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

Suggested Websites/Resources

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

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement
Hurricanes and Floods: Taking Care of Your Child and Yourself
How to Talk with Kids About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events

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

American Red Cross: Recovering Emotionally After a Disaster

Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA


How do Natural Disasters Affect Mental Health?

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Michael

School Counselors Help Build Resilience After Natural Disaster (European Journal of Educational Sciences, 2019)