Children have physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, communication, therapeutic, and social needs that need to be addressed in all aspects of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Pediatricians play a key role in preparing and treating families before and after Texas disasters. While the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed our daily lives, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Texas is a state prone to natural disasters, and hurricane season is upon us. TPS has curated a list of resources for pediatricians and parents to assist in mitigating the negative impacts of disasters on practices and families.
Preparing Your Practice:
Preparedness Checklist for Pediatric Practices - AAP
Information for Pediatric Practices - AAP
Preparing for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic - CDC
Safety Information for Health Care Professionals - CDC
Children and Disasters: Disaster Preparedness to Meet Children's Needs - AAP
Vaccine Storage and Handling
Vaccine Storage and Handling - AAP
Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit - CDC
Health Concerns Related to Natural Disasters:
Diarrhea Guidelines after a Disaster - CDC
Flood Water after a Disaster or Emergency - CDC
Leptospirosis Yellow Book Chapter - CDC
Mental Health Resources:
General Mental Health Resources:
Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery - SAMHSA
Disaster Distress Helpline - SAMHSA
SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator - SAMHSA
Mental Health Resources for First Responders:
Tips for Health Care Practitioners and Responders: Helping Survivors Cope with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event - SAMHSA
Adjusting to Life at Home: Tips for Families of Returning Disaster Responders - SAMHSA (Spanish)
Supporting Child Mental Health (Resources for Pediatricians):
AAP and Children and Disasters Website
Helping Children Cope and Adjust - AAP
Resources for Families:
Safety and Basic Needs:
For road closures across Texas, click here.
Review Severe Weather safety tips here.
Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening, emergency situations.
2-1-1 (Texas Resource Navigation)
Mental Health:
How Families Can Cope with Relocation Stress After a Disaster – Healthy Children
Responding to Children's Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis – Healthy Children
Helping Children Cope with a Disaster - CDC
Talking to Children about Disasters – Healthy Children (Spanish)
Disaster Distress Helpline - SAMHSA
SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator - SAMHSA
Educational Materials to Share:
Flood PSAs
Educational Flyers on Floods
