The mission of the San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is to promote the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy and education, and to meet the professional needs of child and adolescent psychiatrists in our community.

Flooding & Mental Health: Stay Safe, Support Children, and Use Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Recent floods have left communities across the country struggling with displacement, loss, and uncertainty. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or responder, here’s how to stay safe, help children, and support recovery.

🌊 Before & During a Flood: Stay Safe
1️⃣ Turn Around, Don’t Drown – Never drive through floodwaters. Learn more:
🔗 https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

2️⃣ Prepare & Evacuate Smartly – Use the Red Cross Flood Checklist to pack essentials:
🔗 https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/pdfs/flood/EN_Flood-Preparedness-Checklist.pdf

3️⃣ Help Kids Cope – Ready.gov provides simple guidance for preparing children:
🔗 https://www.ready.gov/kids

🧠 After a Flood: Psychological First Aid (PFA)
Anyone—teachers, community leaders, first responders—can learn PFA to help children and families recover.

📱 Quick Steps to Learn PFA:
✅ Download the PFA Mobile App for practical guidance:
🔗 https://mobile.va.gov/app/pfa-mobile

✅ Read key sections (pages 5–10, 19) of the PFA Field Guide:
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-first-aid-pfa-online

✅ Take a free online PFA training:
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-first-aid-pfa-online

🏠 Supporting Children & Families
Helping Young Children Heal (Parent Guide):
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/flood-resources

Talking to Kids About Scary Events:
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/resources/talking-to-children-when-scary-things-happen

Simple Coping Activities for Kids & Teens:
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/resources/simple-activities-children-and-adolescents

💡 For Those Struggling: Help Is Available
📞 Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free 24/7 support

📲 Help Kids Cope App: Tips for talking to kids about disasters
🔗 https://www.nctsn.org/resources/help-kids-cope

Let’s take action to protect lives and support mental health. Share this widely!

—

Tyler E. Morrison, M.D.
Disaster & Trauma Liaison, San Diego Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Joshua D. Feder, M.D.
Co-Chair, Disaster & Trauma Issues Committee, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry