Kids and Teens
Planning for an Emergency
Kids & Teens: Common Reactions to Disaster
Children and Substance Abuse
Internet Guide for Kids
Internet Guide for Teens
Planning for an Emergency
Preparing for emergency situations is important. The key is to have a plan already in place, well before an emergency happens. According to the American Red Cross, a three-day supply of food and water, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit are essential. The food should require no preparation, cooking, or refrigeration. For people who have a g-tube or who are on special diets, at least a one-week supply of the formula or the special food should be available. When figuring on how much water, consider one gallon of water per person per day. This takes into account using the water for drinking and cleaning. In addition, keep a disaster supply kit containing flashlights, a battery operated radio, and tools. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides recommendations for creating a kit called Make a Kit: Spe cial Needs Items. The American Red Cross also offers an on-line book called Disaster Prepa redness for People with Disabilities that is a comprehensive guide offering information, checklists, and resources.
It is recommended that you check with your child's school to see what their emergency disaster plan is, especially if your child needs assistance in order to exit a building. For children with medical needs, it is wise to have extra medical supplies available at school. The Department of Education Web site offers more information in the Lead and Manage My School: Emergency Planning section of its Web site.
SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS
Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for disasters of any kind. It is important to keep extra supplies on hand in the event there is no way to get more for a few days.
For Infants:
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
- Moist towelettes
- Diaper rash ointment
For more information, see the Being Prepared section of this website: http://www.mass.gov/samh/being_prepared/index.html
Kids & Teens: Common Reactions to Disaster
People, including children and teenagers, can have widely varying reactions to a traumatic event. Following are some common reactions in children and teenagers, as well as suggestions on what to do to help them cope.
For Children 1-5 Years Old
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For Children 5-11 Years Old
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For Children 11-14 Years Old
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For Children 14-18 Years Old
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Additional Resources:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/ptsd70.htm
National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD) offers a wealth of information about post traumatic stress response including, "Terrorism and Children: A Guide to How Children of Different Ages Respond to Trauma," "How to Talk to your Child about Terrorism," "What Parents Can Do," and "How many Children Develop PTSD."
www.ncptsd.org
Children and Substance Abuse
Children and adolescents who are trying to cope with reactions of stress and grief may use or be at risk of using alcohol or other drugs. Also, children may be exposed to a family member or loved one who is using alcohol or other drugs to cope. It is important to Know the Warning Signs that may indicate a problem and to understand what may put Children at Risk . Additionally, because symptoms or warning signs may have causes other than alcohol or drugs click here to find out When and How to Seek Professional Help for Your Child .
Know the Warning Signs
Keep these symptoms in mind, but note that these and other signs of alcohol or drug use may also have other causes.
Family Histories of Alcohol or Other Drug Use
Children and adolescents are affected by parents or other family members who drink or use other drugs to cope. Children will react and cope in different ways. Some may have difficulty at school and withdraw from classmates; while others will like 'responsible parents' and be overachievers. Following is a list of questions adapted from Al-Anon ( www.ma-al-anon-alateen.org/question.html) that may help someone decipher whether or not they are troubled by someone's drinking:
- Do you worry about how much someone drinks?
- Do you have money problems because of someone else's drinking?
- Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else's drinking?
- Do you feel that if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?
- Do you blame the drinker's behavior on his or her companions?
- Are plans frequently upset or canceled or meals delayed because of the drinker?
- Do you make threats, such as, "If you don't stop drinking, I'll leave you"?
- Do you secretly try to smell the drinker's breath?
- Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
- Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker's behavior?
- Are holidays and gatherings spoiled because of drinking?
- Have you considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse?
- Do you search for hidden alcohol?
- Do you often ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking?
- Have you refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety?
- Do you sometimes feel like a failure when you think of the lengths you have gone to control the drinker?
- Do you think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved?
- Do you ever threaten to hurt yourself to scare the drinker?
- Do you feel angry, confused or depressed most of the time?
- Do you feel there is no one who understands your problems?
When and How to Seek Professional Help for your Child
If you are concerned that your child or a child you know may be struggling with substance abuse there are many resources available, some of which are listed below. Additionally, you may find it helpful to discuss the situation with someone you trust - from the clergy, a social worker, a counselor, a friend, or someone who has experienced alcohol or other drug abuse.
A great place to access information and resources is through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). You can call SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information and speak to an information specialist, place publication orders, and obtain referrals to other organizations and centers: 1-800-729-6686; español: 1-877-767-8432; TDD: 1-800-487-4889. (24 hours, 7 days a week).
SAMHSA also publishes all their information on their Web site at www.samhsa.gov. You can also go directly to "A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug Free" (family.samhsa.gov/main/about.aspx). This Web site provides information on prevention, facts about drugs and alcohol and many helpful resources and links, including the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator, which is also available by calling 800-662-HELP (4357); 1-800-228-0427 (TDD); 1-800-662-9832 (español) (24 hours, 7 days a week).
If you are a Massachusetts resident you can find state specific information and resources through the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (www.mass.gov/dph/bsas/bsas.htm) or you can call the MA Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline ( www.helpline-online.com/) at 1-800-327-5050.
Following are some additional resources that focus specifically on disaster-related information for children and teens.
An Internet Guide for Kids
FEMA for Kids (www.fema.gov/kids)
You can learn how to prepare for a disaster. There are stories to read and games to play - it makes learning fun.
If you want to learn more about your feelings and what you can do about them, visit this website (www.mentalhealth.org/kidsarea/default.asp). They have games, internet tips and links to cool sites.
The American Red Cross is a national leader in disaster response and preparedness (www.redcross.org/services/youth/kids). This interactive site allows you to learn about the history of the Red Cross and about disaster service and some ways you can help in a disaster.
KidsHealth
This site has lots of activities that can help you learn more about staying healthy and dealing with feelings
(www.kidshealth.org/kid/). You can also read short articles
that may help answer your questions about the terrorist attacks (www.kidshealth.org/kid/misc/terrorist_attacks.html)
and give you some ideas about how you can help others (www.kidshealth.org/kid/misc/attacks_help.html).
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters
(www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/violence.cfm).
An Internet Guide for Teens
"Resilience in a Time of War: Adapting to War-Time Stress" (www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=43)
You may have a friend in ROTC or you may have a relative in the military. The threat of terrorism and the stress of war can hit close to home. This website has "10 Tips in a Time of War" that can help you deal with stress.
"Warning Signs" (www.apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38)
To help people understand more about violence and anger MTV launched this 30-minute special. This website describes more about "Warning Signs" and can help you answer tough questions like, "How do I recognize violence warning signs in others?", "What can I do to help?", and "Am I at risk for violent behavior?".
"Coping in Unsettled Times" (www.nasponline.org/NEAT/unsettling_students.html)
and
"After Disaster: What Teens can Do" (www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/KEN-01-0092/default.asp)
We don't always feel certain about the future, especially when we are concerned about war and terrorism. It's okay because there are things you can do that may help. These websites are helpful in finding ways to take care of yourself, focus on your strengths and take part in positive activities.
The American Red Cross is a national leader in disaster response and preparedness. You can find out more about what ARC is doing in your community and the Youth Services that they provide. (www.redcross.org/services/youth/)
"TeensHealth"
This is a great site if you are interested in different health topics, including information on drug and alcohol abuse. (www.kidshealth.org/teen/). Plus, you can find current information about how to handle your worries about war (www.kidshealth.org/teen/misc/war.html) and terrorism (www.kidshealth.org/teen/misc/terrorist _attacks.html). They also provide some ideas on things you can do to help others (www.kidshealth.org/teen/misc/attacks_help.html)
