FOREST FIRES AND HEAT WAVE – IMPACTS
Growing Up in a Warming World: How Wildfire Smoke Affects Early Childhood Development
ECSCEE examines how wildfire smoke impacts children’s development and health and shares strategies and solutions for protecting children. Read Brief Growing Up in a Warming World: How Wildfire Smoke Affects Early Childhood Development
Protecting Children Against the Risks of Wildfires
Climate change is changing children. Every child has the right to grow up healthy and safe. However, repercussions from climate change are robbing them of this right, as it continues to lead to illness, diseases and even death. In Canada and in several countries around the world, the climate crisis is accelerating the risk of wildfires. Wildfires are expected to become more frequent, with a 14 per cent increase by the end of 2030, and a 50 per cent increase by the end of the century. Watch Video Virtual Roundtable: The Impact of Wildfires on Children and How to Protect Them
Exploring the Impact of Wildfires on Children’s Psychological Well-being
This review highlights that deleterious mental health effects, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidality, can persist in children for years post-wildfire disaster. Factors such as gender, direct exposure to the wildfire, re-traumatization, and resilience informed or ameliorated the severity of the impact of wildfire on children and adolescents. Our findings further emphasize the need for multi-year funding and programs to support children and adolescents’ mental health, including children with disabilities in the communities that have experienced wildfire disasters. Read Full Exploring the Impact of Wildfires on Children’s Psychological Well-being: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Literature 2024
The Center on the Developing Child hosted a webinar centered on their working paper, Air Quality Affects Early Childhood Development and Health. The conversation explored the impacts of air quality during pregnancy and early childhood, with a particular focus on indoor air, given that we typically spend more than 90% of our time inside. Watch Recording
FOREST FIRE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES
Alberta.ca Wildfire Preparedness
Guideline for Emergency Donation Facilities
Reception Centres – A Guide for Municipalities
Reopening Buildings, Homes, & Businesses After a Wildfire
- Indoor Air Testing After a Wildfire
- Hiring an Environmental Consultant
- Hiring a Fire Restoration Contractor
What To Do In Your Food Facility If There Is A Power Outage
TORNADO – IMPACTS
Tornados can have a significant impact on children, youth, and families, particularly those in care, causing emotional, psychological, and behavioral distress. Children may experience anxiety, fear, and behavioral changes, including increased activity, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Youth and families may also face secondary stresses like financial hardship and changes in their support systems
Helping Children Recover After a Tornado
Some families will have lost a loved one or a pet. Others will need to adjust to school closings or changes in school schedules. Children’s functioning will be influenced by how their parents and other caregivers cope during and after the tornado. Children often turn to adults for information, comfort, and help… Read Full Helping Children Recover After a Tornado
Tornado Strikes: Their Effect on Our Children
Tornadoes are among the most terrifying natural disasters, capable of causing immense destruction in a matter of minutes. While the physical damage is often visible and immediate, the psychological and medical effects on children can be profound and long-lasting. This article explores seven critical ways tornadoes impact children, backed by data and insights from medical and psychological experts. Understanding these effects is crucial for parents, educators, and communities to provide the necessary support and ensure the well-being of our youngest members… Read Full Tornado Strikes: Their Effect on Our Children
TORNADO – EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES
Alberta.ca Tornadoes and extreme winds
Tornado Preparedness Guide for Severe Weather – Acera Insurance
Tornado Preparedness Strategies for Businesses
FLOODS – IMPACT
How does flooding affect children?
Children can be acutely affected during and after floods, losing their homes, friendship networks and familiar surroundings. They also see adults under great strain and witness the exceptional and long-term tensions that flooding brings about. However, Lancaster’s research has shown that children can play a major role not only in response and recovery work but in awareness raising and flood preparedness. Recognizing children’s perspectives and capacities is a vital part of the process of building community resilience. Read full How does flooding affect children?
Impact of Floods on the Mental Health of Children and Young People
In the immediate aftermath of a flood, children and young people often experience acute emotional reactions, including extreme fear, helplessness, tension, feelings of loss, and sadness. Over the longer term, children and young people affected by floods are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including increased levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, inattention, sleep disturbances and behavioural difficulties. Read Full From Valencia to Understanding the Mental Health Impacts of Floods on Children and Young People
FLOODS – EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Government of Canada Get Flood Ready Toolkit