In response to the wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat happening across the United States, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help families and communities. The following resources may be relevant depending on what is happening in your area:
For Responding to Wildfires:
• Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires (En Español)
• Wildfires: Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (En Español)
• Trinka and Sam: The Big Fire (e-book for young children; En Español)
• For providers working with firefighters, take the Helping Heroes web-based training
To Help Children and Families Cope with any Extreme Weather Event:
• Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents when Evacuating or Playing Outside is Limited
• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. An online training course for PFA is available on NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:
• Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children (En Español)
• Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents (En Español)
For additional information
• On wildfires: https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/wildfire-resources
• On extreme heat: https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/extreme-heat-resources
• On floods: https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/flood-resources
NCTSN Mobile Apps (for Android and Apple mobile devices):
• Help Kids Cope
• PFA Mobile
Disaster Helpline
SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline – call 1-800-985-5900 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746.
