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We Support a Healthier Future - Healthy People 2020

Disaster Preparedness

Coping With a Disaster or Traumatic Event

The effects of a disaster, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency can be long-lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. This page provides general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience.

Review Date: February 05, 2013

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

FEMA: Coping With Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. This document offers general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal.

Review Date: October 17, 2012

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do

This booklet describes the impact of violence and disasters on children and adolescents, with suggestions for minimizing long-term emotional harm.

Review Date: January 31, 2013

NIH National Institute of Mental Health -NIMH

Helping Children Cope With Disaster

This brochure provides parents with some suggestions for helping their children manage their feelings about any traumatic event.

Review Date: December 16, 2011

American Red Cross, National Headquarters

Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events: A Guide for Parents and Teachers- (PDF)

This fact sheet explains how preschool-aged, adolescent, and young children may respond to a disaster and provides tips to help parents talk with their children after a disaster.

Review Date: October 31, 2012

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services