resources for families in the wake of devastating storms

While the storms will impact all community members, we can’t forget that children will be impacted differently – they aren’t simply little adults and will need support long after the storm has passed. Please see the below resources to ensure all kids have the support they need to recover:

• Your child may be at risk of mental health issues after a natural disaster. Please use this resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about mental health concerns in the aftermath of the storm.
• The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics provides tools for caregivers to talk with kids of all ages about disasters.
• Children with special needs, especially sensory processing disorders, may have an especially difficult time after the storm.  Autism Speaks provides tips to help children after a disaster.
• The aftermath of a storm presents a risk of injury to children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips to stay safe and how to involve children in clean-up activities. 

Safety needs to a be a top priority both immediately after a storm and during clean up.  Here are some additional tips from the experts at Dayton Children’s to ensure children stay safe:

• Safety equipment including fire detectors, car seats, and cribs may have been damaged in the storm. Make sure you replace safety equipment as soon as possible. 
• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause harm and has been reported in the area. Children often show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning much earlier than adults.  Be on the lookout for these signs:
  • Blurred vision, dizziness or headache
  • Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
  • Faster breathing than normal or trouble breathing
  • Weakness, muscle pain or dark urine
  • Chest pain, or a fast, strong or irregular heartbeat
  • Confusion, fainting or seizures
  • Tremors or shaking, or trouble moving, bending arms or legs, or walking
  • Difficulty speaking, chewing or controlling facial muscles
• Ensure kids are safe around standing water, pools and large bodies of water.  Fences and guard rails may have been compromised during the storm. 
• There is an increased risk for animal and insect bites after a storm. Animals, not just humans, get displaced during disasters – you may encounter animals you aren’t used to seeing. Remind kids not to approach animals. 
• There may be dangerous materials, chemical spills and other debris which increase the risk of injury. Supervise all kids assisting with clean-up. 
• Power lines may be down or damaged. Keep kids safe by avoiding any downed electrical lines. 
• There is an increased risk of overheating when there is a lack of power and increased exposure to the outdoors.  Infants and toddlers are not able to regulate their body