Practical Research-based Information from the Nation's Leading Universities
Organizing Response Efforts in Times of Tragedy
With the world sending help to Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the CYFERnet team is mindful that many professionals and volunteers working with children, youth, and families at risk want to lend a hand to those impacted by this and other disasters. With the goal of putting information at the fingertips of those planning a response, we offer the following resources that are available on CYFERnet.
Need more information? There are more than 300 resources on disaster planning and response in the CYFERnet database.
Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messaging
The American Red Cross presents information on disaster preparation and response for providing information and education to the general public.
Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster
A guide for parents and teachers who work with children from preschool through adolescence. It outlines the signs of distress each age group may show following disaster and provides tips to help children recover from the impact of the disaster.
After Disaster: What Teens Can Do
Information for teens on what to expect and how to communicate their needs following a disaster.
Supporting Families Following a Disaster
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offers links to fact sheets written for families and those working with families in times of disaster. Each one presents information on coping with disaster-related mental and economic stressors.
Coping with Disaster or Traumatic Event
General strategies for promoting mental health and resilience, from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Disaster Resources from the University of Illinois Extension
Links to information on disaster preparation and disaster recovery from the University of Illinois Extension, as well as from national disaster agencies and organizations.
NC Cooperative Extension: Disaster Information Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers links to information on disaster preparation and response.
The Disaster Handbook
An ongoing program of the Prevention and Preparedness Design Team from the Florida State University Extension. This team is concerned with delivering information and training to the people of that state in the areas of agricultural safety and disaster preparation and disaster recovery.
Are You Ready?
FEMA provides step-by-step approaches to disaster preparedness and information on what to do in the event of disasters. Information is available in Spanish and is specific for each type of disaster.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Disaster Supplies Kit
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that could be needed in the event of a disaster.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities or other Special Needs
FEMA guide to developing an emergency plan for people with disabilities or special needs.
Preparing Volunteers to Respond to a Disaster
The Louisiana State University AgCenter outlines skills needed for volunteers to provide effective help during disaster recovery projects.
Planning Volunteer Efforts
The Louisiana State University AgCenter outlines the stages of disaster recovery and basic steps for getting volunteers ready.
Citizen Corps
Citizen Corps provides disaster preparedness training for community volunteers. Citizen Corps volunteers may participate in light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, expanded neighborhood watch programs that include terrorism awareness education, public health initiatives, and other community safety functions.