Coping with Natural Disasters
With online sexual exploitation and human trafficking on the rise, it’s critical we are mindful of vulnerabilities our children might be experiencing that could place them at risk of exploitation, especially after a natural disaster. Take advantage of these resources to help reduce vulnerabilities children may be experiencing.
“While every human trafficking victim is different, a common thread they share is the presence of a vulnerability that traffickers exploit. Those types of vulnerabilities are rampant in the aftermath of natural disasters. Homelessness is one of the top risk factors reported by survivors to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and we often learn that survivors were recruited by traffickers near shelters or centers helping people in need.” Polaris Project
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children After a Hurricane
In this guideline created by FSU’s Center for Child Stress and Health, parents, teachers, and caregivers can better understand the impact of a hurricane on children and how to help them process the aftermath in a healthy way.
What is Child Trauma: Hurricane Resources
Access the many resources provided by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network for children who are experiencing traumatic stress as a result of a natural disaster.
Ready Kids
Disasters happen everywhere, and every member of the family can prepare. Whether you are a kid, teen, or parent Ready Kids has tools and information to help before, during, and after disasters.
Children and Disasters
In this resource from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) learn about how children and adolescents experience disasters and ways parents and caregivers can help young people cope and develop resilience.
School Safety & Crisis Large-Scale Natural Disasters: Helping Children Cope
In this resource by the National Association of School Psychologist learn how large-scale disasters can have a strong emotional effect even for people not directly affected by the disasters. Adults can help children by supporting their emotional and psychological needs, helping them understand the events, and providing the opportunity to process their reactions.
Early Childhood Disaster Resources
The US Department of Health and Human Services provides informative resources like fact sheets, guides, family tools, and activities for young children to help them prepare, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
In this resources from FEMA, parents, guardians, and school based professionals can learn healthy ways to help children cope with the changes in their lives at home and in school due to hurricane disasters.
Multilingual Trauma Resources for Natural Disasters
The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention. Our children can be more sensitive to challenges around them because of their life experiences and they need our support.
Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Educators
In this resource from SAMSHA, we discover children respond to trauma in many different ways. Some may have reactions very soon after the event; others may do fine for weeks or months, and then begin to show troubling behavior. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers recognize problems and respond appropriately.
Helping Children Cope Before and After a Disaster
The following tips from the CDC can help reduce stress in children and teens before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event.
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends, and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences. Utilize this quick reference resource from The National Institute of Mental Health to better understand how to be supportive.