It should come as no surprise that children and youth are affected by natural disasters just as much, if not more, than adults. They are much more vulnerable to these disasters given their limited capabilities and because of their differences in capabilities from adults. When exposed to these high-stress situations, it can impact their development as well as increase their risk of psychiatric disorders and vulnerability to toxins. It is also important to note that they will have varying responses to the disaster, as every age group is at a different developmental stage with varying degrees of understanding.
When cleaning areas/homes affected by natural disasters, it is important to keep children and youth away. They should not be helping with the cleanup post-disaster. Only once the area(s) have been cleaned and deemed safe should children and youth be allowed in.
Youth need specialized care post natural disasters, appropriate for their age group.
Two resources we recommend are:
- SAMHSA’s “Behavioral Health Conditions in Children and Youth Exposed to Natural Disasters” PDF, which is a a great tool in understanding the needs of the youth after a natural disaster.
- The EPA’s page, “Protecting Children in Aftermath of Hurricanes and Floods” which provides more in-depth information about the specific threats to youth health after natural disasters.
Author: Maira Khan, AgriSafe Intern (2025)
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