Resources

Many resources are available to help those affected by disaster. Many are free and can be easily accessed using a smartphone.

Find Disaster Services

• 211.org
  2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that can help you find a wide variety of local resources you may need. If you need help but don’t know quite where to start, 2-1-1 is a great resource. Help is available in all languages, by dialing 211 from a phone or online HERE.
• Findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
  The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has created a tool to help locate HRSA-funded health centers that provide care for all with special initiatives and sliding scale fees. For more information, click HERE.

Disaster Assistance Resources

• DisasterAssistance.gov
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strives to provide assistance in all matters of hazard prevention and disaster recovery. You can use their website to locate the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and Red Cross units and find the closest hospitals using the US Hospital Finder. You can also download the FEMA app and read more about their services HERE.
• FindHelp.Org
  FindHelp is an online Social Care network with program locations across the 50 states and territories. FindHelp lists free and reduced-cost programs in every social care sector including federal, state, county, municipal, and local resources. You can access these services HERE.
• RedCross.org
  The American Red Cross offers various resources for disaster relief. To learn more and access specific services, click HERE.
• Victim Connect Resource Center – Mass Violence
  The VictimConnect Resource Center offers a weekday phone, chat, and text-based referral helpline operated by the National Center for Victims of Crime.  Services are available for all victims of crime residing in the United States and its territories. Services focus on a trauma-informed approach and offer referrals in over 200 languages. This resource is available by clicking HERE.
• National Mass Violence Resource Center
  The National Mass Violence Resource Center (NMVRC) provides comprehensive support and resources to communities impacted by mass violence. NMVRC offers resources for crisis intervention, mental health support, and long-term recovery planning. Further, they offer training, guidance, and evidence-based practices to help provide vital resources in preparedness and recovery efforts nationwide which are available HERE.

Resources for Disaster Responders & Providers

• CDC.gov
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works 24/7 to ensure health security across the nation.  For the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s Emergency Response Resources, click HERE.
• PFA Mobile™
  The PFA Mobile™ app is available for mobile Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch), and Android devices.  Following disasters or emergencies, this app can help responders who provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to adults, families, and children. Materials are adapted from the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (2nd Edition). You can download the app HERE.
• SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Response App
  This free mobile app by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration contains behavioral health information and resources that providers can use in any setting to support those impacted by disasters. You can download the app HERE.
• ENA.org
  The Emergency Nurses Association has a variety of national disaster resources and Guidelines including clinical resources and general resources on the disaster types with additional information for responding to mass casualty incidents.

Youth Resources

• Ready.gov/kids
  As a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Youth Preparedness Program, the site allows kids, parents, and educators to learn more about emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Kids can play games, and families and educators can use it to make safety plans and build their own toolkits. To learn more, click HERE.
• NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine Resource Directory
  The NAMI Teen and Young Adult (TYA) Helpline volunteers and staff compiled a resource directory of resources and services to help teens and young adults with a wide range of topics including mental health, emotional support, financial support, and support after-crisis and/or trauma. View the full directory HERE.
• Department of Psychiatry at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
  A video walking children through the process of recovering from a flood or hurricane. This animated guide helps provide a sense of autonomy and control to children ages 4-12 in an otherwise stressful situation. To view the video in English, please click HERE. To view the video in Spanish, please click HERE.
• After the Storm – A Guide to Help Children Cope with the Psychological Effects of a Hurricane
  This guide provides an essential resource designed to support the emotional well-being of children impacted by hurricanes.  The guide provides practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers to help children process their experiences and navigate the trauma that can follow.  It includes age-appropriate activities, communication tips, and coping mechanisms that foster resilience and emotional recovery.  The guide can be found HERE.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

• Help Kids Cope
  Help Kids Cope will help parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout—whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping their family heal after reuniting. Help Kids Cope by UCLA is free from iTunes and available for mobile Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch). You can download the app HERE.
• HealthyChildren.org
  Sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following guide helps parents and caregivers talk to children after a disaster, helping them understand without alarm. View the full guide HERE.
• NAEYC.org
  The National Association for the Education offers a list of organizations that help those in need, information on how to talk to young children about disasters they learn about in the media, and preparedness for childcare and preschool programs in the U.S. Additional resources include a section on the need for child care centers and preschool programs to prepare for disasters. For more information, click HERE.
• NCTSN.org
  The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers trauma-relief resources about children and youth for parents, educators, and other caregivers. Along with providing Psychological First Aid training and handouts, you can access more services HERE.
• NACG.org
  The National Alliance for Children’s Grief Resource Library offers tools for grief support for children who are grieving the loss of a family member, friend, or other significant person. These resources include tool kits, posters, grief talks, and activity books, which are available HERE.
• National Association of School Psychologists
  The National Association of School Psychologists provides comprehensive resources, including research, policy guidance, and professional development opportunities to support school psychologists, educators, and families. NASP has a variety of national resources for both natural disasters and responding to school violence.