CHS is here to help provide your student with a safe and supportive learning environment. We are aware that there are circumstances at home that may impact school performance and the safety of families. We have provided a list of community resources that could be useful for needs all the way from healthcare, temporary housing, to assistance with utilities.
Also, we want to hear from YOU, students, on assistance or needs you have here at CHS. Please fill out the CHS Student Needs Assessment so we may better meet YOUR needs!
Faculty and Staff are important as well and we look forward to hearing from you also! Please, educators, feel out your Needs Assessment so we may better support you and our Chieftain School Communtiy!!
After the Storm – Next Steps
Use these checklists to guide your plan of action for recovery.
For Your Family
- List your available financial resources
- Identify other sources of financial assistance
- Make a list of things you will need to replace
- Take photos of damage that has occurred
- Stay in touch with family and friends
- Consider joining a support group (or start one of your own)
- Return to normal routines as soon as possible
- Talk about your feelings
For Your Children
- Give lots of reassuring hugs
- Provide factual information about the disaster
- Encourage them to talk about their feelings– and be honest about your own
- Spend extra time with them at bedtime
- Return to regular schedules for work, play, school and rest
- Involve your children in the recovery with specific chores
- Praise responsible behavior
For Yourself
- Eat properly and drink plenty of liquid
- Exercise helps reduce stress– take a brisk walk
- Don’t take on too much as you begin to rebuild
- Get plenty of rest – nap if you can’t sleep
- Talk about your fears and concerns
- Consider talking with a counselor who can help you manage your stress
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it
For Your Home or Apartment
- Contact FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- Be sure your residence is safe before you return
- Contact your insurance agent– don’t guess at your coverage
- Get more than one estimate for repairs
- Set up a safe place to keep receipts for all your expenses
- Determine what you can do by yourself
- Determine what you can do with the help of a few friends
- Determine what requires an expert (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
- Check references carefully
- Check contractor and repair firms with the Better Business Bureau
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Things You Can Do for Yourself and Others
Get Into a Routine
During this difficult period, it is especially important that you take care of yourself. As quickly as possible, resume your usual activity patterns. Establishing a regular routine will help you and other family members begin the recovery process.
Take Care of Yourself
Try to eat properly. Choose foods that include the basic food groups and offer a balance of fruits, vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. Limit junk foods, especially for children, and drink plenty of fluids. Healthy eating will help you rebuild your strength during the trying times ahead.
Sleeping away from familiar surroundings can be very difficult. Make every effort to get as much sleep as possible so that you will be rested and able to face each day’s challenges. Return to regular sleeping times as soon as you are able to do so. This will help your body refresh and restore itself.
Take Control
Although it may seem that fate has taken charge of your life, it is essential that you reassert control as quickly as possible. Begin to plan for your recovery, even though you may feel that there is little you can do. Assess the damage you have experienced and identify resources that are available to storm victims. Make a list of tasks each day so that you can celebrate small successes as you build up to larger accomplishments.
Communicate
Share your feelings with others. Everyone affected by the disaster has a story to tell. Do not hesitate to share your experience and be a good listener for others who need to talk. Be open about your concerns, ask questions and express your emotions as they surface.
Tune In to Your Children
You know how overwhelming the disaster has been for you as an adult. Be sensitive to the fact that your children may be particularly in need of your love and attention. Encourage them to talk about their fears. Acknowledge their losses and allow them to take an active role in the recovery process. The structure of a regular routine is
especially important for children. Be sure they eat properly and get enough sleep just as soon as conditions permit. At times like these, lots of extra hugs and kisses can be very therapeutic for you and your children.
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Immediate Resources
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
If your area is declared a national disaster, you may qualify for financial aid. You are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance or aid, regardless of the extent of the disaster you experienced.
People who suffered damages from the storms are eligible for assistance through various programs offered by FEMA. If you are a renter, you may be eligible for a grant from FEMA to cover Short term rent assistance at a new location. The process involved in applying for FEMA may seem time-consuming. However, you may be missing an important source of financial assistance if you fail to take advantage of this opportunity.
When you apply, please have the following information available:
- Social Security number
- Current and pre-disaster address
- Telephone numbers where you can be contacted
- Insurance Information
- Total household income
- A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly)
Call the FEMA Helpline or check online if you need additional help or have questions. You can also learn the status of an application, additional services, or the location of specific services.
FEMA Application Line
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY #
1-800-462-7585
You can also apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. |
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