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.
Hurricane Laura Information:
Health Advisory on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Aug. 27th) - CDC
Texas Medicaid CHIP COVID-19 / Hurricane Laura Information Session (September 3, 2020). Click here for audio. Click here for the presentation. - HHSC
DSHS Hurricane Laura News Release (Aug. 27th) - DSHS - The Texas Department of State Health Services is sharing health precautions as residents return to areas affected by Hurricane Laura.
Preparing for and Responding to Hurricane Laura During the COVID-19 Pandemic - HHS
Volunteering:
The Texas Pediatric Society has identified several volunteer links and opportunities to help those impacted by natural disasters. Please see below:
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer#step1
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) - There are many types of VOAD organizations for you to assist. The site has a member list of community-based, faith-based and other types of non-profit groups in your community that have active disaster programs and need volunteers. https://www.nvoad.org/volunteer/
Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry for Medical, Public Health, and Lay Volunteer Responders - Run by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texas physicians can sign up with the registry as a volunteer to provide medical help to Texas communities during or after a disaster. https://www.texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org/
US Department of Health and Human Services Webpage - Volunteer page includes links to additional registries to help in future disasters - https://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/2020-hurricanes/Pages/default.aspx
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
