Hurricane Resources and Outreach

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After the Storm: A Guide to Help Children Cope with the Psychological Effects of a Hurricane
This resource provides information and activities that parents and other caregivers can do with children to help children cope with the aftermath of a hurricane as well as answers to common questions.

Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this webpage provides information and tips on hurricane preparedness and response.

Critical Incident/Emergency Planning for Schools
This site is designed to meet the critical incident/emergency planning needs of schools and school districts throughout the State of Florida.

Disaster Distress Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This webpage also provides links for specific disasters.

Disaster Preparedness at Home: Filter Out the Damage
This site has useful information for Florida residents on risks regarding flooding and hurricanes.

Disaster Services Publications: Materials for Teachers and Schools
Developed by the American Red Cross, these materials are specifically designed for classroom/school use.

Emergency Guidelines for Schools (2016) Florida Edition
This edition includes disaster preparedness, emergency care for student health conditions, school safety, and infection control guidance.

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and the Disabled
This site includes valuable information for keeping our seniors and disabled citizens safe in emergencies.

Family Safety, Packing and Storing Personal Valuables

• Disaster Prep & Self-Storage - What You Need to Know
• What You Need to Know to Keep Your Family and Your Belongings Safe

FEMA Coping with Disaster
This site offers disaster survivors information regarding dealing with the emotional affects of the event. "Helping Kids Cope with Disaster" and "A Child's Reaction to Disaster By Age" are just a couple of the links available.

FloridaDisaster.org
Developed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, this website contains valuable information about how Florida residents and visitors to the state can prepare for disasters and how citizens can become more involved in the community.

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters
These resources, developed by the National Institute of Mental Health, have been created specifically for multiple audiences with what is known about the impact of violence and disasters on children and adolescents and suggest steps to minimize long-term emotional harm.

• What Community Members Can Do
• What Parents Can Do
• What Rescue Workers Can Do

National Association of School Nurses Disaster Preparedness Resources includes school and community planning, as well as audio and video materials to support coping for children in disasters and hurricanes.

The National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP) Natural Disaster page has resources for families and educators to help children after natural disasters and a resource to assist school crisis teams hurricane response efforts Responding to Hurricane Katrina.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (PDF Download)
• Hurricane Resources

National Mental Heath Association
In this portion of their website, NMHA has listed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help individuals cope during crisis and loss.

Pet Protection and First Aid for Pets

• Humane Society: Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets
• American Veterinary Medical Foundation: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners

School Social Work Association of America — Crisis Response & Intervention: Responding to Tragedy

State of Florida's Emergency Preparedness Guide (PDF Download) • (in Spanish) • (in Creole)
The State of Florida, through the Department of Health, has created tguide for residents and visitors as a reference and educational tool with resources and information should Florida encounter a natural or man-made threat.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms — This page provides links and resources to assist with after math of hurricanes and tropical storms.
• In a disaster, it’s essential that behavioral health responders have the resources they need—when and where they need them. The SAMHSA Disaster App makes it easy to provide quality support to survivors. Users can navigate pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance, post-deployment resources, and more—at the touch of a button from the home screen. Users also can share resources, like tips for helping survivors cope, and find local behavioral health services. And, self-care support for responders is available at all stages of deployment.
• Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers fact sheet helps parents and teachers recognize common reactions of children after experiencing a disaster or traumatic event, how to respond in a helpful way, and recommends when to seek support.

Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after a Hurricane (PDF Download)
From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, this document provides suggestions to assist classroom personnel as they work with children, adolescents, and families after a hurricane.