During a disaster the important tasks are managing the workload; assessing and responding to client needs; supporting staff; managing volunteers; and coordinating, communicating, and assessing information systems. In this section find resources on responding to the immediate aftermath of disasters or major emergencies. Resources include State and local examples.
Community Emergency Response Teams
Describes the Community Emergency Response Team program, which educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills.
Disaster Preparedness & Recovery
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Provides a catalog of materials to help professionals and the general public prepare for disasters and recover in the aftermath.
Disaster Preparedness and Response Resource Center
Corporation for National and Community Service
Provides resources for service and volunteer programs on disaster preparedness, including online trainings, information about effective practices, and links to other resources.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Provides a forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout the disaster cycle–preparation, response and recovery–to help disaster survivors and their communities.
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect in Disaster Emergency Shelters
National Resource Center for Child Protective Services (2006)
Provides a curriculum designed for training emergency shelter staff and volunteers on how abuse and neglect occur, how to keep children safe, and how to report suspected abuse or neglect during a natural disaster.
Re-establishing Normalcy: Helping Families Address the Long-Range Effects of Disaster Through Case Management (PDF - 38 KB)
National Human Services Assembly (2006)
Suggests principles for case management that increase the likelihood that families and individuals affected by disaster will be well served.
What Relief Agencies Should Know About the Educational Rights of Children Displaced by Disasters (PDF - 774 KB)
National Center for Homeless Education (2006)
Explains how Federal law protects the educational rights of children who are homeless following a major disaster.
State and local examples
Disaster Mental Health Intervention Field Guide
Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (2010)
Outlines procedures for handling the mental health needs of disaster victims in Indiana.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Presents Florida-specific information on a variety of disaster situations as well as family and business planning information. The website includes State press releases, news of current events in weather, Federal disaster declarations, and individual planning information.
Unattended Children's Center Policies and Standard Operating Procedures
Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (2008)
View Abstract and Document
Provides a manual with standard operating procedures for emergencies to provide a short-term shelter for children who are separated from their parents, custodians, or legal guardians during emergencies.