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Resources for Children, Youth, Families, and Schools

  • Children and Disasters—Part of the Disaster Survivors portal at the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center website, this web page describes how children and teenagers may experience disasters differently from adults, offers tips for disaster planning for families, identifies common reactions to disasters in children and teenagers, and provides suggestions for adults for helping children and teenagers cope after disaster. Links to related resources are also provided.
  • Coping After a Disaster (PDF)—Developed by CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, this activity book can be used by parents and other caregivers and teachers to help children express their feelings about disasters. Children can color in the pictures in the book and complete puzzles and games, all while learning about disaster types, common reactions to disasters, and ways to cope with difficult reactions.
    The activity book is available in Spanish: Coping After a Disaster (Sp-PDF)
  • Recovery From Large-Scale Crises: Guidelines for Crisis Teams and Administrators—In this tip sheet, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) describes what to expect in schools after disasters and other crises and how school crisis teams and administrators can support the school community in coping and recovery. NASP identifies steps administrators and crisis teams can take at different points after the crisis, from immediately after the crisis to more than a year later.
  • Tornado Resources—At this part of its website, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) describes tornadoes and the effects they commonly have on children, teenagers, and families. The “After” part of this website section includes information about how professionals can guide parents in helping their children to cope, engaging in self-care, and seeking additional assistance as needed.
  • Trinka and Sam and the Swirling Twirling Wind—This children’s book from the NCTSN tells the story of Trinka and Sam, two young mice who are friends and neighbors who survive a tornado. The story covers experiences and reactions children may have during and after a tornado. At the end is a guide for parents and caregivers to help them use the book as a tool for supporting their children in coping after a tornado. 
    The booklet is also available in Spanish: Trinka and Sam and the Swirling Twirling Wind - Spanish.