FEMA OFFERS FREE ONLINE BOOKLET TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH IRENE
Natural disasters like Hurricane Irene can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced trauma, has merely seen the event on television, or has heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.
“Helping Children Cope with Disaster” is a free, 12-page publication available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site, www.fema.gov. The booklet, developed jointly with the American Red Cross, is easily downloaded in PDF form and may be used without restriction.
The booklet offers parents, teachers, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster, as well as how to be prepared before a disaster strikes. Topics include:
“Helping Children Cope with Disaster” can be downloaded at: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope_child.shtm