Whether caused by strong rains, hurricanes, or rapid snowmelt, floods can devastate a community and can be medically hazardous and traumatic events for children. Flooding is a threat in many parts of the U.S., in rural and urban settings — and even in typically dry areas, especially on recently burned land.
These resources provide guidance on creating flood-specific disaster plans and supporting children in the aftermath of floods. Some of the resources below also apply to helping children stay safe during and after hurricanes. As communities begin the recovery process in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian and prepare for the next major tropical storm, entities such as the National Traumatic Stress Network and Ready Kids (FEMA) also offer hurricane-specific materials.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Flood Resources
Collection of resources for families, first responders on creating a flood plan, and staying safe during and after a flood. Other CDC resources: Flooding and Mold (PDF activity book for kids); Mold Cleanup and Remediation (fact sheets and resources or families); Floodwater After a Disaster or Emergency (general safety tips).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Children’s Health in the Aftermath of Floods
Guidance on protecting children from post-flood hazards, including mold, carbon monoxide, and contaminated water, with links to regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs), environmental health experts who can advise on local concerns related to floods and other hazards.
Healthy Children: Hurricanes & Floods: Taking Care of Your Children and Yourself and Disasters and Your Family: Be Prepared
General disaster and flood-specific guidance for families and caregivers on talking to children about disasters before and after they occur, building a basic disaster plan and kit, and more.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Flood Resources
Tips for families and communities on preparing for floods, what to do during an active flood, and supporting children after a flood. The NCTSN Learning Center also offers free online courses on Psychological First Aid (based on a post-disaster scenario, for individuals new to disaster response) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (for helping survivors cope with stress after a disaster) — registration required.
Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU): Flooding Aftermath & Children’s Health
Guidance for families on cleaning up after floods, with specific tips for protecting children and adolescents from potentially hazardous sites.
Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Medicine (WRAP-EM): Flooding Aftermath & Children’s Health
Links to resources related to supporting children, families, and providers. Includes information about Listen, Protect and Connect (LPC), a psychological first aid system.
No matter your role in taking care of children and adolescents — as a parent or caregiver, a first responder, a hospital-based clinician, an educator, or otherwise — these resources can help you and your community be more prepared for floods and other natural disasters.