This week, across the Mid-Atlantic region, we felt the lingering effects of Hurricane Ida.
As over 8 inches of rain fell in some areas, the entire region experienced wide-spread flash flooding which has resulted in long term high water levels, high winds, and tornadic activity. While this weather event had a long-term and stable projection, some decision makers in some area's were slow or unresponsive in their efforts to prepare while others responded quickly by pre-emptively shutting down schools and closing streets and highways that were susceptible to high water.
In Frederick County, MD we unfortunately found ourselves to be unprepared. Specifically Frederick County Public Schools and institutions of higher learning such as FCC. Leadership was so poor at FCPS that children attended a full day of school while all districts around them had cancelled or released their students early. Once school was released, the water levels were already high with roads already flooded over, resulting in one bus full of children being caught in the flood waters and requiring a swift water rescue response from local organizations. Additionally, once this bus was involved, all buses were returned to schools where teachers were required to watch children well into the evening due to the district not being able to safely get them home. This lack of response is especially egregious because
- since COVID we have proven that we have the ability to perform asynchronous learning, and if we have failed to maintain the standard for asynchronous learning
- we can always cancel school or institute an early release for the children in our schools.
- other school systems and institutions in our area did not falter to public opinion and cancelled early, if for nothing else but to err on the side of caution
What does this have to do with psychological effects?
While I am sure that the driver of the bus, as well as the children who were on the bus are all dealing with varying levels of anxiety, fear and other psychological issues in response to the incident that they experienced. However, it doesn't take being involved in a swift water rescue to feel anxiety about sever weather, natural disasters and other potential incidents.
Yesterday I had a friend reach out to me and ask if I had any resources that might help their child better understand issues surrounding emergencies such as severe weather, natural disaster and incidents of violence. They went on to tell me that their child is a very logical thinker and as they watched the water rise around town as they traveled home, they became very anxious. Instead of sharing those resources with just that friend who approached me, I figured it would be most helpful to share them with anyone who is interested.
Ready.gov
Ready.gov is a website developed under the purview of FEMA and offers resources to people of all age groups. For children and teens specifically I highly recommend visiting https://www.ready.gov/kids
For children below the age of 10 I recommend https://www.ready.gov/kids/be-ready-kids where there are interactive games that your child can play that teaches them about general safety (fire, stranger danger, what to do if you are lost) disasters, how to be prepared, and what to do in an emergency. This webpage also offers a program called Prepare with Pedro which is an interactive coloring workbook that you can download and print out and complete together as a family. You can get pre-printed copies from us here at EMP2C or by ordering direct through FEMA at Ready.gov
If your child is older there is also a section for teens that which directs them toward joining a CERT team, and sections that provide courses, trainings and webinars for teens to learn how to be a leader during a disaster. If you have a Scout in the family (BSA/GSA) consider directing them towards the "start a program" option. This option would be a great opportunity for a prospective Eagle Scout.
Disaster Dodgers
Disaster Dodgers is a fun online educational resource developed by FEMA as part of their Student Tool for Emergency Preparedness (STEP) program. This is a video series available for free on Youtube which discusses all sorts of Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness concepts, principles and techniques. You can find the first video of the series at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbzvomQYJpE
EMP2C Creations
Lastly, EMP2C has created some resources which can be obtained for free on our website. We have created an Emergency Information Card which is designed to be filled out and attached to your refrigerator. In an emergency first responders are trained to check your refrigerator and/or kitchen counter for these cards, in order to better help you during a medical emergency or fire. https://www.emp2c.com/refrigerator-card
We also have created wallet sized emergency information cards that can be filled out and "laminated" (by covering completely with packing tape). These cards are designed to be given to a teacher, police officer or other adult in an emergency and can be carried in your child's backpack, taped to they're school planner, or even under they're bicycle seat so that they can identify themselves, get home safely or even just get in contact with a parent during an emergency. These cards were especially helpful to me when FCPS tried to put my children on a bus during the first week of school, even though they were walkers. My oldest child simply handed them the card and told them that they had better call his dad before they put him or his siblings on a bus. https://www.emp2c.com/emergency-contact-card
Both of these resources can be printed off our website or picked up at any EMP2C training class or by request.
Just as a parting comment for the bus driver involved in this weeks incident and for anyone who doesn't know what to do when you experience flooded road ways while driving;
Simply
Turn around; Don't drown
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