Resources for Children after the Hurricane

Hurricane Sandy has passed, but the widespread destruction and effects have not. Many families are still without power, heat, adequate food, and are displaced from their homes. Sadly, many families have lost their homes and some people have lost their loved ones.
 
The community support and coming together of friends and neighbors has been helpful, and a lot more work remains to be done. Natural disasters and such widespread loss and destruction can leave people reeling and struggling with many different feelings. Parents may be out of work and children have been out of school. It can be hard to try to restore a sense of normalcy and comfort for children during this time. 
 
This coloring/activity book and guide for children and parents affected by storms and flooding was first made available in the mid-90’s. Shortly after, FEMA published thousands of copies and it has been sent to families after several storms including Katrina and Rita. The purpose of this activity book is to encourage communication between parents and children regarding the storm and the aftermath and to provide some sense of calm for children. Here is the Spanish version of the same activity book. Here is another resource that has multiple free activity books for children including books for hurricanes and floods including some children’s stories from their point of view. It can be helpful for children to know that they are not the only ones going through things or having the feelings they might be having.
 
Please share these free resources with anyone who you feel might benefit. This is a time to reach out to others. Contact your child’s school counselor, ask their pediatrician, or find a therapist in your area who might help you, your child, and your family to cope and move forward during such a difficult time.