Family & Community Resources
Keep your family prepared for disasters and stay up to date on the latest information. Our resources span many different topics like weather-related emergencies, behavioral health, and complex medical needs.
Resource Highlights
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World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2025 is World Mental Health Day.
The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
October 5-11, 2025 is also Mental Illness Awareness Week.
See our Mental/Behavioral resources below as well as the following resources.
Mental Health Foundation - World Mental Health Day
The Kids Mental Health Foundation
National Alliance on Mental Illness - Mental Illness Awareness Week
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After Tragedies
In the aftermath of a disaster or tragedy, families don’t have to face it alone. Region V for Kids has compiled a list of trusted resources for parents and caregivers. These resources provide guidance on:
Supporting children’s emotional and mental health
Taking steps to ensure safety and stability
Planning for recovery and healing
Below are links to information and tools to help families find calm, reassurance, and direction during this difficult time. We encourage you to review these resources and share them with others who may benefit.
You are not alone—help and support are available.
Talking With Children About Disasters
Navigating Grief and Trauma in Our Children
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RSV Awareness Month
October is RSV Awareness Month
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. However, infants, older adults, and those with certain risk factors have a higher chance of developing severe RSV requiring hospitalization. RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in children under 1 year of age.
The CDC recommends antibodies to protect infants, older adults, and individuals with risk factors increasing the likelihood of severe RSV.
You can find resources from trusted partners and organizations below:
HealthyChildren – RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold
HealthyChildren – RSV Immunizations: Two Ways to Protect Babies
Click on the + to open more resources. Not finding what you need? Click here to let us know!
Family/Community Disaster Preparedness
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American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Preparedness Resource Kit
American Red Cross How Families Can Prepare for Emergencies
ASPR TRACIE Topic Collection: Pediatric/Children
HealthyChildren.org Disasters and Your Family: Be Prepared
Ready.gov Make A Plan
Sesame Workshop Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Prepare My Family for a Disaster
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American Academy of Pediatrics Extreme Temperatures: Disaster Management Resources
American Red Cross Winter Storm Safety
EPA Protecting Children from Extreme Heat
EPA Kids and Climate Health Zone Resources
Great Lakes Center for Reproductive and Children’s Environmental Health
HeadStart.gov Planning for Winter Emergencies
HealthyChildren.org Summer Sun, Heat & Air Quality: Tips to Keep Kids Safe
National Weather Service Family Preparedness for Severe Weather Hazards
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American Academy of Pediatrics Flash Floods and Flood Recovery: Disaster Management Resources
American Red Cross Flood Safety
American Red Cross Water Safety
EPA Protecting Children in Aftermath of Hurricanes and Floods
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Flood Resources
National Weather Service Flood Safety for you and Your Family
Pediatric Pandemic Network Staying Safe When Waters Rise
Ready.gov Floods
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood Preparedness Activity Book for Kids
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American Red Cross Fire Safety for Kids
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Fire Safety for Your Special Needs Child
Children’s Minnesota Protecting Your Family from Wildfire Smoke Air Pollution
EPA Protect Children from Wildfires, Smoke, and Volcanic Ash
Government of Canada Human Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke Report Summary
HealthyChildren.org Fire Safety: Protecting Your Family from a Home Fire
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Wildfire Resources
National Institutes of Health Wildfires and Children’s Health Resources
U.S. Fire Administration Fire Safety for Children
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American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Disaster and Trauma Resource Center
American Academy of Pediatrics Helping Children Cope and Adjust After a Disaster
HeadStart.gov Mental Health and Disasters
National Pediatric Disaster Coalition Resources – Mental Health
Ready.gov Coping with Disaster
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Complex Medical Needs
Other Helpful Resources/Partners
Previously Highlighted Resources
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Region V for Kids is one of 3 Pediatric Disaster Centers of Excellence (PDCOE).
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Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA)
Ready 2 Help Card Game (available in multiple languages)
Prepare with Pedro Activity Book, Game, and Story Book (available in multiple languages)
Ready.gov Ready Kids
Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) Pediatric/Children Collection
ASPR Health Care Readiness Near You
ASPR National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Children and Disasters
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Illinois
Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Children
Lurie Children’s Hospital Preparing Your Child for Emergency Situations in School
Indiana
Michigan
MIReady Youth Page
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Parenting Resources
Minnesota
Department of Health Individual/Family Preparedness
Children’s Minnesota Disasters
Ohio
OH Emergency Management Agency Making a Disaster Plan
Cincinnati Children’s Emergency and Disaster Planning
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Family Resources & Education
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Emergency Preparedness from Everday Issues to Disasters - What Parents Should Know
Wisconsin
WI Department of Children and Families Emergency Preparedness
Children’s Wisconsin Children’s and the Community
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American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American Red Cross How Families Can Prepare for Emergencies
COPE Free Disaster Book Series
The National Pediatric Disaster Coalition
Pediatric Pandemic Network’s (PPN) Family & Caregivers
Scholastic Disaster Squad Books
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Summer brings longer days and more outdoor activities, but it also poses health risks—especially for children. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. High temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke if proper precautions are not taken. Additionally, poor air quality, often worsened by summer heat and pollutants, can impact children with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The following links provide information to protect yourself and your family in the heat.
Summer Sun, Heat & Air Quality: Tips to Keep Kids Safe
Protecting Children from Extreme Heat
Kids and Climate Health Zone Resources
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Heavy rains, ice jams, and strong storms can devastate communities. Flash floods can have deadly consequences, envelope houses, wash away roads, and carry vehicles away like they were toys. The aftermath, including debris, sewage, and lack of drinkable water can also cause significant health issues for families.
Region V for Kids can help you prepare before disaster strikes. First and foremost, make sure you have a safety plan.
Below are links connecting you to our trusted partners and will help you and your family develop a plan.
Flood Safety for You and Your Family
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September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is Preparedness Starts At Home. This is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Getting yourself and your family ready for emergencies like home fires, power outages and local floods means you’re more prepared for the potential of large-scale disasters like wildfires, flash flooding, hurricanes and more. When making your plans, make sure you consider any unique needs your children may have, whether it be a medical condition or disability. Also remember the needs of any pets and check in with your neighbors who might need help getting prepared.
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Wildfires can impact people beyond the devastation caused locally. Smoke and ash can spread thousands of miles and cause breathing issues for people, especially children, due to their developing lungs and higher activity levels.
Region V for Kids is here to provide information to help you prepare, even if you are hundreds of miles from a wildfire. The following links provide details to keep you and your family safe.
Find resources from trusted partners and organizations
The EPA recommending people in the Great Lakes Region prepare
The Canadian government - a study on the human health effects of wildfire smoke
Minnesota Children’s Hospital on wildfire smoke air pollution
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