FEMA Accessible: Helping Children Cope After a Disaster
2,730 views · Published 3 September 2017 · 2:27 · Indexed 22 September 2026
Channel: FEMA · 2017 · Education
FEMA video about how to help children cope after a disaster in American Sign Language (ASL). Closed captioning is available in English, Chinese, German, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. [Transcript:] The physical impacts of a disaster are often clear as people return home. What may not be as clear is the emotional impact on children. The amount of damage, separation from friends and family, and the loss of pets and favorite toys may create stress and anxiety for children. A child may not fully understand what is happening, but parents and guardians can help during the wait to go back home and while they cleanup after the disaster. To help a child recover or cope here are some tips to help them feel safe again. Limit TV Time: Intense media coverage of disasters can scare young children and disturb teenagers as well. Keep to a routine: A routine will help your child have a sense of structure. This may help them feel more comfortable or provide a sense of familiarity. As schools and child-care open again this will help them return to everyday activities. Make time for them: You can help kids understand they are safe by talking with them and spending time playing with them or doing other family activities. To help younger children, read a favorite book or play a relaxing game. It is important to spend time explaining the situation to your kids and let them know that it is OK to ask questions and share their worries. Parents and guardians should answer questions briefly and honestly while listening to their children express themselves. It is also good to let them know what is happening in the family with their school and in the community without overwhelming them with information. You can go to www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster to find more information and other useful links. *Published September 3, 2017*
