The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has underscored the urgent need for preparedness in the face of weather-related emergencies. In response, many communities are seeking ways to support one another and enhance their readiness for future events. The following resource list, provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, has been created for parents and caregivers interested in accessing tools to help children and families navigate the aftermath of the storm and build resilience for potential weather emergencies. These resources focus on acknowledging feelings and emotions, discovering supportive coping strategies, and building resilience in the face of adversity.
Resources for Preparedness
- Ready.gov: Recommendations for an emergency supply kit and evacuation considerations
- Ready Kids: Ideas for talking to children and involving them in family disaster preparedness
- Help Kids Cope: Mobile app with scripts and ideas to support children before, during, and after natural disasters
Hurricane Response Resources
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane (En Español)
- After the Hurricane: Helping Young Children Heal
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español, In ASL)
- Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents (En Español)
- Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day: E-book for young children (En Español)
- College Students Coping After a Hurricane
- Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students After a Hurricane
- Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
- Tips for Parents on Media Coverage of Traumatic Events
- Once I Was Very Very Scared (En Español): E-book for young children
- After the Injury: Website for families with injured children
- Health Care Toolbox: Website for pediatric health providers working with injured children
- Pause–Reset–Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español): For responders
- Here for Each Other: Family Guide (from Sesame Street)
Resources on Traumatic Grief
- Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers
- The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies
Resources on Tornadoes
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Tornado
- Tips for Parents on Media Coverage of the Tornado
- Questions to Ask Your Children About the Tornado
- After the Tornado: Helping Young Children Heal
- Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after a Tornado
- Trinka and Sam and the Swirling Twirling Wind: E-book for young children (En Español)
- Tornado Response for Kids: Right After a Tornado
- Tornado Response for Teens: Right After a Tornado
Psychological First Aid
The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA; En Español). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. The PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provides a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training (En Español) course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:
- Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers (En Español)
- Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers (En Español)
- Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children (En Español)
- Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents (En Español)
- Tips for Adults (En Español)
For community and mental health providers who plan to continue working with affected communities long-term, review Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR; En Español) and take the SPR Online course (En Español).
Mobile Apps
Additional Resources
- Sustaining the Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers While Caring for Disaster Victims
- Safety, Recovery and Hope after Disaster: Helping Communities and Families Recovery
- Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding to Stressful Events
- What To Do To Protect Yourself During Power Outages
Disaster Helpline
SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline: call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.
Encourage families to utilize these materials as communities rebuild and heal. Taking proactive steps now can ensure safety and well-being in the future. For additional information, please visit The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
