Red River Valley Flood Information
 www.rrvfloodinfo.org

How to Use this Site


Disaster Resource Articles
 
 
Disaster Mental Health  
 
 
When Terrible Things Happen -- (03-23-09) -- Recognizing common reactions faced by survivors, and suggesting helpful and less helpful responses.
Alcohol, Medication, And Drug Use After A Disaster -- (03-23-09) -- Helping people understand and manage their use of alcohol, prescription medications, or other drugs after a disaster.
Coping with Your Emotions During Public Health Emergencies -- (03-23-09) -- Trifold brochure helping a person cope with anxiety during a public health emergency.
Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster -- (03-23-09) -- ATSDR fact sheet to help family members of different ages deal with the stress of relocation.
Rural America more prepared for disaster - also more vulnerable -- (01-18-07) -- From winter storms, to earthquakes, to terrorism -- when a disaster strikes a community, who fares better, a rural community or an urban one? A new study at the University of Illinois attempts to understand the differences in how rural and urban citizens across the US respond to disaster. Preliminary results show that although rural residents may be more directly involved in responding to crisis, their location also makes them more vulnerable.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) Field Operations Guide -- (10-03-06) -- The Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide was developed by the National Center for PTSD and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Disaster Mental Health for States: Key Principles, Questions, and Issues -- (09-06-05) -- These materials represent highlights of the kinds of mental-health related information that might be beneficial in a disaster. Because of their brevity, they do not provide an exhaustive, formal review or compilation of the wealth of available knowledge on disaster mental health. This is a starting point. There are companion pieces that provide similar information for Responders and as a general primer. Sources of additional information are listed at the end of this document.
Disaster Mental Health Primer: Key Principles, Issues, and Questions -- (09-06-05) -- These materials represent highlights of the kinds of mental-health related information that might be beneficial in a disaster. Because of their brevity, they do not provide an exhaustive, formal review or compilation of the wealth of available knowledge on disaster mental health. This is a starting point. There are companion pieces that provide similar information for city, county and state Public Health officials and as a general primer. Sources of additional information are listed at the end of this document.
Disaster Mental Health for Responders: Key Principles, Issues and Questions -- (09-06-05) -- These materials represent highlights of the kinds of mental-health related information that might be beneficial in a disaster. Because of their brevity, they do not provide an exhaustive, formal review or compilation of the wealth of available knowledge on disaster mental health. This is a starting point. There are companion pieces that provide similar information for city, county and state Public Health officials and as a general primer. Sources of additional information are listed at the end of this document.
Psychological First Aid: Helping Victims in the Immediate Aftermath of Disaster -- (09-06-05) -- As a healthcare provider, first responder, leader or manager of disaster operations, this fact sheet describes an evidence-informed approach for helping victims cope in the immediate aftermath or a disaster known as Psychological First Aid, and explains how to administer it.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness

 
 
 
FEMA Evaluation Manual and Toolkit v 1.3 -- Disaster deployment related forms from FEMA.
Disaster "Go Kit" for Team Responders -- (03-25-09) -- Important information for team responders including an information checklist, code of conduct, safety as well as a supply list and a sample packing list.
Fact Sheets for Disasters -- (03-24-09) -- As the flood waters rise, and you are preparing your communities for flooding, we want to let you know about materials that are available from MDH regarding health threats.
Effective Emergency Response Requires Forethought -- (09-26-08) -- Truancy is a serious concern that affects most school districts in the United States, and school Emergency response planning is not a new concept for schools. There always have been natural disasters, such as fires, flash floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes.
FEMA Responder Knowledge Base (RKB) Toll Free Number and Email address -- (09-16-08) -- You can call 1-877-FEMA-RKB (1-877-336-2752) for live help with questions regarding the RKB, equipment, standards, available grants and many other topics from 8am - 5pm EST, Monday through Friday. Similarly, questions may be emailed at anytime to RKBMailbox@us.saic.com and will be acknowledged within 24 hours.
MDH Emergency Preparedness - Chart/Map -- (05-01-08) -- Public Health, Healthcare, and Behavioral Health Preparedness Regions and Teams Three-in-one: a single chart/map showing regional RHRCs, PHPCs, and RBHCs.
Addressing Emergency Psychological Needs During Traumatic Events -- (03-18-04) -- When people experience traumatic events, we address their physical and safety needs. ATSM offers "practical tools" for addressing the wide spectrum of traumatic experiences - from mild to the most severe.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Helping Families and Children Cope

 
 
 
Helping Children After the Flood -- (03-23-09) -- Children react differently to a flood and its aftermath depending on their age, developmental level, and prior experiences.
Hurricane Coloring Book -- (11-14-07) -- Coloring book for children who have survived a hurricane.
When Can We Go Home? -- (11-14-07) -- Children have to leave their homes for many reasons. This book is designed to help children do two things: cope with the reality of being away from their homes and develop the "emotional intelligence" skills they need to be resilient throughout life.
Pup's World -- (11-13-07) -- This interactive and educational coloring book is designed to help children understand and be prepared for disasters.
Coping with the Death of a Student or Staff Member -- (09-14-07) -- This newsletter highlights the range of impact death can have on a school community; offers suggestions for responding to a loss; and discusses strategies for recovery.
Helping Children Cope with the Aftermath of a Hurricane -- (09-13-05) -- This brochure can help you learn to recognize the effects of stress in children after a disaster, and offer some simple things you can do to help and begin a family journey towards healing.
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress -- (03-23-05) -- We live with dangers every day. As children and adolescents grow up, they continually learn about different types of dangers. We are always looking for ways to make our lives safer. However, terrible things sometimes happen within and outside the family. They can happen suddenly without warning. Children may experience different traumas over the course of childhood and adolescence. Some traumas, such as child abuse or witnessing domestic violence, may happen repeatedly over a long period of time.
Questions to Help Children Talk About a Disaster -- (03-23-05) -- Questions to Help Children Talk About a Disaster provides examples of "open-ended" questions to encourage children to talk about their feelings and experiences following a disaster.
When Talking Doesn't Help: Other Ways to Help Children Express Their Feelings Following a Disaster -- (03-23-05) -- When Talking Doesn't Help: Other Ways to Help Children Express Their Feelings Following a Disaster provides ideas for helping children express themselves in ways other than talking to help them through the recovery process following a disaster.
Recognizing and Dealing with Reactions to _________ Attacks -- (03-23-05) -- The recent ____________ attack have caused many of us to have reactions such as anxiety, fear, anger, and hyperviligance. While these reactions are to be expected and normal, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services offers the following information about typical reactions and ways to cope.
The Role of Culture in Helping Children Recover from a Disaster -- (03-23-05) -- The Role of Culture in Helping Children Recover from a Disaster offers words of advice and guidance for teachers helping children from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds through the recovery process following a disaster.
After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers -- (03-23-05) -- After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers explains how preschool age, early childhood, and adolescent children may respond to terrorist events. The link is intended for parents and teachers to be informed, recognize problems, and respond appropriately to the needs of children.
Talking with School-Age Children about War and Terrorism -- (03-23-05) -- Talking with School-Age Children about War and Terrorism suggests that before talking with children, parents take time to think about the issue themselves and consider what it means to their family.
How Families Can Help Children Cope with Fear and Anxiety -- (03-23-05) -- How Families Can Help Children Cope with Fear and Anxiety explains how families can help children who are dealing with responses to traumatic events.
Helping Children Cope With Fear and Anxiety -- (03-23-05) -- Helping Children Cope With Fear and Anxiety provides a summary of ways to help children who are dealing with fear and anxiety.
Parent Guidelines for Talking with Young Children about War and Terrorism -- (03-22-05) -- Parent Guidelines for Talking with Young Children about War and Terrorism urges parents to give children more attention and patience. Realize that changes in how they behave may be signs that young children are concerned and need extra time, conversation and love.
How to Help Children After a Disaster -- (03-22-05) -- # How To Help Children After a Disaster offers tips to parents on how to talk to children about terrorist events.
Age-specific Interventions at Home for Children in Trauma: From Preschool to Adolescence -- (03-22-05) -- Age-specific Interventions at Home for Children in Trauma: From Preschool to Adolescence suggests activities arranged by age group to help children share recovery feelings and experiences at home. Includes activities for preschoolers, elementary age children, and pre-adolescents and adolescents.
After Disaster: What Teens Can Do -- (03-22-05) -- After a Disaster: What Teens Can Do provides information for teens to help understand some of their reactions as well as others, to terrorist events. Suggestions are also provided to help ease the unfamiliar feelings related to the event.
The Long-term Impact of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life -- (03-22-05) -- The Long-term Impact of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life cites examples of personal uncertainties, family relationship changes, work disruptions, and financial worries that may contribute to the long-term impact of a traumatic event. Also includes tips on how to survive the road to recovery from a traumatic event.
Helping Families Cope with Disaster and Trauma -- (01-03-05) -- The impact of a disaster goes far beyond the immediate devastation caused by the initial destruction. Just as it takes years to reconstruct all the damaged buildings, it takes time to grieve and rebuild our lives.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Helping Professionals Cope

 
 
 
Responder Self Care: Caring For Yourself in the Face of Difficult Work -- (03-23-09) -- Tips to help responders recognize stress and care for themselves while working on a traumatic event.
Psychological First Aid for First Responders -- (03-23-09) -- SAMHSA tips for emergency and disaster response workers.
Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions -- (09-23-05) -- This guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for crisis response workers and managers. These strategies are sufficiently broad so that individuals and groups can select those that best fit their needs and circumstances. Education about stress and its prevention and mitigation through planning are essential.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Homelessness

 
 
 
Homelessness and Traumatic Stress Training Package -- (09-30-08) -- The Homelessness and Traumatic Stress Training Package is a resource for service providers to train their staff on the relationship between homelessness and traumatic stress and how to apply trauma concepts to their day-to-day work with people experiencing homelessness.
Expert Panel on Evidence-Based Practices in Homeless Services: Summary of Proceedings -- (09-30-08) -- The purpose of the HRC Expert Panel was to discuss how to identify and implement evidence-based practices in homeless services. This report summarizes the panel discussion by highlighting key messages, conceptual issues, strategic directions and next steps.
Homeless adults and their children in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota 2006 -- (11-05-07) -- This study gives a snapshot of the people experiencing homelessness in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota on a single day in October 2006.
Education and Job Training Needs of Low-Income women in Massachusetts Fact Sheet -- (03-06-07) -- This fact sheet provides information from the Worcester Family Research Project concerning the educational and job training needs of low-income women. It presents data that highlight the important roles education and training play in families' efforts to become self-supporting and clearly demonstrates the need for increased educational and job training opportunities for recipients of income assistance in Massachusetts.
Homeless Children: America's New Outcasts Fact Sheet -- (03-06-07) -- This fact sheet provides a condensed overview of selected information from Homeless Children: America’s New Outcasts. It covers topics such as the problem of family homelessness, the adverse effects of homelessness on children, and immediate action and long-term solutions to end homelessness.
Research on Homeless and Low-Income Housed Families Fact Sheet -- (03-06-07) -- This fact sheet provides a general overview of information from the Worcester Family Research Project. It compares the characteristics of homeless and low-income housed women and their children, identifies risk and protective factors for family homelessness, describes the natural course and consequences of homeless and residential instability among low-income families, and examines the impact of homelessness and poverty on children.
Violence in the Lives of Homeless Women -- (03-06-07) -- This fact sheet is an overview of information from a study on violence in the lives of homeless women conducted by the National Center on Family Homelessness. It provides critical insight into the prevalence of violence in the lives of homeless women and its impact on their physical and emotional well-being.
America's Homeless Children Fact Sheet -- (03-05-07) -- This fact sheet provides information on the more than one million children who are homeless during a year’s time. It presents data that identify the causes of family homelessness and demonstrate both that homelessness hurts children and that homeless children are not receiving the services they need.
Helping Homeless Children -- (03-07-06) -- Initially after Hurricane Katrina, the nation was focused on the basic issues affecting families displaced by storm, such as personal safety, food, and temporary shelter. However, now months after the disaster, many of these families still remain homeless. The strain of the situation not only weighs heavily on moms and dads as they scramble to find shelter, but on their children, as well. In light of this crisis, Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D, created an activity book called “When Can We Go Home?” It features 13 activities designed to help children develop emotional intelligence skills can enhance their resiliency in any difficult situation. FREE download.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act -- (10-03-05) -- This is a two page resource on the education rights of students in homeless situations. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Subtitle B—Education for Homeless Children and Youth), reauthorized in January 2002, ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This brief summary introduces the basic concepts in the legislation.
Questions and Answers - NCLB Program Areas -- (09-07-05) -- Providing Services to Children and Youth in Homeless Situations As a Result of Hurricane Katrina
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Infectious Disease/Pandemic Flu

 
 
 
Pandemic Influenza Newsletter - Nov/Dec 2007 -- (12-13-07) -- Get Informed ... Be Prepared. A newsletter for Minnesota organizations preparing for a possible influenza pandemic.
Pandemic Influenza Newsletter - Oct 2007 -- (11-13-07) -- Get Informed ... Be Prepared. A newsletter for Minnesota organizations preparing for a possible influenza pandemic.
Planning for a Pandemic: An Interactive Pilot Session -- (09-13-07) -- This pilot workshop provided a Federal update on national pandemic preparedness, a snapshot of local school- and health-based efforts to engage in pandemic planning, and a practical opportunity to participate in a tabletop activity focused on pandemic preparedness.
U taking lead role in bird flu fight -- (04-03-07) -- From the Star Tribune: A new center, one of six in the nation, will focus on tracking and identifying viruses among waterfowl, poultry and swine.
Pandemic Influenza Tabletop Exercise: K-12 School Closure as a Disease Containment Measure -- (03-06-07) -- The Minnesota Department of Health led a tabletop exercise on January 29, 2007 to discuss the possible role of school closure in disease containment during an influenza pandemic. With these materials, you can recreate your own tabletop exercise to continue discussions with local government and schools.
Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Grant Executive Summary - January 2007 -- (01-27-07) -- This document summarizes the pandemic planning and preparedness activities of HSEM to date.
HSEM January 2007 Pandemic Planner Newsletter -- (01-08-07) -- The Pandemic Planner is an update covering statewide pandemic planning and program activities.
Pandemic Planning Update III -- (12-11-06) -- Third report from Secretary Michael Leavitt covering Pandemic topics such as: Monitoring and Surveillance; Research; Vaccines and Vaccine Production Capacity; Antiviral Drugs; State and Local Preparedness; and Communications.
Schools Respond to Infectious Disease -- (07-31-06) -- Latest Emergency Response and Crisis Management Technical Assistance Center's "ERCM Express" Newsletter: Every year, schools confront a range of infectious diseases such as chicken pox, lice, ringworm and seasonal influenza. In response, faculty and staff work together to control the outbreak, quell fears and dispel rumors.
Minnesota to get $3.8 million for flu pandemic plan -- (07-12-06) -- Minnesota will receive up to $3.8 million from the federal government for more flu pandemic preparations.
Pandemic Flu School Action Kit -- (07-06-06) -- Contra Costa County Health Services has developed a Pandemic Flu School Action Kit to supplement the CDC checklist.
Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist -- (05-15-06) -- Child care and preschool programs can help protect the health of their staff and the children and families they serve. Interruptions in child care services during an influenza (flu) pandemic may cause conflicts for working parents that could result in high absenteeism in workplaces. Some of that absenteeism could be expected to affect personnel and workplaces that are critical to the emergency response system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer this checklist to help programs prepare for the effects of a flu pandemic. Many of these steps can also help in other types of emergencies.
School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist -- (05-15-06) -- Local educational agencies (LEAs) play an integral role in protecting the health and safety of their district's staff, students and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist to assist LEAs in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist -- (04-20-06) -- In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses. It identifies important, specific activities large businesses can do now to prepare, many of which will also help you in other emergencies.
Bioterrorism/Emergency Readiness Competency Mapping Guide -- (05-02-05) -- The Bioterrorism/Emergency Readiness Mapping Guide was developed by staff at the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Preparedness with partial support from a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A great number of training programs designed to help prepare the public health workforce for bioterrorism and emerging public health threats have been developed through the work of the CDC-sponsored Centers for Public Health Preparedness, state health departments and others. The intent of the process described in the guide is to assist individuals in determining which, if any, Bioterrorism/Emergency Readiness Competencies are addressed in a specific existing training. This guide is also intended to assist individuals in identifying the level of competency targeted in the training.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Natural Disasters

 
 
 
Booklet to Help Children Cope After a Hurricane -- (10-13-08) -- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network released a new children's booklet to help children who have experienced previous hurricanes to cope with rainy windy days.
Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Substance Abuse -- (02-14-08) -- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Had Little Impact on Overall Substance Use and Mental Health Problems; Greatest Impact Seen on Persons Displaced from Their Homes
Officials offer recommendations for protecting respiratory health while doing flood cleanup work -- (08-19-07) -- State health officials are recommending that people take steps to protect their respiratory health if they do flood cleanup work that releases dust into the air.
Minnesota Goes "Code Ready" -- (06-13-07) -- New campaign helps Minnesotans prepare for disasters.
HSEM Update: Drought Response Activities -- (08-01-06) -- Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Update on Drought Response Activities July 21, 2006
New statewide trauma system to help ensure prompt care for seriously injured Minnesotans -- (07-31-06) -- Hospitals invited to apply for trauma designation
SAMHSA News Highlights Hurricane Katrina Lessons, Preparedness Efforts -- (07-27-06) -- Lessons from Hurricane Katrina can help current national disaster preparedness efforts for mental health and substance abuse needs.
HHS Announces New HIPAA Privacy Decision Tool for Emergency Preparedness Planning -- (07-05-06) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today published a new Web-based interactive decision tool designed to assist emergency preparedness and recovery planners in determining how to access and use health information about persons with disabilities consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.
Health officials address health concerns in wake of Red River flooding -- (04-05-06) -- Residents in parts of northwestern Minnesota hit by flooding can take steps to safeguard their health.
Winter Survival - An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan -- (11-28-05) -- In this lesson plan the students will learn what to do when stranded in a car during the middle of winter. From this experience my students will also learn how to construct a winter survival kit for their parents car.
Outdoor Action Guide to Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries -- (11-28-05) -- Traveling in cold weather conditions can be life threatening. The information provided here is designed for educational use only and is not a substitute for specific training or experience. Princeton University and the author assume no liability for any individual's use of or reliance upon any material contained or referenced herein. Medical research on hypothermia and cold injuries is always changing knowledge and treatment. When going into cold conditions it is your responsibility to learn the latest information. The material contained in this workshop may not be the most current.
Hurricane Help for Schools -- (10-05-05) -- The U.S. Department of Education has set up a Web page – "Hurricane Help for Schools" – that will serve as a clearinghouse of resources for Americans who want to help the students displaced by the hurricane. This Web page is a forum where schools, companies and organizations across the country can come together and work to help students displaced by the hurricane. Companies and organizations can respond to the needs of students and send resources directly to them, and schools will be able to directly contact the companies and organizations offering help.
SAMHSA Katrina Assistance Project -- (09-26-05) -- Hurricane Katrina has proven to be one of the worst natural disasters in American history. It has made a tremendous impact throughout the country, especially in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is responding to mental health service needs in the hurricane-impacted area through its contractor, Westover Consultants, Inc. Westover is assisting SAMHSA by managing the staffing and deployment of mental health and substance abuse providers to the Gulf Coast region to deliver behavioral health services. This effort is being conducted in partnership with several national professional organizations that are identifying licensed mental health and substance abuse professionals who meet project criteria for possible deployment.
Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Information Poster (customized by State) -- (09-26-05) -- This customizable PDF poster for Hurricane Katrina evacuees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services prints 8 1/2 x 11 and is for your use or distribution. The poster includes national telephone numbers, and state-specific telephone numbers contained in the drop-down boxes.
Tracking Clients, Services, and Expenditures for Hurricane Katrina Survivors -- (09-14-05) -- Many counties may be serving victims of Hurricane Katrina, beginning this week. While many details of this process have yet to be worked out, we do know that individuals and families receiving social services will need to be identified as Hurricane Katrina survivors and tracked for various reasons. In SSIS we are asking counties to identify clients and workgroups as Hurricane Katrina survivors, and we will set up a way to track both staff-provided and purchased service expenditures related to these clients. These changes will be implemented on September 16.
Dealing with the Aftermath of Hurricane -- (09-13-05) -- This brochure can help you and your loved ones to recognize the effects of stress after a disaster, and offer some simple and safe things you can do to relieve stress and begin a journey towards healing.
Connect for Kids: Online Resources for Helping Victims of Hurricane Katrina -- (09-09-05) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Connect for Kids has pulled together online resources for helping those affected. We’ve divided them into three sections: Emergency Guidelines for Helping Victims looks at how government agencies are developing procedures for helping the displaced; Giving & Getting Help is a compilation of information on donating and volunteering, also on help available to those affected; and Help with Healing offers information on supporting kids and families dealing with trauma related to Katrina. We expect to update this resource frequently.
Hurricane Katrina: Evacuees and Refugees Mental Health and Care -- (09-06-05) -- Mental health planning and care delivery to evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and other disasters requires a 1) public health approach for populations, 2) treatment delivery for expected normal rates of all psychiatric illness in the population, 3) care for trauma related disorders, 4) care for emerging disorders such as substance withdrawal and associated medical conditions with psychological consequences and perhaps most importantly, 5) community building. The relocation of hurricane survivors from the New Orleans Superdome to the Texas Astrodome following Katrina is a primary model for this plan. This evacuation will move as many as 20-25,000 people.
Psychosocial Concerns after Hurricane Katrina - Tips for Medical Care Providers -- (09-06-05) -- Health care providers assume many roles in the midst of natural disasters: caregiver, leader, comforter, and information source. Hurricane Katrina has displaced thousands, destroyed countless homes and property, and claimed numerous lives. Although the hurricane's strength has dissipated, its aftermath will be felt for considerable time to come. As health care providers mobilize to help, they should be mindful of the losses experienced by the population they will assist. Interviewing with sensitivity is essential, and is the first step in assessing specific needs. This issue of Courage to Care provides information for health care providers after hurricanes and pays special attention to some of the issues for individuals providing support in the aftermath of Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina: Sustaining Effectiveness in First Responders -- (09-06-05) -- First responders from these organizations must work together to help individuals in the aftermath of a disaster. This cooperation is often a community’s first step towards repair. By providing direction, protection, treatment, and security first responders help the affected population "rebuild community."
Psychological First Aid: How You Can Support Well-Being in Disaster Victims -- (09-06-05) -- People often experience strong and unpleasant emotional and physical responses to disasters. Reactions may include combinations of confusion, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, sleeplessness, physical pain, anxiety, anger, grief, shock, aggressiveness, mistrustfulness, guilt, shame, shaken religious faith, and loss of con?dence in self or others. There is consensus among international disaster experts and researchers that psychological ?rst aid can help alleviate painful emotions and reduce further harm from initial reactions to disasters. Your actions and interactions with others can help provide psychosocial ?rst aid to people in distress. Psychological ?rst aid creates and sustains an environment of (1) safety, (2) calming, (3) connectedness to others, (4) self ef?cacy—or empowerment, and (5) hopefulness.
Self-Care Tips for Emergency & Disaster Response Workers -- (03-23-05) -- Self-Care Tips for Emergency & Disaster Response Workers provides suggestions for those who are at the scene. It outlines facts, indicators of stress, and stress management strategies.
Disaster Counseling -- (03-23-05) -- Disaster Counseling provides suggestions for disaster counselors on establishing rapport and active listening.
Coping with Disasters -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
Coping with Tragedy: After a Hurricane -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Safer Schools

 
 
 
Talking with children about tragedy in the news -- (10-29-08) -- The news of a school shooting or any tragedy at a school can be very scary for a lot of children. The challenge in helping them cope with such an event is that it is also scary for many adults.
Pay attention to warning signs of violence -- (10-27-08) -- No single behavior predicts a student will become violent. A child or teen may exhibit several traits often cited as cause for concern -- such as being "different" or a loner -- that may simply mean he or she is a creative, independent individual.
Tapping into Nontraditional Community Partners for Emergency Management -- (09-14-07) -- This newsletter discusses various partners and strategies that can be used to support school and district emergency management efforts.
Reviewing and Updating School Emergency Management Plans Web Cast -- (09-13-07) -- In the wake of recent school shootings and President Bush's Conference on School Safety, the U.S. Department of Education presented a one-hour Web cast to provide parents, educators, school administrators and local safety personnel with an opportunity to review key considerations related to school emergency management planning.
Crisis Management Plan -- (06-19-07) -- The Crisis Management Plan is a guide for school district and building administrators, school employees, students, School Board Members and community members as to how to address a wide range of potential crisis situations in the school district.
Emergency Action Guide -- (06-19-07) -- Stephen/Argyle Central School District Waterfall Emergency Action Guide
Planning and Conducting a Functional Exercise -- (04-23-07) -- This article is part of the Helpful Hints series from the Emergency Response Crisis Management Technical Assistance Center which provides quick overviews of school emergency preparedness topics that are frequently the subject of inquiries.
Evaluating Risk for Targeted Violence in Schools -- (04-19-07) -- This article focuses speci?cally on approaches for preventing planned school-based attacks, rather than on other more common and recurring forms of school violence.
Screening/Assessing Students: Indicators and Tools Resource Aid Packet -- (04-19-07) -- The emphasis of screening is on early identification to prevent problems from escalating. Efficient and accurate screening and assessment strategies are essential for matching students with the programs and interventions to address their current needs and prevent problems from getting bigger.
Mental Health Provides Guidelines to Help Students, Parents and Educators Respond and Cope with the Virginia Tech Shootings -- (04-18-07) -- Mental Health America expresses its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and classmates of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University shooting victims. As details surrounding the shootings continue to unfold, Mental Health America recognizes that this tragedy affects people across the country. It developed the below guidelines to help educators, students and parents respond and cope with this tragedy.
When Death Impacts Your School -- (10-03-05) -- Dealing with Grieving Students in Your Class: The following steps help support the grieving students as well as prepare your class for making the grieving student feel comfortable and supported.
Bomb Threats in Schools -- (04-07-05) -- This COPS POP Guide addresses the problem of bomb threats in schools, public or private, kindergarten through 12th grade. It reviews the factors that increase the risk of bomb threats in schools, identifies a series of questions that might assist departments in analyzing their local problem, and reviews responses to the problem.
Talking About the News -- (03-24-05) -- The news of the school shooting that happened today can be very scary for a lot of children. The challenge in helping them cope with today’s events is that it is also scary for many adults. Here are some pointers.
When to Pay Attention -- (03-24-05) -- There are many resources that list the warning signs of potential violence. Though this information can be quite useful, it is important to note that no one behavior is a guaranteed indicator.
School Safety: Three Steps to Make the Peace -- (03-24-05) -- The recent tragic school shooting reminds us of the important role each child and each adult has in maintaining the safety of a school. Here are three actions children, youth or adults can take to improve the safety of their learning community.
Early Warning, Timely Response - A Guide for Safe Schools -- (03-23-05) -- This guide presents a brief summary of the research on violence prevention and intervention and crisis response in schools.
Minnesota Department of Education: School Crisis Resources and Suggestions for Educators and Families/Parents -- (03-23-05) -- An 11-page document listing resources and suggestions to help students cope with a school crisis.
Marking Disaster Anniversaries in the Classroom -- (03-23-05) -- Marking Disaster Anniversaries in the Classroom suggests activities for teachers to use with students of different grade levels to commemorate disaster anniversaries.
How to Talk to Children about the _______ -- (03-22-05) -- Experts encourage parents and teachers to talk to children about their feelings about the recent _______. To help parents and teachers, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services offers the tips below.
Help for Parents and Teachers to Recognize Children’s Reactions to the Recent ______Attacks -- (03-22-05) -- Children of all ages may experience a wide range of reactions to the recent ______ attacks, such as feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers to recognize problems and respond appropriately. To help parents and teachers, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services offers the tips below.
Crisis Planning Tips for Schools -- (11-22-04) -- Individuals, community groups, and organizations that have designed and implemented effective school crisis plans offer tips for schools.
Challenge Newsletter - Volume 13, Number 1 -- (11-22-04) -- The Challenge provides critical information and resources to assist schools in creating safe and healthy environments for young people.
Study Reveals Need for Better Preparedness -- (11-22-04) -- Almost half of all American parents unaware of school emergency plans.
Four Phases of Crisis Management -- (11-22-04) -- Prevention/Mitigation; Preparedness; Response; and Recovery
Challenge Newsletter - Volume 12, Issue 1 -- (10-18-04) -- The latest issue of The Challenge newsletter is now available. Focusing on emergency response and crisis planning, this issue discusses ways that schools can strengthen their efforts to prepare for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other unexpected tragedies.
U.S. Dept of Education Releases Crisis Planning Guide -- (09-03-04) -- As part of its continuing efforts to help keep schools safe, the U.S. Department of Education recently released a new guide to assist schools in planning for any emergency, including natural disasters, violent incidents and terrorist acts.
A Practical Guide for CRISIS RESPONSE IN OUR SCHOOLS -- (03-18-04) -- A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools conveys critical information to assist schools in responding effectively to "everyday crises" as well as school-based disasters. It is an invaluable resource for administrators, support personnel and faculty. By reaching our school families early with a comprehensive Crisis Response Plan, we can potentially prevent the acute difficulties of today from becoming the chronic problems of tomorrow.
 

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Disaster Relief/Preparedness - Terrorism/War

 
 
 
Addiction, Depression Hit Soldiers Months After Returning from Combat -- (11-15-07) -- Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report worse symptoms of addiction and depression months after they leave the combat zone than when they initially get home.
Army's Suicide Rate Spikes -- (08-28-07) -- The suicide rate in the U.S. Army is the highest it has been in 26 years, hitting a rate of 17.3 suicides per 100,000 soldiers in 2006.
Healthy Generations: War and Public Health -- (06-21-07) -- The University of Minnesota's Maternal & Child Health Program School of Public Health's publication Healthy Generations latest publication with the topic of War and Public Health.
Crisis Planning Tool Available For Mental Health Professionals -- (03-29-06) -- The Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Services Branch and the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) in the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), recently produced a training manual to assist mental health providers in better serving victims of terrorism and mass violence. The primary goal of this manual is to enable mental health and crime victim service providers to help victims, survivors, and the community-at-large cope and recover through outreach and support. To further this goal, the manual includes a training course for providing mental health services in the wake of a disaster. Included are field and training resources such as handouts, overheads, and rapid field training Modules—including supplementary training for paraprofessionals.
The Dialogue, Spring 2005 -- (05-09-05) -- The Dialogue is a quarterly information bulletin providing time-sensitive, practical, and down-to-earth information for State and Territory mental health and substance abuse coordinators and their local service providers.
Stress Prevention and Management Approaches for Rescue Workers in the Aftermath of Terrorist Acts -- (03-23-05) -- Stress Prevention and Management Approaches for Rescue Workers in the Aftermath of Terrorist Acts suggests techniques that can be used by both organizations and individuals to minimize the effects of stress on rescue workers.
Helping to Heal: A Training on Mental Health Response to Terrorism FIELD GUIDE -- (03-23-05) -- This field guide is part of a larger training kit that was developed to better prepare mental health professionals and paraprofessionals for the early phases of the response to a terrorist or mass trauma event.
Helping to Heal: A Training on Mental Health Response to Terrorism MANUAL -- (03-22-05) -- This manual is part of a larger training kit that was developed to better prepare mental health professionals and paraprofessionals about the early phases of the response to a terrorist or mass trauma event. While much of the information may be applicable both to a terrorist event and to a natural disaster, this training kit is intended for use in preparation and response to an act of terrorism.
Coping with Tragedy: The Anniversary of 9/11 -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
Coping with the Stress of Ongoing Military Operations -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
Returning Home From War: Tips for the Troops -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
Coping with Terrorism -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.
Coping with War -- (09-15-04) -- The National Mental Health Association has developed the Coping With Disaster fact sheet series to help you and your loved ones cope during crisis and loss.

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Access to this information supported in part by the Northwestern Mental Health Center, Inc.
http://www.nwmhc.org