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 Louisiana disasters. While the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed our daily lives, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Louisiana is a state prone to natural disasters, and hurricane season is upon us. Below is 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
Hurricane Preparedness Information for Pediatric Practices – AAP
Hurricane Response & Recovery Information for Pediatric Practices- AAP
Preparing for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic – CDC
Safety Information for Health Care Professionals – CDC
Talking to Children About Disasters- AAP
Guidelines for Care of Children in the Emergency Department checklist- 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):
Helping Children Cope and Adjust to Disaster- AAP

Resources for Families:

AAP  Family Readiness Kit or the Hurricane Preparedness: Tips for Families

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guides

The guides are available in three (3) versions:  English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Just click one of the links below to download and/or print the guide.
English: Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide 

Espanol: La Guía Oficial de (Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide)

Vietnamese: Chính thüc Louisiana bão Survival Guide (Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide)

Safety and Basic Needs:

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

Additional Information from the AAP 

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Hurricanes 
Hurricanes 
Hurricane-Related Resources 
Hurricane Preparedness and Response
Hurricane Safety Checklist 
Preparedness Information and Updates 
Post-Disaster Considerations for Pediatricians in Practice Handout 
Weathering the Storm 
Video: Hurricanes – Learning about Hurricanes for kids and children
Vaccine Storage and Handling