Northeast Tennessee Children in Disaster Task Force

We had so much fun making puppet monsters and sharing resources today at the Scarecrow Skedaddle & Shindig! Thank you Niswonger Children's Hospital for a great event!

We have been partnering this week with several other agencies and organizations in the Northeast TN area to serve children who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. I believe our partner Appalachian Association for Children's Early Education said it best, "As early child educators, we understand the impact that trauma has on a young child's life. Children are being impacted by the hurricane, and have seen and experienced things that no child should have to". We're working together with our partners to mitigate this trauma by providing comfort and a sense of normalcy for children by creating "kids corners" in shelters. We have been working to develop a joint amazon list that includes items that will allow us to create an inviting space for children to play and feel comfortable during their time in a shelter. Please find this list below and consider a donation.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/F36KH8P3UK5B?ref_=wl_share

We ask our community members to please take every precaution to protect yourself and your loved ones in the aftermath of flooding.

While it may seem harmless, floodwater can hide dangers like debris, wildlife, hazardous chemicals and even electrical currents. It can also carry germs that cause serious illnesses like E. coli or salmonella. Stay safe by taking the following precautions:

💧 Wash your hands after contact with floodwater

💧 Wash children's hands with soap and water often and always before meals

💧 Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas

💧 Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by floodwater and have not been disinfected

💧 Do not bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals. This includes rivers, streams or lakes that are contaminated by floodwater

Protect your family by keeping them away from floodwater and washing hands regularly. Avoid contact with open wounds, and seek medical attention if needed.

Read more critical floodwater safety reminders at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jT4QA31xmo3ZNpfv/

We have been working to connect the dots with our partners this week and get materials out to shelters and in the hands of kids in our community who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Please consider browsing our amazon list and donating.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/F36KH8P3UK5B?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwY2xjawFrqSpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVNMlrxqZ4GqGat7HdGZpBs7FNuun0TqseAs1_yVSlZIGoQbyeeoRlIL3A_aem_w29qzA69MizyP2f_E66X8w