Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery Resources
Early childhood mental health support to ensure that affected children and communities can rebuild their lives and emerge stronger
This page is packed with resources, activities, and ready-to-use content to support you in your efforts following a hurricane or other natural disaster.
Specifically designed for caregivers and service providers, it includes materials focused on supporting early childhood mental health for children ages 0-5.
The social media toolkit contains an abundance of posts that offer strategies to help young children cope with the emotional impact of the storm, providing valuable insights for caregivers to guide their little ones through difficult experiences.
Addressing mental health needs before, during, and after a storm helps prevent long-term psychological effects, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to trauma.
By focusing on emotional resilience, we ensure that individuals and communities have the resources and support they need to cope with the crisis and recover more effectively.
In the end, these resources are not just about providing short-term relief; they’re about helping people heal and build resilience, so they’re better equipped to face future challenges, whether that’s another storm or any other life event.
We are grateful for your dedication to strengthening community awareness, support, and resources for caregivers and families, and for your commitment to nurturing the mental health of young children during these challenging times.
Prep & Recovery Resources
Disaster Support Line
The Disaster Support Line is a virtual service that provides emotional support, guidance, and referrals for children aged 0-5, their caregivers, and educators impacted by disasters.
Trained mental health consultants help individuals prepare emotionally for the storm and manage stress, trauma, and grief during the recovery process.
Click below to learn more and fill out a referral form for your child or a child in your care.
Learn More & Get Support Here
Book List For Times of Disaster & Uncertainty
Books can be really helpful for kids when it comes to getting ready for emergencies, handling them, and recovering afterward. The following list of books can help children stay calm and ready for any emergency.
Social Media Toolkit: Posts & Graphics
Use our toolkit full of social media posts and graphics to help promote Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery for Early Childhood Mental Health.
We encourage you to share photos, videos, stories, and more from your activities and events. Be sure to tag us and use the hashtag #SCHurricanePrep to spread the word!
Social Media Toolkit
Comfort Kits for Disasters
Comfort Kits are designed to help kids feel better during stressful or scary times, like after a natural disaster.
Comfort Kits can be given to kids to play with on their own, but they work best when an adult, like a parent or caregiver, uses them with the child.
Click below to learn how to create Comfort Kits for your classroom or child.
Download Comfort Kit InfoTraining Opportunities
In the aftermath of a disaster, early childhood educators and parents/caregivers play a key role in supporting children’s emotional recovery.
Get access to free comprehensive training programs and resources designed to equip childcare providers, directors, and parents/caregivers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support young children impacted by hurricanes, storms, wildfires, or other traumatic community events.
Click Here To Access Resources
List of Other Helpful Resources
This list points to other agencies and organizations that have resources for children and their caregivers during scary times.
Download Resource ListAbout the Hurricane Project
The South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association Hurricane Project was developed following the devastating events of Hurricane Ian and seeks to provide a comprehensive and compassionate response to the aftermath of major events such as hurricanes by integrating both immediate recovery efforts and long-term emotional and psychological healing.
While rebuilding infrastructure such as homes, schools, and businesses is vital for recovery, addressing the deep emotional wounds left by the disaster, particularly for children and vulnerable populations, is equally important. Mental health support will play a crucial role in ensuring that affected individuals and communities can rebuild their lives and emerge stronger.
Purpose & Objectives
The central purpose of this initiative is to offer immediate, sustained support to those affected by a hurricane or natural disaster, with a specific emphasis on children, caregivers, and childcare professionals. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by families and communities in the wake of a disaster, this project will focus on equipping individuals and service providers with the tools and resources needed to foster emotional resilience, support recovery, and facilitate healing.
