working with adults. Retrieved from http://www.deep.med.miami.edu/media/FostResilRspTerAdltsAPA.pdf [PDF 173 KB]

This fact sheet for mental health professionals who work with adults is designed to assist in fostering adults' resilience in response to terrorism.

Coomber, P. & Armstrong, R. (n.d.). Coping with an attack: A quick guide to dealing with biological, chemical, and "dirty bomb" attacks. Retrieved from http://www.pdhealth.mil/downloads/WMD_Poster.pdf [PDF 255 KB]

This chart offers information on various types of responses for biological, chemical, or "dirty bomb" incidents.

Dudley-Grant, G. R., Comas-Diaz, L., Todd-Bazemore, B., & Hueston, J. D. (2007). Fostering resilience in response to terrorism: For psychologists working with people of color. Retrieved from http://www.deep.med.miami.edu/media/FstRsilRspTerColorAPA.pdf [PDF 94.4 KB]

This fact sheet is designed to assist mental health professionals who work with people of color in fostering resilience in response to terrorism.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). After a terrorist bombing: Health and safety information for emergency care providers. Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/masscasualties/pdf/afterbombing-msgs-ECP.pdf [PDF 99.4 KB]

This fact sheet is designed for emergency care providers following a terrorist bombing. It offers response information specific to different lengths of time after the incident.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. (2004). Mental health response to mass violence and terrorism: A training manual (SMA04-3959). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA04-3959/SMA04-3959.pdf [PDF 1.33 MB]

This training manual explains what information mental health providers, crime victim assistance professionals, and faith-based counselors need to know in order to provide appropriate mental health support following incidents involving criminal mass victimization and terrorism.

Zeiss, A. M., Cook, J. M., & Cantor, D. W. (2007). Fostering resilience in response to terrorism: For psychologists working with older adults. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/older-adults.pdf [PDF 82.3 KB]

This fact sheet is designed to assist mental health professionals who work with older adults in fostering resilience in response to terrorism.

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Tornado

Preparedness

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Tornado safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340177_Tornado.pdf [PDF - 225 Kb]

This checklist offers preparedness ideas and safety concerns before, during, and after a tornado.
(Also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340170_Tornado_SPN.pdf [PDF - 247 Kb])

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Tornadoes. Retrieved from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes

This web page provides safety tips related to preparation for a tornado and actions to take after a tornado.

Response

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Managing traumatic stress: After the tornadoes. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/tornadoes.aspx

This web page offers information for the general public regarding managing traumatic stress after a tornado.

Ghosh Ippen, C., Lieberman, A. F., & Van Horn, P. (2005). After the tornado: Helping young children heal. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_young_children_heal_tornado.pdf [PDF 50.11 KB]

This tip sheet offers ways for parents to help their children cope with traumatic events during and after a tornado.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) For kids: Tornado recovery; Making things better. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornado_rcvry_kids_final.pdf [PDF 113.83 KB]

This tip sheet offers ways for children to help themselves recover from emotional reactions after a tornado and, through this process, to help others as well.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) For kids: Tornado response; Right after a tornado. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornado_rspse_kids_final.pdf [PDF 111.38 KB]

This simple tip sheet offers children ways to cope with their feelings right after a tornado.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) For teens: Tornado recovery; Making things better. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornado_rcvry_teens_final.pdf [PDF 401.64 KB]

This tip sheet offers ways for teens to help themselves recover from emotional reactions after a tornado and, in helping themselves, to help others as well.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) For teens: Tornado response; Right after a tornado. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornado_rspse_teens_final.pdf [PDF 117.13 KB]

This simple tip sheet offers teens ways to cope with their feelings right after a tornado.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) Parent guidelines for helping children after a tornado. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/parents_talk_to_children_about_tornadoes.pdf [PDF 61.56 KB]

This fact sheet explains normal reactions in children after a tornado and what parents can do to help their children and themselves to cope.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) Questions to ask your children about the tornado. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/questions_to_ask_children_about_tornado-4-11-11.pdf [PDF 40.32 KB]

This questionnaire provides parents with questions to ask their children after a tornado to gauge how affected they were by the events. It also offers parents ways to help their children cope.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) Teacher guidelines for helping students after a tornado. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/teachers_talk_to_students_about_tornadoes.pdf [PDF 61.49 KB]

This fact sheet explains the reactions children may have after a tornado and what teachers can do to help them recover from such events.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.) Tips for parents on media coverage of the tornadoes. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tornadoes_media_final.pdf (PDF 58.49 KB)

This tip sheet offers ways parents can reduce the impact that too much media exposure can have on children after a traumatic event such as a tornado.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Disaster Distress Helpline. (n.d.). Tornadoes and severe storms.. Retrieved from http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/disasters/tornadoes-and-severe-storms.aspx

This website discusses how to stay safe before and during a tornado. It also discusses the signs of emotional distress that can be experienced after a tornado, signs of distress for first responders, and how to get professional help when needed.

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Tsunami

Preparedness

Seattle Office of Emergency Management. (n.d.). How to prepare for tsunamis. Retrieved from http://www.seattle.gov/emergency/library/how/Prepare%20for%20Tsunamis.pdf [PDF 79.6 KB]

This fact sheet contains information on preparing for a tsunami and the steps to take to remain safe.

Response

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2001). Fact sheet: Tsunamis. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3052

This fact sheet provides information on tsunamis, how to prepare, and what to do during a storm.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). After the tsunami: helping young children heal. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/helping_young_children_heal_tsunami.pdf [PDF 22.31 KB]

This document informs parents of common child reactions to tsunamis and provides tips on supporting children after a tsunami.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Psychological impact of the tsunami in the Solomon Islands. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/ Tsunami_Information_SolomonSheet_%20Four_Page.pdf [PDF 71.3 KB]

This article provides information about normal reactions after tsunamis and coping after a disaster event.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Talking to children in the United States about the tsunami. Retrieved from http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Talking_to_%20US_ChildrenSolomon_Tsunami.pdf [PDF 64 KB]

This fact sheet is designed for parents and teachers and contains information on how to talk to children about tsunamis.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Talking with children about tsunamis. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/talking_with_children_about_tsunamis_final.pdf [PDF 60.27 KB]

This fact sheet is designed for parents and contains information on how to talk to children about tsunamis.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Psychological impact of tsunamis. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/psyc_impact_tsunamis_4pgfinal.pdf [PDF 80.66 KB]

This document provides an overview of expected psychological and physical responses among survivors of a tsunami and ways to cope.

(Also available in a brief handout at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/psyc_impact_tsunamis_2pg_final.pdf [PDF 66.4 KB])

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Wildfire

Preparedness

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Wild fire safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340149_Wildfire.pdf [PDF - 256 Kb]

This fact sheet provides information on how to prepare for a wildfire. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340154_Wildfire_SPN.pdf [PDF - 221 Kb])

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2000). Surviving the storm: A guide to wildfire preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/98surst_wf.pdf [PDF 237 KB]

This guide explains how to keep safe before, during, and after a wildfire.

Jones, R. (2010). The ABC’s of fire. Retrieved from http://www.firetraumas.com/ABCs%20of%20Fire/REAACT's%20ABC's%20of%20Fire.pdf [PDF - 2.42 Mb]

This guide contains information about the effects of fire trauma on children, adolescents, and adults. It provides strategies for fire prevention and home safety and activities for children to help reinforce fire safety tips.

Response

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Recovering from the wildfires. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/wildfire.aspx

This web page offers tips on how to help the whole family recover after a wildfire and when to seek professional help.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2003). Helping children after a wildfire: Tips for parents and teachers. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/ wildfire_teachers.pdf [PDF 31.4 KB]

This tip sheet discusses what parents and teachers can do to help children cope after a wildfire.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2003). Responding to wildfires: Helping children and families; Information for school crisis teams. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/naturaldisaster_teams_ho.pdf [PDF – 36.2 Kb]

This article provides possible stress reactions experienced by children after a wildfire and how crisis response teams can help them and their families.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.).Parents guidelines for helping children impacted by wildfires. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/parents_wildfires.pdf [PDF 77.45 KB]

This guide explains how parents can help children recover after a wildfire.(Also available in Spanish at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/parents_wildfires_spanish.pdf [PDF 83.92 KB]

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Wildfires: Tips for parents on media coverage. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Wildfires_media.pdf [PDF 69.3 KB]

This guide explains how parents can help children recover after a wildfire. (Also available in Spanish at http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/parents_wildfires_spanish.pdf [PDF 83.9 KB])

Reinhardt, B. (2007). For anyone affected by the California wildfires. Retrieved from http://www20.csueastbay.edu/news/category-pages/archive-pre-2009/the-view/top-stories/article-465.html

This tip sheet explains the stress reactions that someone affected by a wildfire may experience.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). After the fire: Your emotional and physical well-being. Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/pdf/afterfire.pdf [PDF 252 KB]

This tip sheet explains normal reactions to stress and includes steps an individual can take to cope with the stress and stay healthy even during the cleanup that follows a wildfire.

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General Preparedness

American Medical Association. (2005). Meeting the mental health needs of victims, families, and responders. Retrieved from http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/415/ 09_mentalhealth.pdf [PDF 173 KB]

This section of a larger resource guide provides quick access to current information on preparing for any emergency and accessing assistance. It is intended to help physicians and other health professionals recognize and respond to the needs of victims of a mass casualty incident.

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Prepare now for peace of mind later. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240186_ARC_CLX_Brochure.pdf [PDF - 564 Kb]

This guide offers information on preparing for a variety of family challenges, from the influenza virus to natural disasters.

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240190_Be_Red_Cross_Ready.pdf [PDF - 61 Kb]

This fact sheet explains the three actions everyone can take to help make a difference in the event of a disaster.

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Pets and disaster safety checklist. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m3640126_PetSafety.pdf [PDF - 306 Kb]

This fact sheet helps pet owners include their pets in disaster plans.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2004). Are you ready? An in-depth guide to citizen preparedness. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/areyouready_full.pdf [PDF 21 MB]

This guide provides in-depth information on specific hazards, including what to do before, during, and after each hazard type.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Family preparedness wallet card. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/edu_materials/revised-folded4.pdf [PDF 13 KB]

This wallet card is designed for all family members and has space for important phone numbers and other information critical to the family preparedness plan.

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, Terrorism and Disaster Branch. (2008). Family preparedness: Thinking ahead. Retrieved from http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/edu_materials/9-11%20Card%20Material%20-%20NRC-sw.pdf [PDF 97.8 KB]

This tip sheet educates families on preparing for a disaster or other emergency, creating a family emergency plan and family communication plan, making an emergency supply kit, and staying informed during and after a disaster or emergency.

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General Response

American Red Cross. (2009). Be Red Cross ready: Taking care of your emotional health after a disaster. Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240142_EmotionalHealth.pdf [PDF - 307 Kb]

This fact sheet explains normal reactions to a disaster, what a survivor should do to cope, and where to seek additional help if needed.

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. (n.d.). Psychological First Aid: How you can support well-being in disaster victims. Retrieved from http://www.cstsonline.org/wp-content/resources/CSTS_psychological_first_aid.pdf [PDF 76 KB]

This fact sheet explains how disaster response workers can use psychological first aid to help people in distress after a disaster.

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (2001). Mass disasters, trauma, and loss. Retrieved from http://www.istss.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PublicEducationPamphlets&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1464 [PDF 561 KB]

This fact sheet includes information on common stress reactions to mass disaster, trauma, and loss. It explains how to minimize these reactions and when to seek professional help.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services. (2005). Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events: A guide for parents and educators. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/KEN01-0093R/KEN01-0093R.pdf [PDF 453 KB]

This tip sheet for parents and teachers explains how to help children cope with the emotional aftermath of a disaster and includes information on common reactions according to developmental stage.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Reactions to a major disaster: A fact sheet for survivors and their families. Retrieved from http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/SurvivorReactions.pdf [PDF – 59.8 Kb]

This handout provides information about normal stress reactions, other mental health problems that commonly occur following a disaster, and the recovery process.

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Last updated 04/30/2013