An emergency or disaster can affect individuals and their families in many different ways. Some effects may be short-term, while other effects can be long lasting due to the stress and trauma from:

• disruptions to family life
• challenges in meeting daily food, water, and/or shelter needs
• possible interruptions to health, government, and other community services

After an emergency or disaster, relocating may be needed due to extreme damage to homes and properties. This can be stressful for individuals and families. The resource "Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster" was developed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry to help cope.

Within Simcoe Muskoka, there are local agencies that can be contacted for help:

• County of Simcoe - For temporary accommodation or long-term temporary rental accommodations or basic needs such as food and/or clothing - Social and Community Services Information.
• District of Muskoka - For emergency sheltering and financial assistance - Community and Planning Services. 
• 211 Community Services - Dial 211 for free 24/7 confidential help to find the services to best meet your needs, including basic needs such as food and/or clothing.
• Mental Health Crisis Line - 1-888-531-2600, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

External Links

There are resources to help cope with the stress during and after an emergency or disaster:

• Get Prepared - Government of Canada - Helping Kids Cope
• Canadian Red Cross - Preparing for and Coping with the Effects of a Disaster or Emergency
• Canadian Red Cross - Guide to Disaster Recovery Parents and Caregivers
• CDC - Coping with Stress After a Traumatic Event
• CDC - Helping Parents Cope with a Disaster
• CDC - Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
• CDC - Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster