Hurricane Sandy Help for Families of Children with Special Needs
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Hurricane Sandy
Help for Families of Children with Special Needs
Safety Concerns
This is a time when safety is a priority. Children with special needs may not understand the dangers
related to a disaster. Discuss only those safety issues that affect them, in simple, understandable
words, using real pictures if possible. Set understandable rules and boundaries and repeat them
often. If possible, ask them to explain the dangers and safety measures back to you. Always be
honest and try to remain calm, assuring them that you will work together to stay safe.
If you and your family have had to relocate, try to maintain as much or a routine as possible such as
keeping to a similar mealtime , play and sleep schedule and having familiar things if possible. If your
child’s favorite possessions are unavailable, see if similar ones are available (for example, a favorite
book or video).
Medical Supplies and Transportation
Notify your local emergency responders or police department if you have specific medical supply or
transportation needs related to your child with a disability. This support may include lift-equipped
vehicles, transportation of a child with oxygen, etc.
Medication
If you can’t access prescription medications, attempt to directly contact your pharmacy or doctor for a
refill. Medicaid recipients can contact their HMO who may have alternate pharmacies to refill the
prescription. Individuals who have medications manufactured by Pfizer can contact the Pfizer
Connection to Care program at 1-866-706-2400 for assistance. If you are at a Red Cross Shelter,
please notify a shelter representative if you have medication issues, particularly if the medicine
requires refrigeration.
Emotional Support
Children with special needs may be confused by all the disruption often associated with a big storm.
Children with language and learning difficulties may be particularly vulnerable to misconceptions and
may exhibit regressed behavior and have difficulty expressing concerns and confusion. Try to
establish as normal a routine as possible. Positive distractions such as playing games, visiting
others, listening to music or reading may help. Reduce exposure to television and newspaper
coverage of the disaster as it may confuse children by thinking that the storm is happening all over
again. Provide opportunities for your child to express concerns such as by talking, drawing or play.
Correct any apparent misconceptions (for example, related to cause of the storm). To limit negative
behaviors, attempt to offer desirable leisure activities and reinforce appropriate behaviors.
It is natural to be stressed, angry, tired, and worried during and after a disaster. Recognize that it is
not appropriate to take your anger out on another person. You and your family may require
assistance to cope with new surroundings and to minimize confusion. To get help, approach
community supports you can turn to in time of need, including extended family, religious groups, local
organizations, and recreational activities to relieve stress and to connect with others around you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for and receive help. If a friend or family member offers help, not only are they
concerned for you, but it helps them feel good, too. So, give them an opportunity to feel good and get
out of the cold at the same time. Along with family members, find ways to take care of yourself and to
express your emotions in a safe way such as through rest, exercise, music, art, writing, etc.
Helpful Resources Helpful Disaster-related Resources for Families with Special Needs
• 2- 1 - 1 Disaster Response
Call 211 if you need information on local resources in your community. You can also find information at
http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need help in understanding
and finding available assistance services in your area. Language translation and TTY services are offered to
any caller. You can also search the database of services in your local community or speak live with an
experienced community resource specialist. 2-1-1 will help identify with you the best local resources to fit your
individual needs including open pharmacies, grocery stores, gasoline stations, etc.
• American Red Cross
Response vehicles are feeding people at mobile and fixed locations. Communicate your special needs so
that they can assist you most appropriately. To find Red Cross disaster related services and supports near
you, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit http://newsroom.redcross.org/. The Red Cross established a method to let
family and friends know that you are safe and well: ttps://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
• AutismCares - Autism Response Team
This organization provides support for families affected by natural disasters. Call the Autism Response
Team at 1-888-Autism2 (288-4762). Español 888-772-9050. Or e-mail at AutismCares@autismspeaks.org
• Disaster Mental Health Helpline
Stress, anxiety, and depression are common reactions after a disaster. Anyone, including parents and
caregivers of children with special needs, who feels overwhelmed as a result of the storm can call 1-877-
294-4357 to speak with a trained counselor. A TTY line is available for the deaf and hearing impaired at
1-877-294-4356.
The federal government also has a Disaster Distress website disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/ and helpline
that provides crisis counseling and support at 1-800-985-5990.
• FEMA Office of Disability Integration & Coordination
This office coordinates emergency recovery for children and adults with disability. The general FEMA
number to call for assistance is 800-621-6632. If a family that has a child with special needs in New York
or New Jersey is in dire need of help, contact Jim Flemming, the Regional Disability Integration Specialist
at James.flemming@dhs.gov
• Mom2Mom
Mom2Mom Helpline
Parents of children with special needs can call 1-877-914-6662 for encouragement, support, and guidance.
• Sesame Workshop: Hurricane Kit
Hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters can be difficult for young children who may not fully
understand what's going on around them. These tips, activities, and videos can help them feel safe, cope
with emotions, and understand that there is hope for the future.
http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/hurricane
• Special Child Health Services Case Management Units (SCHS)
This office assists families of children with disabilities with their medical, educational, developmental, social
and economic needs. If you have a child with special healthcare needs and want to find out if your county
SCHS Case Management Unit is open and functioning, call the NJ Department of Health at 609-777-7778.
• The
Th e Great Storm and Flood Recovery Children's Story & Activity Book
You can use this book and the information in the parent guide to support you and your child as you recover
from the problems related to the storm and flooding.
English: http://www.mentorresearch.org/Documents/StormFloodColoringBookParentGuide.pdf
Spanish: http://www.mentorresearch.org/Documents/SpanishFlood%20StormRecoveryParenting.pdf
www.childrens-
www.childrens- specialized.org 1-
1-888-
888-CHILDREN1
College of Education and Human Services
Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health
14 Normal Avenue
Voice: 973-655-6685
Fax: 973-655-5376
Website: http://cehs.montclair.edu/academic/ca/index.shtml
Helping Children When Disaster and Violence Occur
• Ask children what they know and have heard. Correct the
accounts and give permission for many different feelings:
scared, angry, worried, etc. Monitor your own emotion and tone
of voice. Pay attention to your gestures, affect and voice
because children pay special attention to these ways of
communicating, and you can help children feel safer and calmer
when your behaviors convey these feelings.
• It is okay, even important for children to know that the adults in
their lives have the same feelings when bad things happen:
sadness, fear, worry, and anger. Let children know you feel
these feelings and that you are there for them. It is important
however, that you remain in control. If your own reaction is
difficult to manage, enlist another adult to help you with the
children.
• Limit repeated exposure to images and reports of the events.
Follow the child's lead, talk about what happened, and be
reassuring about the ways that you, the adults, will take care of
them. Turn the TV off, read a book, interact in play, talk.
Typical and normal routines are comforting and reassuring to
children.
• At each developmental period, the availability and empathic
response of a caring, familiar, adult begins the process of
remediation.2
• Infants require comfort, familiar attachment figures, holding,
protection, and restoration of routines.
• As language and imagination grow, children need simple words,
repeated reassurances, acceptance of time-limited regression,
constant monitoring and love.
• When children do see images or reports of tragedies, Fred
Rogers (Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood) suggests that we help them
"look for all the people who are helping". Couple the sad
tragedy with the comforting presence of others who are helping
and taking care of others.
• While we as adults may feel unsure of the possibility of future
tragedies, uncertainty is the province of adulthood. We must
always let children know that we will take care of them and
protect them.
• Practice conversations with other adults. Use simple language.
Avoid imposing meanings or interpretations on children. Tell a
child what they need to know not all that you know.
• In cases where a natural disaster has occurred, ask children
what they have seen or heard about. “Feel” with and validate
their feelings. Say something like, “The winds blew some trees
down and the water from the oceans and rivers caused flooding
in some places. Some people were hurt and some houses were
damaged. The emergency crews, police and firefighters are
working hard to take care of all the people who need help.” Wait
to see how the child reacts and respond accordingly. Ask the
child, “Do you think we can help in some way?” Encourage acts
of caring, such as donating items to a food pantry, clothing to a3
shelter or money to a charity that will help families affected by
the disaster. Explain to them what will happen next as this will
help them feel more able to anticipate the future and feel more
secure and protected.
• Similarly, in explaining acts of intentional interpersonal violence,
like acts of terrorism, say something like, “Some people did
some bad things and other people were hurt. But you are safe
here and we will protect you." Be careful not to make
generalizations about groups of people.
• Children with autism and other special needs may process
information – gestures, pictures and language – in different
ways. Often a “4Ls” strategy can help: Less Language and
Longer Latency. This means that you can use fewer words and
wait longer for a reply. Ask the child what they are thinking and
feeling and even draw pictures or tell stories. Use your own
facial expressions, voice and words to reflect and “tune in” to
their emotions. If helpful, use pictures or drawings to identify
and label different feelings. Be prepared for misunderstandings
and misinterpretations, and keep clarifying and reassuring the
child that you will be sure they are safe.
• If the status of a child’s parent or relative is unknown, reassure
the child that you will stay with him/her and that you will be
sure to contact someone they know who can come to be with
them.
• If a child’s parent or relative is missing and may have died, let
the child know that you will be sure that someone from their
family or another close person comes to take care of them. Let
them know that you care for them, hold and hug them if they
will let you, and tell them that you are sad with them.4
• Anniversaries may reactivate original feelings, losses and
worries. While this is true for young children (under age 7), they
are more influenced by the responses of the adults in their lives
and the images/reports they are exposed to.
• Recognize that there are some feelings we can only share and
cannot fix. Children need us to be there with, and for them, at
such times.
Gerard Costa, Ph.D. - 2002/2012Parent Guidelines for
Helping Children after a
Hurricane
Being in a hurricane can be very frightening, and the days, weeks, and months following the storm
can be very stressful. Most families recover over time, especially with the support of relatives,
friends, and their community. But different families may have different experiences during and after
a hurricane, and how long it takes them to recover will depend on how frightening the hurricane
and/or evacuation experience was and the extent of damage and loss. Some families will return to
normal routines fairly quickly, while others may struggle with damage to their home and
possessions, medical care, and financial strain. Some families may have lost a loved one or a pet. A
family’s recovery may also be strongly affected by school closings or changes in school schedules.
Children may react differently to the hurricane and its aftermath depending on their age,
developmental level, and prior experiences. Parents should expect that different children may
respond to events in different ways and be supportive and understanding of different reactions.
Children’s reactions to the hurricane and its aftermath are strongly influenced by how their parents,
teachers, and other caregivers cope during and after the storm. They often turn to these adults for
information, comfort, and help. There are many reactions to hurricanes and other frightening events
that are common among children. These generally diminish with time, but knowing that these
reactions are likely – and normal – can help parents be prepared.
Common Reactions
• Feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry about safety of self and others (including pets):
o Children may have increased fears and worries about separation from family members
o Young children may become more clingy to parents, siblings, or teachers
• Fears about another hurricane coming
• Increased anxiety over future hurricane warnings
• Changes in behavior:
o Increased activity level
o Decreased concentration and attention
o Increased irritability
o Withdrawal
o Angry outbursts
o Aggression
• Increased physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, aches and pains)
• Changes in school performance
• Prolonged focus on the hurricane (e.g., talking repeatedly about it – young children may “play”
the event)
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane 1
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
www.NCTSNet.org• Increased sensitivity to sounds (e.g., thunder, wind, and other loud noises)
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Lack of interest in usual activities, including interest in playing with friends
• Regressive behaviors in young children (e.g., baby talk, bedwetting, tantrums)
• Increased chance of high-risk behaviors in adolescents (e.g., drinking, substance abuse, self-
injurious behaviors)
How Can I Help My Child?
• Spend time talking with your child. This will let your child know that it is OK to ask questions and
to express their concerns. Because the aftermath of a hurricane includes constantly changing
situations, children may have questions on more than one occasion. Issues may need to be
discussed more than one time. You should remain flexible and open to answering new
questions and providing clarifications.
• Finding time to have these conversations is important. One way is to use family times (such as
mealtimes) to talk about what is happening in the family as well as in the community. You
should answer questions briefly and honestly, but also ask your children for their opinions and
ideas about what is discussed. For younger children, try to follow hurricane conversations with a
favorite story or a family activity to help them feel more safe and calm.
Things I Can Do for Myself
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you take good physical care of yourself, including eating well,
sleeping well, and receiving proper medical care.
• Listen to each other. Parents and other caregivers should provide support for each other during
this time.
• Put off major decisions. Avoid making any unnecessary life-altering decisions during this
stressful post-hurricane period.
• Give yourself a break. Try not to overdo clean-up activities after the hurricane. These activities
may include lifting heavy items or working for extended periods of time. Using moderation when
doing such work can reduce injury.
Things I Can Do for My Child
• Be a role model. Changes in living conditions can be extremely stressful for children. They will
take cues of how to handle situations from their parents. Modeling calm behaviors will be
important during chaotic times.
• Encourage your children. Help children help take care of themselves by encouraging them to get
appropriate rest, exercise, and diet. Be sure there is a balance of quiet and physical activities.
• Reassure children that they are safe. This may need to be repeated many times following the
hurricane. You should spend extra time with your children and stay connected. It doesn’t matter
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane 2
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
www.NCTSNet.orgwhether it’s playing games outside, reading together indoors, or just cuddling. Be sure to tell
children they are loved.
• Maintain routines. Even in the midst of chaos and change, children feel more safe and secure
with structure and routine. As much as possible, stick to everyday routines (including mealtimes,
bedtime, etc.).
• Maintain expectations. Stick with family rules, such as rules about good behavior and respect
for others.
• Limit media exposure. It is important for you to protect your child from overexposure to sights
and images of the hurricane, including those in newspapers, on the Internet, or on television.
• Calm worries about friends’ safety. As phone service may be disrupted, communication will be
difficult. Reassure your children that their friends’ parents are taking care of them just as they
are being cared for by you.
• Communicate about community recovery. Reassure children that things are being done in their
community to restore electricity and water, to remove debris, and to help families find
permanent housing.
• Encourage children to help. Children recover and cope better when they feel they are helping.
Find opportunities in which they can contribute in the aftermath of the hurricane. Give small
tasks related to clean-up or family activities. After children spend time in clean-up activities,
provide activities that are not related to the hurricane. This may include playing a game, reading
a book, playing cards, etc.
• Reduce boredom. Many children may complain of boredom. Their daily activities such as
watching television, playing on the computer, or playing with friends have been disrupted. Their
extracurricular activities like sports, dance, etc. have been suspended. Helping children think of
alternative activities during this time will be important. Try to find community programs that
have child-friendly activities and games that your children can be involved in.
• Be patient. Children may need a little extra patience and attention during these times. They may
need added reminders or extra help with chores or homework once school is in session as they
may be more distracted.
• Give support at bedtime. Children may become anxious when they separate from their parents,
in particular at bedtime. First try to spend more time with your child at bed time with such
activities as reading a book. It’s okay to make a temporary arrangement for young children to
sleep with you, but with the understanding that they will go back to normal sleeping
arrangements at a set future date.
• Monitor adult conversations. Be aware of what is being said during adult conversations about
the hurricane and its aftermath. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be
frightened unnecessarily about something they do not understand.
• Seek professional help. If children have difficulties for more than six weeks after the hurricane,
parents should consult a mental health professional for an evaluation.
• Keep things hopeful. Even in the most difficult situations, it is important to identify some
positive aspect and to stay hopeful for the future. A positive and optimistic outlook helps
children see the good things in the world around them. This outlook can be one way to help
them get through even the most challenging times.
Further information about children, families, and hurricanes can be found at the website of the
National Child Traumatic Stress Network, www.NCTSNet.org.
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Hurricane 3
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
www.NCTSNet.orgStatewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
TIPS FOR AGENCIES WORKING WITH FAMILIES IMPACTED BY HURRICANE SANDY
Please also see SPAN’s Economic & Health Resources for Families, available in English and Spanish, on
our website at http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/economic-health-resources-families-nj (English)
http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/recursos-economica-y-con-la-salud-para-familias (Espanol) or
call us to get information or for a copy of these handouts at 800-654-SPAN (7726). Check us out at
www.spanadvocacy.org, on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter @spanvoice.
General Information
Call 211 if you need information on local resources in your county/community. You can find information
at http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm on local resources as well as information on road closures,
shelters, mass transit, emergency updates, where to find gas (Twitter #njgas) or to charge phones, what
businesses are open (Twitter #njopen), finding an open grocery store
(www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#food) or pharmacy (www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#rx), and where to
get emotional support (New Jersey MentalHealthCares' Disaster Helpline: 1-877-294-4357. A TTY line is
available at (877) 294-4356, and translation services are available in Spanish), etc. The NJ Office of
Emergency Management provides a list of gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants and hotels open for
business at http://readynj.posterous.com/list-of-pharmacies-hotels-restaurants-and-gas. The NJ
Department of Health has public health experts available to answer questions about food or water
safety, and mold removal. Call 211 (24/7) or 1-866-234-0964 (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends).
Medication:
If medicine is lost: If prescriptions are ruined because of lack of refrigeration, call your pharmacy (if they
are open) and they will contact your doctor’s office (if they are open) to get the prescription refilled.
If you are a Medicaid recipient, contact your HMO; they may have emergency information on
pharmacies that you can use if your pharmacy is not open. Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy on
Pfizer medications who needs assistance can contact the Pfizer Connection to Care program @ 1-866-
706-2400 and follow the prompts for an operator. They should inform the operator they are on a Pfizer
Medicine and have been a victim of Hurricane Sandy. They will then be given instructions on how to
receive an application to apply. Those who qualify will receive a 90 day supply of their Pfizer medicine to
maintain their therapy. Additionally, Pfizer may be able to help through their MAINTAIN program if
individuals have been left unemployed after the hurricane and do not have insurance.
RX4NJ: Subsidized Prescription Medicines: Rx4NJ helps NJ residents with limited incomes and no health
insurance get free or substantially discounted brand-name prescription medicines.. For more
information, call 1-888-RXFORNJ (1-888-793-6765) or go to www.rx4nj.org . Operators determine
whether you are eligible by asking about 10 questions. They then fill out required forms and send them
to you, so you can get them signed by your doctor. You then provide proof of your income (eligibility is
restricted to families earning no more than twice the federal poverty level, $36,000/year for a family of
four). You send this information to the drug company, who sends the medicine to you or your doctor.Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Applying for Food Stamps, TANF, Medicaid/NJ Family Care, Low Income Home Energy Assistance:
NJ HELPS WEBSITE: The NJ Department of Human Services has a "NJ Helps Website" at
http//:www.njhelps.org to help NJ residents determine if they are eligible for programs such as food
stamps, general assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, NJ Family Care, child
care assistance, kinship care, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance. NJHelps is a free and easy way
for families to prescreen for 8 programs that are available to help you and your family. NJHelps is
private; you do not have to reveal who you are and you information is not shared with anyone. NJHelps
will tell you where to go for help and what to bring with you. NJHelps cannot guarantee that you qualify
for these programs. You must still apply for help by contacting and filling out the required forms for each
program. You can apply online in English or Spanish for food stamps and TANF at
https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj. You can apply for assistance in person at your county social services office.
Utility Payment Assistance & Reporting Utility Problems:
Call "2-1-1" / 1.800.510.3102 (LIHEAP) / 1.866.240.1347 (USF), if you need help. They are open 24
hours a day, seven days a week. Language translation and TTY services are offered to any caller who
needs it. NJ 2-1-1 call specialists will provide you with the location and hours of your local application
agency, explain how the various home energy assistance programs work,check on the status of your
application once it has been filed, and help you find alternative resources if you don't qualify for the
utility assistance programs.
If you have a utility-related emergency, dial 911, but to report power outages, contact your local utility
company: PSE&G 800-436-7734; Atlantic City Electric 800-833-7476; or South Jersey Gas 800-582-7060.
Applying for Storm-Related Disaster Unemployment Insurance:
Residents, including self-employed individuals, of Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex,
Monmouth, Ocean and Union Counties may qualify for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a
result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. If you are unemployed because of damage of
Hurricane Sandy, please file for benefits by going to https://njsuccess.dol.state.nj.us/html/uimain.html .
Those seeking benefits under this program must apply by December 3, 2012
Special Child Health Services Case Management Units (SCHS CMU)
If you have a child with special healthcare needs, and want to find out if your county SCHS Case
Management Unit is open and functioning, call the NJ Department of Health at 609-777-7778.
Doing Laundry
Go to www.TIDELoadsofHope.com to get information on where they will have their laundry trucks.Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Information on Federation Emergency Management Assistance
What do I do if I want to apply for disaster assistance on the phone or on line?
Applicants may call FEMA's Call Center at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY),
and/or apply directly to the agencies individually using the processes currently in place (phone, mailed
application, fax, etc.). Apply online at http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include:
• Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance
may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters.
• Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance
to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
• Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and
other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and
charitable aid programs.
• Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the
disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.
• Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available
up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses.
• Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty
losses; assistance for legal, veterans’ benefits and social security matters.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance: You can begin the disaster application process by registering online
at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-
FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY,
should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-
621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday
through Sunday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic
information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any
other information to help substantiate losses. You can get detailed tips on applying for FEMA assistance
at http://www.nj211.org/hurricanefema.cfm. You can find out information on your closest Disaster
Recovery Center, where you can meet with program representatives and get information about aid and
the recovery process, at 800-621-3362 or on-line at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.
Spanish-speaking Twitter users can get updates at @FEMAEspanol.
If you are having difficulty navigating the FEMA process, you may contact your federal representatives:
Senator Bob Menendez: (856) 757-5353 Senator Frank Lautenberg: (856) 338-8922
Congressman Rob Andrews: (856) 546-5100 Congressman Rush Holt: (609) 750-9365
Congressman Frank LoBiondo: (609) 625-5008 Congressman Jon Runyan: (856) 780-6436
Congressman Chris Smith: (609) 585-7878 Congressman Scott Garrett: (201) 444-5454
Congressman Frank Pallone: (732) 249-8892 Congressman Bill Pascrell: (973) 523-5152
Congressman Steve Rothman: (201) 646-0808 Congressman R. Frelinghuysen: (973) 984-0711
Congressman Albio Sires: (201) 222-2828Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
CONSEJOS PARA AGENCIAS QUE TRABAJAN CON FAMILIAS AFECTADAS POR EL HURACÁN SANDY
Por favor, consulte también los Recursos Económicos y de Salud de SPAN para familias, disponible en
Inglés y Español, en nuestro sitio web en http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/economic-health-
resources-families-nj (inglés) http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/recursos-economica-y-con-la-
salud-para-familias (español) o llámenos al 800-654-SPAN (7726) para obtener información o una copia
de estas hojas informativas. Puede visitarnos en www.spanadvocacy.org, en nuestra página de
Facebook, o síganos en Twitter @ spanvoice.
Información General
Llame al 211 si necesita información sobre recursos locales en su comunidad o condado. Encuentre
información en http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm sobre recursos locales, así como información sobre
cierres de carreteras, refugios, transporte público, actualizaciones de emergencia, lugares para
encontrar gasolina (Twitter # njgas) o para cargar los teléfonos, qué negocios están abiertos (Twitter #
njopen), supermercados abiertos (www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#food) o farmacias
(www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#rx), y para apoyo emocional (New Jersey MentalHealthCares' Disaster
Helpline: 1-877-294-4357. Una línea TTY está disponible en (877) 294-4356, y hay servicio de traducción
al español), etc. La Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias de Nueva Jersey ofrece una lista de las estaciones
de servicio, farmacias, restaurantes y hoteles abiertos para los negocios en
http://readynj.posterous.com/list-of-pharmacies-hotels-restaurants-and-gas. El Departamento de
Salud de Nueva Jersey cuenta con expertos en salud pública disponibles para responder preguntas
sobre los alimentos, la seguridad del agua y la eliminación del moho. Llame al 211 (las 24 horas) o al 1-
866-234-0964 (8:00 am a 8:00 pm de lunes a viernes y de 10:00 am a 5:00 pm los fines de semana).
Medicamentos:
Si pierde sus medicinas: Si se dañan sus medicamentos por falta de refrigeración, llame a su farmacia (si
está abierta) y ésta se pondrá en contacto con la oficina de su médico (si está abierta) para que su receta
le sea preparada de nuevo.
Si usted es un beneficiario de Medicaid, comuníquese con su HMO, el cual puede tener información de
emergencia acerca de las farmacias que puede utilizar si la suya no está abierta. Toda persona afectada
por el huracán Sandy que esté utilizando medicamentos de Pfizer y que necesite ayuda puede ponerse
en contacto con la Conexión de Ayuda de Pfizer al 1-866-706-2400 y seguir las instrucciones del
operador. Se debe informar al operador que está tomando un medicamento de Pfizer y que ha sido
víctima del Huracán Sandy. A continuación, se le dará instrucciones sobre cómo recibir una solicitud
para aplicar. Aquellos que califiquen recibirán un suministro de 90 días de su medicamento de Pfizer.
Además, Pfizer puede ayudar a través de su programa MANTENER si las personas se han quedado sin
empleo después del huracán y no tienen seguro.
Rx4NJ: Medicamentos con Receta Subsidiados: Rx4NJ ayuda a residentes de Nueva Jersey que tienen
ingresos limitados y no tienen seguro de salud a conseguir medicamentos de marca recetados gratis o
con grandes descuentos. Para obtener más información, llame al 1-888-RXFORNJ (1-888-793-6765) oStatewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
visite www.rx4nj.org . Un operador le hará 10 preguntas para determinar si usted es elegible. A
continuación, completará los formularios requeridos y se los enviará a usted, para que sea firmado por
su médico. Luego, usted debe presentar la prueba de sus ingresos (la elegibilidad está limitada a las
familias que ganan no más de dos veces el nivel de pobreza federal, $36,000 al año para una familia de
cuatro). Usted envía esta información a la compañía farmacéutica, y ésta le enviará el medicamento a
usted o a su médico.
Solicitud de Cupones de Alimentos, TANF, Medicaid/NJ Family Care, Asistencia de Energía para
Hogares de Bajos Ingresos:
PÁGINA WEB NJ HELPS: El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nueva Jersey tiene una página web
NJ HELPS en http / /: www.njhelps.org para ayudar a los residentes de NJ a determinar si son elegibles a
programas como cupones de alimentos, asistencia general, Asistencia Temporal para Familias
Necesitadas, Medicaid, NJ Family Care, asistencia para el cuidado de niños, cuidado de parientes y
Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos. NJHelps es una forma fácil y gratuita para que las
familias determinen si califican a 8 programas que están disponibles. NJHelps ofrece privacidad; usted
no tiene que revelar quién es usted y la información no se comparte con nadie. NJHelps le dirá a dónde
ir para obtener ayuda y lo que debe llevar con usted. NJHelps no le garantiza que usted califique para
estos programas. No obstante, debe solicitar ayuda comunicándose y llenando los formularios
requeridos para cada programa. Para solicitar la ayuda de cupones de alimentos y TANF en inglés y en
español en línea visite https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj. Usted puede solicitar asistencia en persona en su
oficina de servicios sociales del condado.
Asistencia para el pago de facturas de servicios públicos y cómo reportar un problema con los
servicios públicos:
Si necesita ayuda llame al "2-1-1" / 1.800.510.3102 (LIHEAP) / 1.866.240.1347 (USF). Están abiertos las
24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana. Prestan servicios de traducción y servicios de TTY para
cualquier persona que lo necesite. Los especialistas de llamadas de NJ 2-1-1 le proporcionarán la
ubicación y horas de operación de su agencia local para realizar solicitudes, le explicarán cómo trabajan
los programas de asistencia de energía en el hogar, comprobarán el estado de su solicitud una vez que
ésta ha sido presentada, y le ayudarán a encontrar recursos alternativos si usted no califica para los
programas de asistencia de servicios públicos.
Si usted tiene una emergencia relacionada con algún servicio público, marque el 911, pero para
reportar cortes de energía eléctrica, póngase en contacto con su compañía local de servicios públicos:
PSE & G al 800-436-7734; Atlantic City Electric al 800-833-7476, o South Jersey Gas al 800-582-7060.
Solicitar Seguros de Desempleo por Desastres Causados por Tormentas:
Los residentes de los condados de Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean y
Union pueden calificar para Asistencia Federal de Desempleo por Desastre como resultado de la
devastación causada por el Huracán Sandy. Esto también abarca a trabajadores independientes. Si usted
está desempleado debido a los daños causados por el huracán Sandy, por favor solicite beneficiosStatewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
visitando https://njsuccess.dol.state.nj.us/html/uimain.html Quienes busquen beneficiarse de este
programa deben aplicar antes del 3 de diciembre de 2012
Unidades de Manejo de Casos de los Servicios de Salud del Niño Especial (SCHS CMU)
Si usted tiene un niño con necesidades especiales de salud, y quiere averiguar si la Unidad de Manejo de
Casos de su condado está abierta y funcionando, llame al Departamento de Salud de Nueva Jersey al
609-777-7778.
Lavar la Ropa
Visite www.TIDELoadsofHope.com para obtener información sobre dónde van a tener sus camiones de
lavandería.
Información de FEMA
¿Qué debo hacer si deseo solicitar asistencia por teléfono o en línea?
Los solicitantes pueden llamar al Centro de Llamadas de FEMA al 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) o al
1-800-462-7585 (TTY), o aplicar directamente a las agencias individualmente utilizando los mecanismos
que existen actualmente (teléfono, solicitud por correo, fax, etc.). Solicite en línea en
http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm
El Tipo de Asistencia para Individuos y Familias Afectadas Puede Incluir:
• Pagos de alquiler para vivienda temporal para aquellos cuyos hogares estén inhabitables. La
asistencia inicial podría estar disponible por un máximo de tres meses para propietarios de
viviendas y de al menos un mes para inquilinos.
• Subvenciones para reparaciones del hogar y para el reemplazo de artículos esenciales del hogar
no cubiertos por el seguro para que las viviendas dañadas sean seguras, higiénicas y funcionales.
• Subvenciones para reemplazar propiedad personal y para ayudar a cubrir los gastos médicos,
dentales, funerarios, de transporte y otras necesidades importantes relacionadas con el desastre
no cubiertas por el seguro ni por otro programa federal, estatal y de ayuda caritativa.
• Pagos por desempleo de hasta 26 semanas para trabajadores que perdieron su trabajo
temporalmente a causa del desastre y que no califican para los beneficios estatales, como por
ejemplo los trabajadores independientes.
• Préstamos a bajo interés para cubrir pérdidas residenciales no compensadas totalmente por el
seguro. Préstamos de hasta $200.000 para vivienda primaria, $ 40,000 para propiedad personal,
incluyendo pérdidas de los inquilinos.
• Consejería de crisis para aquellos traumatizados por el desastre, asistencia con el impuesto sobre
la renta para reclamar pérdidas por accidentes, asistencia para beneficios legales y de veteranos,
y de asuntos del seguro social.Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Cómo Solicitar Asistencia de FEMA: Usted puede comenzar el proceso de solicitud para desastres
inscribiéndose en línea en www.DisasterAssistance.gov, a través de celulares con acceso a internet en
m.fema.gov o llamando al 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Los solicitantes de asistencia por desastre, que
tienen una discapacidad del habla o pérdida de la audición y usan TTY deben llamar al 1-800-462-
7585, directamente; para los que utilizan 711 o Servicio de Retransmisión de Video (VRS), deben
llamar al 1-800-621-3362. Los números de teléfono gratuitos están disponibles de 7 am a 10 pm (hora
local) de lunes a domingo hasta nuevo aviso. Los solicitantes que se inscriben para recibir asistencia
deben estar preparados para proporcionar información básica sobre sí mismos (nombre, domicilio,
número de teléfono), cobertura de seguros y cualquier otra información que ayude a justificar las
pérdidas. Usted puede obtener consejos detallados sobre cómo solicitar asistencia de FEMA en
http://www.nj211.org/hurricanefema.cfm. Puede encontrar información sobre su Centro de
Recuperación de Desastres más cercano, donde puede reunirse con representantes del programa y
obtener información acerca de la ayuda y el proceso de recuperación, al 800-621-3362 o en línea en
http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. Los usuarios de Twitter que hablan español pueden
obtener actualizaciones en @ FEMAEspanol.
Si usted está teniendo dificultades para navegar el proceso de FEMA, puede ponerse en contacto con
sus representantes federales:
Senador Bob Menendez: (856) 757-5353 Senador Frank Lautenberg: (856) 338-8922
Congresista Rob Andrews: (856) 546-5100 Congresista Rush Holt: (609) 750-9365
Congresista Frank LoBiondo: (609) 625-5008 Congresista Jon Runyan: (856) 780-6436
Congresista Chris Smith: (609) 585-7878 Congresista Scott Garrett: (201) 444-5454
Congresista Frank Pallone: (732) 249-8892 Congresista Bill Pascrell: (973) 523-5152
Congresista Steve Rothman: (201) 646-0808 Congresista R. Frelinghuysen: (973) 984-0711
Congresista Albio Sires: (201) 222-2828Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
CONSEJOS PARA FAMILIAS AFECTADAS POR EL HURACÁN SANDY
Por favor, consulte también los Recursos Económicos y de Salud de SPAN para familias, disponible en
Inglés y español, en nuestro sitio web en http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/economic-health-
resources-families-nj (inglés) http://www.spanadvocacy.org/content/recursos-economica-y-con-la-
salud-para-familias (español), o llámenos al 800-654-SPAN (7726) para obtener información o una copia
de estas hojas informativas. Puede visitarnos en www.spanadvocacy.org, en nuestra página de
Facebook, o síganos en Twitter @ spanvoice.
Información General
Llame al 211 si necesita información sobre recursos locales en su comunidad o condado. Encuentre
información en http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm
Para encontrar gasolineras
• Twitter #njgas
• http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#gas
• http://readynj.posterous.com/list-of-pharmacies-hotels-restaurants-and-gas
Para encontrar supermercados abiertos
• Twitter #njopen
• http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#food
• http://readynj.posterous.com/list-of-pharmacies-hotels-restaurants-and-gas
Para encontrar farmacias abiertas
• Twitter #njopen
• http://www.nj211.org/hurricane.cfm#rx
• http://readynj.posterous.com/list-of-pharmacies-hotels-restaurants-and-gas
Para obtener apoyo emocional
• Línea de Ayuda de Desastres del Cuidado de la Salud Mental de Nueva Jersey 877-294-4357; TTY
877-294-4356
• Línea Telefónica de Asesoramiento en Desastres SAMHSA www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/
Acceso a Expertos en Salud Pública
• Para hacer preguntas acerca de la seguridad de los alimentos, la seguridad del agua, la eliminación
de moho: 211 o 866-234-0964 (211 está disponible las 24 horas del día, los funcionarios de salud
pública estarán disponibles de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. lunes a viernes y de 10 am a 5 pm los fines de
semana)
Reemplazo de medicamentos perdidos/Obtener ayuda con recetaStatewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
• Si pierde sus medicinas: llame a su farmacia (si está abierta) y ésta se pondrá en contacto con la
oficina de su médico (si está abierta) para que su receta le sea preparada de nuevo.
• Si usted es un beneficiario de Medicaid, comuníquese con su HMO, que puede tener información de
emergencia de las farmacias que usted puede utilizar si la suya no está abierta.
• Toda persona afectada por el huracán Sandy que utilice medicamentos de Pfizer y que necesite
ayuda puede ponerse en contacto con el programa de Conexión de Ayuda de Pfizer al 1-866-706-
2400 y seguir las instrucciones del operador.
• Rx4NJ: Medicamentos con Recetas Subsidiadas: Para obtener más información, llame al 1-888-
RXFORNJ (1-888-793-6765) o visite www.rx4nj.org.
Solicitud de Cupones de Alimentos, TANF, Medicaid/NJ Family Care, Asistencia de Energía para
Hogares de Bajos Ingresos:
PÁGINA WEB NJ HELPS: Para solicitar la ayuda de cupones de alimentos y TANF en inglés y en español
en línea visite https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj. Usted puede solicitar asistencia en persona en su oficina de
servicios sociales del condado.
Llame al "2-1-1" / 1.800.510.3102 (LIHEAP) / 1.866.240.1347 (USF), si necesita ayuda para pagar las
facturas de los servicios públicos. Están disponibles las 24 horas del día, todos los días de la semana.
Tienen servicio de traducción y de TTY.
Si usted tiene una emergencia relacionada con algún servicio público, marque el 911, pero para
reportar cortes de energía eléctrica, póngase en contacto con su compañía local de servicios públicos:
PSE & G al 800-436-7734; Atlantic City Electric al 800-833-7476, o South Jersey Gas al 800-582-7060.
Solicitar Seguros de Desempleo por Desastres Causados por Tormentas:
Los residentes de los condados de Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean y
Union pueden calificar para Asistencia Federal de Desempleo por Desastre como resultado de la
devastación causada por el Huracán Sandy. Esto también abarca a trabajadores independientes. Si usted
está desempleado debido a los daños causados por el huracán Sandy, por favor solicite beneficios
visitando https://njsuccess.dol.state.nj.us/html/uimain.html Quienes busquen beneficiarse de este
programa deben aplicar antes del 3 de diciembre de 2012
Solicitud de Asistencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias
• Centro de llamada de FEMA al 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362); TTY 800-462-7585, o en línea al
http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm o www.DisasterAssistance.gov; a través del celular en
m.fema.gov; las líneas gratuitas están disponibles de 7 am a 10 pm los 7 días de la semana.
Información detallada para realizar la solicitud en www.nj211.org/hurricanefema.cfm. Usted puede
encontrar información sobre su Centro de Recuperación de Desastres más cercano, donde puede
reunirse con representantes del programa y obtener información acerca de la ayuda y el proceso de
recuperación, al 800-621-3362 o en línea en http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. Los
usuarios de Twitter que hablan español pueden obtener actualizaciones en @ FEMAEspanol.Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey St., Fourth Floor, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100 Fax: 973-642-8080
Toll-free: 1-800-654-SPAN
Website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Si usted está teniendo dificultades para navegar el proceso de FEMA, puede ponerse en contacto con
sus representantes federales:
Senador Bob Menendez: (856) 757-5353 Senador Frank Lautenberg: (856) 338-8922
Congresista Rob Andrews: (856) 546-5100 Congresista Rush Holt: (609) 750-9365
Congresista Frank LoBiondo: (609) 625-5008 Congresista Jon Runyan: (856) 780-6436
Congresista Chris Smith: (609) 585-7878 Congresista Scott Garrett: (201) 444-5454
Congresista Frank Pallone: (732) 249-8892 Congresista Bill Pascrell: (973) 523-5152
Congresista Steve Rothman: (201) 646-0808 Congresista R. Frelinghuysen: (973) 984-0711
Congresista Albio Sires: (201) 222-2828
Unidades de Manejo de Casos de los Servicios de Salud del Niño Especial (SCHS CMU)
Si usted tiene un niño con necesidades especiales de salud, y quiere averiguar si la Unidad de Manejo de
Casos de su condado está abierta y funcionando, llame al Departamento de Salud de Nueva Jersey al
609-777-7778.
Lavar la Ropa
Visite www.TIDELoadsofHope.com para obtener información sobre dónde van a tener sus camiones de
lavandería.You can also read
