Coping with Disaster Feature Articles
Take steps before a disaster strikes to be prepared. Articles cover a wide range of topics including financial planning, emergency food pantries, talking to children about disaster and more.
How to help children, youth and teens after a disaster
Natural disasters take a great toll on families and communities. Everything can be affected, from change in routine and structure to loss of property and loss of family and friends. Some families and children will be able to handle the situation better than others, with some needing extra support and help...more
With thunderstorm season upon us, understanding lightning can help you make safer decisions when storms threaten...more
MU Extension website features resources related to tornado and recovery efforts
A MU Extension webpage contains resources that could be helpful to homeowners, landowners, business owners, emergency responders, volunteers, partnering organizations and others...more
Property loss from disasters may be tax deductible
Disaster victims may recoup some of their uninsured losses because uncompensated property losses from natural disasters are tax deductible...more
Supporting military kids during deployment
When military parents are mobilized, their children need and deserve special support from local communities...more
Shelters, safe rooms for homes important during tornado season
Although the nice weather is a welcome change from winter storms, it’s important to remember that spring can also have bad weather — like tornadoes. Now is a good time for people to make preparations for surviving tornadoes and other spring storms...more
Missouri Operation: Military Kids supporting military children with Hero Packs
April is Month of the Military Child and Missouri Operation: Military Kids is conducting a statewide Hero Pack Drive. Missouri Operation: Military Kids provides a support network for children who have parents in the military and are living in civilian communities...more
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters that could require evacuation, consider creating a grab-and-go box. Put in copies of everything that is in your emergency file, and add other important papers...more
Helping people in financial crisis and emotional distress
As the national economic crisis evolves, individuals, families and businesses may turn to you or your agency for advice...We are providing the following information to help individuals and agencies work with people in crisis in a safe and appropriate manner...more
Take steps to be financially ready before disaster strikes
During a time of disaster, it is difficult enough to deal with its emotional effects, much less any financial effects--like a sudden loss of income or unavoidable increase in expenses. A family in crisis generally needs more resources to get through it. That is why it is so important to take steps before a disaster strikes to be prepared financially if and when it does....more
Talking smoke detectors wake sleeping children better than shrill, beeping alarm
The piercing 85-decibel alarm from smoke detectors will wake most adults with a start, but small children might sleep right through them...more
How to Handle Food from a Flood
Flood water can be toxic so precautions need to be taken to prevent illness. There are special ways of handling cooking utensils such as pots and pans and food that have been exposed to flood waters...more
Fast Food for Emergency Meals?
Many Americans have fast food on a regular basis, making a quick stop at the drive-through. When emergencies strike, an emergency supply of food is needed – fast! When stuck in a storm shelter for hours or days, the food stored there can make all the difference. After the emergency, especially if the power is out for a prolonged period, an appropriate emergency food supply is essential...more
Prepare emergency supplies for spring storm season
Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity...more
Be Prepared for Emergencies--creating a 3-day food/water supply
Food storage is part of being prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. Individuals and families can eliminate some stress, worry and inconveniences by planning for emergency food needs. How much and which foods to store will depend on the members of your household, your preferences, special health conditions, ability to use the food in an emergency, and space for storage...more
Emotional damage from natural disasters can add to stress levels long after crisis is over
The emotional damage of droughts, floods and other natural disasters can be felt long after the immediate crisis is over, according to a licensed clinical social worker at the University of Missouri...more
Weathering the storm: How change affects families
Families who weather a particularly bad storm are likely to experience stress. Any time there is an undesired change, there is potential for stress. When children are involved, it is important that parents understand the affects of such stress and to know what they can do to help their family cope...more
Food safety after a power outage
Whether your freezer and refrigerator are shut off due to storm, forgetfulness or accident, the food safety rules about what to keep or toss are the same...more
Keep Your Food Safe during a Power Outage
One important thing to know is how to save as much food as possible when the electricity is off...more
Financial recovery and risk management
As you attempt to restore your life and home after a storm, you will face many decisions. Naturally, you’ll want to recover as much as possible through your homeowner’s insurance policy. Where insurance falls short of your needs, other types of assistance may be available...more
Smallpox - Do I need a vaccination?
The simple answer is no. The United States Department of Health and Human Services is not recommending that the general public be vaccinated for smallpox at this time. There is no reason to believe that smallpox presents an immediate threat....more
Children and Memories: September 11th
The anniversary of September 11 may affect your children. Here are some tips to encourage your children to share their feelings and concerns...more
Talking with children about the September 11th anniversary
When discussing this and other disasters, talk openly and honestly while keeping in mind your child's age and level of development...more
Messages for helping children during a time of crisis
Children look to adults for reassurance and guidance on how to react. What adults say and do can help distance children from the sense of threat, help them work through their emotions, and maintain or regain a sense of normalcy....more
Keep food on hand for a rainy day--Emergency Pantry
Being prepared for power outages, inclement weather or even times when you don’t feel up to shopping or cooking is a smart move....more
When Your Income Drops, Take Control
No amount of money or planning can guarantee that your family will not go through a disaster at some point. Disaster comes in many forms and can vary in the severity of its impact on your family. Disaster can strike at any time...more
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Last update: Tuesday, September 06, 2011

