These materials have been compiled to provide resources to Head Start programs and parents in supporting the children and families in areas disrupted by disasters. Programs play a critical role in providing stability, safety, nurturing, and access to resources.

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping'. ― Fred Rogers

Social Emotional Support for Children

Maintain your daily routine. Be available. Be flexible and patient. Avoid too much news media coverage. Take care of yourself.

• After a Disaster: Helping Young Children Heal [PDF, 107KB]. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. 2005.
• Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Providing Safety and Support through Community Trauma. HHS/ACF/OHS/EHSNRC. 2006. Streaming Audio. 01:33:22.
• Talking with Your Child About Natural Disasters. Child Care Aware. 2011.
• Caring for Children After a Disaster. HHS/ACF/OHS and OCC. 2012.
• Keeping Children Safe in Sandy's Wake. Chung, Sarita, M.D. FEMA. 2012.
• Parent Guidelines for Helping Children After a Tornado [PDF, 154KB]. NCTSN. 2013.
• Tornado Response for Kids: Right After a Tornado [PDF, 144KB]. NCTSN. 2013.
• Tornado Recovery for Kids: Making Things Better [PDF, 144KB]. NCTSN. 2013.

Social Emotional Support for Adults

• The Long-term Impact of a Traumatic Event. HHS/SAMHSA. 2002.
• Psychological First Aid for Adults [PDF, 239KB]. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. 2006.
• Call the SAMHSA Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events Hotline at 1-800-985-5990 or text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746.

Disaster Recovery for Families

• Access to Disaster Help and Resources. DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Financial Assistance. FEMA.
• Food Banks. Feeding America.
• Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency. CDC.
• Shelter. American Red Cross.
• Emergency Salvage of Flood Damaged Family Papers. NARA. 2009.
• Guidelines to Saving Family Treasures. NARA. 2009.

Disaster Recovery for Head Start Programs

• Rebuilding or Relocating Your Child Care Facility? Diaster Assistance Might be Available for You!. Child Care Aware. Child Care Aware of America
• Child Care Resources for Disasters and Emergencies. HHS/ACF/OCC.

Last Updated: May 2, 2020