The impacts of Hurricane Helene are broadly felt by all ages throughout our communities. Buncombe County 4-H is here to help families cope with recovering after this natural disaster and provide youth with opportunities for promoting mental health while they are out of school.

Things You Can Do to Help Your Children Cope

• Explore and identify feelings your child may be feeling and openly discuss what happened in an age-appropriate way.
• Provide extra affection and comfort.
• Provide extra patience and understanding as the child does common tasks; forgetfulness and difficulty focusing are common.
• Try to keep at least one routine in your day the same as before the emergency.
• Stay positive with words and actions.
• Monitor the media and your child’s exposure to the news or other information regarding the emergency.
• Remember to care for yourself so you can be there for your children.

Visit the Red Cross for more information about helping your child cope and promoting resiliency.

Mental Health Resources

Promoting positive mental health to our children requires taking care of ourselves also. The Disaster Distress helpline is available 24/7 to anyone impacted by natural disasters.

Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.

Games & Activities for Families

Below are a few resources for families to help kids process their emotions following this natural disaster and to provide families with resources and educational opportunities for kids as they are disrupted from their normal routines.

Although power outages and lack of water resources are still wide spread throughout the county, there are several ways families can bond together and cope with the stressors caused by this natural disaster. Classic activities such as telling stories, reading to other family members or pets, games of eye spy or simple arts & crafts are all great ways to keep kids engaged and learning while at home. Click the links below for over 20 different games and activities for families with limited supplies required!

Activities for Kids at Home

Coping After a Disaster Activity Book

Physical copies of all of the resources above will be distributed at community centers and distribution centers throughout the county.

Stay safe and contact Jordan English with questions or for more information at jordan_english@ncsu.edu or 828-255-5522.