After the recent fires that have directly affected a number of our HPS families and schools, we know that families, staff and students are having frequent conversations about fire safety and preparing for disasters. We have compiled a useful list of resources and links that we hope are helpful to guide these conversations with our children.

FOR EDUCATORS:

After the Fire program by Prevention First

• 3 teaching modules
• Reading list of books in English and Spanish
• Household safety checklists

The National Fire Protection Association

• Lesson Plans
• Learn Not to Burn Pre-K to 2^nd Grade Curriculum

FOR FAMILIES:

Be Burn Aware prevention campaign, by Shriners Hospital for Children

The National Fire Prevention Association

• Community Education Toolkits

FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – SAMHSA: “Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events”

National Association for the Education of Young Children – Resource Page on Coping with Disasters

The National Fire Prevention Association

• Community Education Toolkits

After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope, by Cathy Grace and Elizabeth Shores

STORYBOOKS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN:

Disney’s Digital Activity Books about disaster preparedness, in collaboration with the Red Cross: English | Español

A Chair for My Mother, by Vera B. Williams

The Fire, by Annette Griessman

The Healing Book: Facing the Death and Celebrating the Life of Someone You Love, by Ellen Sabin

We appreciate the collaboration of our community partners for their assistance in compiling this resource list:

• Maritza Martínez, CFCE (Coordinated Family & Community Engagement, a Head Start program)
• Mia Kortebein, Holyoke Program Manager, Raising a Reader Massachusetts