Natural Disasters

Eugene F. Provenzo Jr

Natural disasters can come in the form of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. While such events are challenging and frightening for adults, the effect on children can be even more devastating as familiar routines, seemingly safe environments, and stable relationships are seriously disrupted. Schools potentially play a critically important role in the recovery process after a natural disaster, by providing shelter, counseling, continuity, and help to parents by caring for their children as they cope with the task of rebuilding their lives and their community. This entry looks at some research on the impact of disasters on schools and provides some guidelines for response. Disasters such as hurricanes are not as sudden or as terrifying as earthquakes or tornadoes, but their impact is often much more widespread. Hurricane Andrew, which hit South Florida on August 24, 1992, was a natural disaster experienced by virtually everyone in the southern half ...

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