Coping with Natural Disasters

September 2018

As we all know, two sections of our country are suffering two separate events: Hurricane Florence in the southern States and the gas line explosions in Massachusetts. The American Red Cross has sent the following message:

"The New Jersey Region continues to support the response to both Hurricane Florence and the explosions in Massachusetts. There are a significant number of open positions that need qualified Red Cross workers. If you have availability for a 2 week deployment and are not currently assigned or covering a crucial role here in our region, please update your Disaster Responder Availability in Volunteer Connections. This is the fastest, most efficient way for us to be able to deploy you. If you do not know how to adjust your availability, there are instructions posted in Volunteer Connections under the Group All Employees and Volunteers that you can download.  Please adjust this availability so that we can get you out and fulfilling the Red Cross Mission.”

Current Red Cross volunteers should keep their deployment availability updated in Volunteer Connection. For those who are not Red Cross volunteers and would like to deploy with Red Cross, they will be opening and announcing the Direct Deployment recruitment process on Sunday.

Please be aware that these deployments are likely for a two week period of time.  Feel free to contact your local Red Cross Chapter for more information. Should any one deploy, please let us know.

Extreme Weather

The effects of extreme weather can be long-lasting and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster.  It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.  NJPA,  works closely with the American Red Cross, through our Disaster Response Network, to provide mental health assistance in times of crisis and disaster to those who experience post-traumatic stress, grief, and other psychological distresses encountered during difficult events.  Contact NJPA at 973-243-9800 for more information.

Disaster Response Mobile App

Available through the Substance Abuse & Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Download the NEW App!  Access critical, disaster-related behavioral health resources right from your phone with the SAMHSA Disaster App™

•  Be ready—access resources for any type of traumatic event, including tip sheets; guides for responders, teachers, parents, and caregivers; and a directory of behavioral health service providers in the impacted area.

•  Be prepared—rely on and access pre-downloaded resources on your phone in case of limited Internet connectivity in the field.

•  Be confident—review key preparedness materials so you're confident you're providing the best support possible.

•  Share resources easily—send information to colleagues and survivors via text message, email, or transfer to a computer for printing.

Coping With Disasters

What psychologists do on disaster relief operations

APA Help Center
Building Your Resilience
Prepare Now for Hurricane Season
Tips to Strengthen Your Emotional Well-Being Before the Arrival of a Hurricane

Red Cross
Recovering Emotionally
Hurricane Preparedness

Red Cross/FEMA
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Hurricanes

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA)
Disaster Distress Helpline

Psychological First Aid for Schools: Field Operations Guide
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters - For Parents of Children Exposed to Violence or Disaster – What Parents Can Do
National Institute of Mental Health

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
SAMHSA

Listen, Protect and Connect: Psychological First Aid for Children and Parents
Ready.gov

Trinka and Sam Children's Booklet (English)
Trinka and Sam Children's Booklet (Spanish)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after Hurricanes (English)
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after Hurricanes (Spanish)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

After the Hurricane: Helping Young Children Heal
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Helping Young Children and Families Cope with Trauma (English)
Helping Young Children and Families Cope with Trauma (Spanish)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Recovery: After a Flood
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Childhood Traumatic Grief Educational Materials for Parents
National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Childhood Traumatic Grief Educational Materials for School Personnel
National Child Traumatic Stress Network