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FOR A LIST OF ITEMS NEEDED FOR DISASTER RECOVERY PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
Sunday, October 28
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
Children may respond to disaster by demonstrating increased anxiety or emotional and behavioral problems. Some younger children may return to earlier behavior patterns, such as bed wetting and separation anxiety. Older children may react to physical and emotional disruptions with aggression or withdrawal. Even children who have only indirect contact with the disaster may have unresolved feelings.
In most cases, such responses are temporary. As time passes, symptoms usually ease. However, high winds, sirens or other reminders of the emotions associated with the disaster may cause anxiety to return.
Children imitate the way adults cope with emergencies. They can detect adults' uncertainty and grief. Adults can make disasters less traumatic for children by maintaining a sense of control over the situation. The most assistance you can provide a child is to be calm, honest, and caring.
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A Child's Reaction to Disaster by Age
Below are some common physical and emotional reactions in children after a disaster or traumatic event:
BIRTH TO 2 YEARS - When children are pre-verbal and experience a trauma, they do not have the words to describe the event or their feelings. However, they can retain memories of particular sights, sounds, or smells. Infants may react to trauma by being irritable, crying more than usual, or wanting to be held and cuddled. As children get older, their play may involve acting out elements of the traumatic event that occurred several years in the past and was seemingly forgotten.
PRESCHOOL - 2 TO 6 YEARS - Preschool children often feel helpless and powerless in the face of an overwhelming event. Because of their age and small size, they lack the ability to protect themselves or others. As a result, they feel intense fear and insecurity. Preschoolers cannot grasp the concept of permanent loss. They see consequences as being reversible. In the weeks following a traumatic event, preschoolers' play activities may involve aspects of the event. They may reenact the incident or the disaster over and over again.
SCHOOL AGE - 8 TO 10 YEARS - The school-age child has the ability to understand the permanence of loss. Some children become intensely preoccupied with the details of a traumatic event and want to talk about it continually. This preoccupation can interfere with the child's concentration at school and academic performance may decline. School-aged children may display a wide range of reactions - guilt, feelings of failure, anger that the event was not prevented, or fantasies of playing rescuer.
PRE-ADOLESCENCE TO ADOLESCENCE - 11 TO 18 YEARS - As children grow older, their responses begin to resemble adults' reaction to trauma. They combine some more childlike reactions with others that seem more consistent with adult reactions. Survival of trauma can be equated with a sense of immortality. A teenager may become involved in dangerous, risk-taking behavior, such as reckless driving or alcohol or drug use. In contrast, a teenager can become fearful of leaving home. Much of adolescence is focused on moving out into the world. After a trauma, the world can seem dangerous and unsafe. A teenager may feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, and yet feel unable to discuss them with relatives.
(Information courtesy of the American Red Cross and the University of Illinois)
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Preparedness Helps
Preparing for disaster helps everyone in the family accept the fact that disaster can happen, and provides an opportunity to identify and collect the resources needed to meet basic needs after disaster.
Preparedness includes:
Talking about damage that may be caused by disasters that can strike in your area of the country.
Decide on a number to call and a place where the family will reunite if separated by a disaster.
Pulling together supplies of basic items: food, water, battery, radio, flashlight, etc.
Selecting valued personal items for each member of the family to take if you are required to leave your home. For a child, such items may include a favorite toy, blanket or other item that the child uses as a source of comfort when upset.
Safeguarding personal possessions with emotional importance such as photographs, family heirlooms, baby books, or other items that can't be replaced. Be sure to include one or two items that your child is especially proud of.
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Meeting the Child's Emotional Needs
Children usually take their lead in a situation by reading the emotions of adults. Adults should share their true feelings about the incident, but maintain a sense of calm for the child's sense of well-being.
Listen to what the child is saying. If a young child is asking questions about the event, answer them simply without the elaboration needed for an older child or adult. If a child has difficulty expressing feelings, allow the child to draw a picture or tell a story of what happened.
Try to understand what is causing anxieties and fears. Be aware that following a disaster, children are most afraid that-
The event will happen again
They will be separated from the family
They will be left alone
REASSURE CHILDREN WITH COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING. Suggestions to help:
Hug and touch your children.
Calmly and firmly provide factual information about the recent disaster.
Encourage your children to talk about their feelings. Be honest about your own.
Spend extra time with your children at bedtime.
Re-establish a schedule for work, play, meals and rest.
Involve your children by giving them specific chores to help them feel they are helping to restore family and community life.
Encourage your children to help develop a family disaster plan.
Make sure your children know what to do when they hear smoke detectors, fire alarms, and local community warning systems such as horns or sirens.
Praise and recognize responsible behavior.
Understand that your children will need to mourn their own losses.
You've tried to create a reassuring environment. If your children do not respond when you follow the suggestions listed above, seek help from an appropriate professional such as the child's primary care physician, a mental health provider specializing in children's needs or a member of the clergy.
Friday, October 26
3:54 PM
Chabad has been designated as a collection site for emergency items needed for disaster victims to be able to live in temporary spaces for the immediate future. Items such as household furniture, crockery, baby/children's items can be brought in large quantities to Chabad of San Diego's 27 acre Chabad Educational Center campus in Scripps Ranch at 10785 Pomerado Rd. S. Diego, CA 92131. Please contact Rabbi Eber at 858-547-0076 x 1217 or seber@chabadsd.org to notify of volume drop-off's. Volunteers and CHA students are set to sort and distribute.
Please help us help others with the following:
Sifters
Shovels
Hoes
Gloves
Wheelbarrows
Cleaning supplies
Pillows
Blankets
Toiletries
Household items
Linens
Towels
Laundry baskets
Diapers
Baby wipes
Children's toys (new or gently used)
Children's books
Backpacks (new)
Sleeping bags
First aid supplies
Canned and other non-perishable food
Baby formula
Gift cards for groceries, gas, and department store items
Clothing
Students will sort, categorize, and distribute these items as they arrive at school. We are accepting donations right away. We are also filling special gift baskets for fire victims who are starting over. These comfort baskets will contain special items that they would not purchase for themselves immediately, including stationary, stamps, specialty tea or coffee, healthy snacks, special lotions, scented candles, etc. Any donations will be gratefully received.
If you would like a receipt, please be sure to deliver your items between 8:30 and 3:00 Monday through Friday.
3:30 pm
Dear Members of the CHA Community,
I hope you are well and recovering from San Diego's recent misfortune. Chabad Hebrew Academy is being cleaned, from top to bottom, at this very moment. Teachers have met and discussed plans for our opening day which is on Monday. This evening, we shall be holding a Friday night service at the shul (6:00 PM) followed by a personal thanksgiving dinner (6:45 PM). We would love to see you at one or both of these events.
On Sunday, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, there will be a meeting of all CHA parents in the shul. Our purpose is to discuss with you the opening of school and the impact this event has had on school life. We have also invited a psychologist to speak on how to help our children deal with this tragedy.
Today, at the Chabad shul in University City, the middle school students of Chabad Hebrew Academy began a nation wide effort to assist the San Diego community. Together with their teachers, the students have designated Chabad Hebrew Academy as a collection and distribution site for fire relief. Above is a preliminary list of items that victims of the fire need.
Please call me if you have any questions. My best to you all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelley
8:45 am
Great news! Chabad Hebrew Academy will reopen on Monday at 8:00 am!
The campus is undergoing a thorough cleaning, and will be ready for our students to resume learning. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Thursday, October 25
5:30 pm
-Kids: We had a fantastic time together at our get-together in University City! We'll do it again tomorrow! (10-12) Dr. Kelley was planning lunch as we left, so we will be as surprised as you.
-Teachers: Since we're with the kids from 10-12, we changed the time and venue of the faculty meeting to 12:15 (immediately after the program) at Chabad University City.
-Families: Shabbat service at Chabad Scripps Ranch begins at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by a thanksgiving meal. Despite the hardships of the week, we have many blessings for which we are thankful!
-Parents: Sunday evening we will open our school library for a meeting of parents to talk about the reopening of school, which will hopefully take place on Monday!
7:15 am
Thankfully the Santa Ana winds have stopped, and many of our families and staff were permitted back in their homes yesterday. We know that many of you, including several teachers, are still under mandatory evacuation. Please let us know if there's anything that you need! Remember that today and tomorrow, many of us will be at Chabad, University City, from 10-12 providing activities for children, and a pizza lunch. We'd love to see you there!
Wednesday, October 24
6:57PM
-A special fund has been created to assist county residents, in addition to funding the recovery team that has been assembled for your benefit.
2:40PM
Chabad of San Diego County HQ
-5 of our 15 Chabad centers were evacuated during the fire: Chabad HQ/Chabad Hebrew Academy Scripps Ranch campus, Chabad Chula Vista/East Lake, Chabad Bonita, Chabad Poway, Chabad Rancho Santa Fe. All members were called and assisted in the evacuation process. Torah Scrolls and religious items were evacuated. The remaining 10 centers provide invaluable assistance and enhanced evacuee programming throughout. Each serves as a shelter and public food kitchen to evacuees and those in need, providing food, shelter and monetary support. Hundreds of volunteers continue to assist in our efforts to feed others and assist. Reports and visits to many of our friends, members and neighbors destroyed homes are painful to bear.
-Local media reports that "police are turning back donors at Qualcomm Stadium" Chabad was called at the same time by directors of the city's largest relief effort, asking to please continue the kosher food distribution continuously, as evacuees were requesting that the kosher food return. We thank Chabad of California, Jeffs Gourmet, and Kosher Club of LA for 3,000 meals sent yesterday and local kosher caterers, Shmoozers, The Place and the West Coast OU for their speedy assistance.
-Many of our local Chabad rabbis serve as official chaplains, and clergy of the local emergency services and have been working tirelessly behind the fire lines for three and a half days, with little sleep.
-This Friday evening, Chabad is hosting a Friday night dinner of thanksgiving for residents throughout the entire region. The Shabbat dinner is in thanks for the life and wellbeing of our families during the darkest days experienced in this region. Our hearts go out to our friends who have lost their homes this past week. All county residents are welcome, regardless of religion. Shabbat service at 6PM, followed by dinner catered by Charles Rubin Catering.
-Chabad Hebrew Academy is conducting workshops and activities for children of all age groups and schools at Chabad of University City while the regions schools are out. "Students have been cramped in evacuation areas and need some semblance of normal life." said Dr. Linda Kelley, Head of School. "It also doesn't hurt to allow parents to run some quick errands and get supplies while the regions schools are out." The program will run through Friday from 10AM-12PM at Chabad of University City, 3813 Governor Dr., 92122. A free lunch is served. Today's activities saw many smiling children, happy to be out of the house and enjoying each others' company. A special thank you to the faculty of the Chabad Hebrew Academy for their devotion to the children, despite living under evacuation conditions.
-Over 1,000 Kosher meals were distributed to many thankful evacuees at Qualcomm Stadium and Chabad.
-Thank you to all of our volunteers who are working so hard & giving of themselves.
-For short term cash or advice on how to proceed upon the loss of your home, please contact us for assistance. Chabad has set up an entire team of insurance and loss recovery professionals to assist.
6:52 PM
Having recently been allowed back into the Chabad campus after having been evacuated, an immediate assessment was to hire a company, specializing in post disaster cleanup, and neutralizing any negative particles on our campus. We have ordered a full "Passover" cleaning that is set to begin tomorrow and continue through the weekend. Our computer system is up and running again, and teachers have been asked to meet at 1:00 PM on Friday to discuss issues related to our first day back. We are still planning to re-open the Chabad Hebrew Academy on Monday but, as mentioned, this will depend upon the air quality in the Scripps Ranch area. Parents and faculty will be notified in advance if this changes.
11:09AM
San Diego County officials offer this advice on cleanup:
As some residents are allowed back into their homes and neighborhoods, there are several precautions they should take as they begin the task of cleaning up.
· Avoid disseminating ash into the air; do not use leaf blowers or non-HEPA filter vacuums.
· The Regional Water Control Quality Board asks that you avoid washing ash into storm drains if possible.
· Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact.
· If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off as soon as possible.
· Wear well-fitting dust masks; those rated N-95 or P-100 provide better protection than simple dust or surgical masks. Persons with heart or lung disease should consult a physician before using a mask.
· Lightly mist indoor and outdoor hard surfaces before gently sweeping ash, followed by wet mopping. On lightly dusted areas, a damp cloth or wet mop may be all that is needed.
· Collected ash may be disposed of in your regular trash collection. Ash may be stored in plastic bags or other containers that will prevent it from being disturbed.
Tuesday, October 23
7:39 PM
Dear Members of the Chabad Hebrew Academy Community,
I write you today to let you know that the school has been untouched by
the catastrophic fires that have affected so many. Although we want to
re-open soon, we shall be following the decision by all San Diego County
schools to remain closed through Friday. We want to be sure that the air quality
is safe for children and we want to clean the school thoroughly before everyone returns.
In the meantime, we are offering a voluntary program for all children on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Our teachers will be offering activities and lunch at Chabad University City.
Parents are welcome and we hope you all can attend.
Please check the school's website for specific information and updates from time to time.
This Sunday evening, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, we shall hold a meeting
for parents only in the Chabad Hebrew Academy library. This will give us a
chance to come together as a community and discuss any issues you may
have about how this crisis will affect your child's education.
In the meantime, please call me if you have any questions. My cell
phone number is (858) 413-6322.
Best wishes,
Dr. Kelley
Head of School
Please let us know if you need any assistance.
3:58 PM
This week, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 - 12:30PM, there will be children's activities led by our wonderful Chabad Hebrew Academy faculty at the Chabad Center of University City, 3813 Governor Drive.
A free lunch will be served catered by The Place/Dairy Place.
Activities will be divided by age group:
Preschool, K-3rd grade & 4-8 grade led by the directors, teachers and extra curricular specialists of the Chabad Hebrew Academy.
Parents are also invited to chat with the Rabbi and the Head.
All Children are invited to participate. A follow up email detailing the resumption of the regular school schedule will be sent shortly.
Please relay this information to any families who can benefit from these activities.
2:01 PM
Great news!
All evacuees and those returning to the Scripps Ranch area are welcome to stop by at Chabad of San Diego Headquarters in Scripps Ranch for HOT KOSHER MEALS trucked in from Jeff's Gourmet and the Kosher Club in Los Angeles courtesy of Chabad.
Hot, Kosher meals will be available at the Chabad Hebrew Academy at 10785 Pomerado Rd. San Diego, 92131 from 6:30 PM until 9:00 PM and then at Qualcomm Stadium. You are welcome to come by with your family.
For those willing to assist with setup and distribution of the meals please reply to this email or contact Rabbi Motte Fradkin at 858-531-4266.
11:00 AM
The past few days have been traumatic for all in the region. With the benefit of hindsight and experience of the Cedar Fire tragedy, we feel very strongly for everyone going through this weeks trauma.
Regardless of a persons wealth or financial status, displacement and uncertainty effect us all. The greatest step anyone can do is reach out to a friend or neighbor and lend emotional and physical support.
If you or anyone you know are in need of short term funds, advice or counciling please call upon our friendship and recent experience.
Each of our 30 Chabad rabbi's are out in the community bringing people hot kosher meals, financial assistance and a warm Chabad smile.
Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy few days ahead.
We Are One Family
Four years ago we experienced a devastating fire, and miraculously opened school just a few weeks later. This could not have happened without the exceptional outreach from across the community. Please know that each and every one of you is in our thoughts and prayers as we weather this fire storm. As a family we are connected, though disbursed around the county, seeking shelter from family and friends. Even through our own hardships, we reach beyond our own concerns to others who need us most. Please do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you may need during these difficult days. Josef Fradkin is more than happy to coordinate resources for you, and can be reached at JFradkin@chabadsd.org. If you have urgent issues, please do not hesitate to call Cheryl White at 619-246-5906. She will respond to you immediately.
We look forward to being together again soon, and wish you all the best. Stay safe!
Rabbi Yonah Fradkin
If anyone has immediate concerns or questions regarding the school, please call Dr. Kelley at 858-413-6322
8:45 a.m.
Dr. Linda Kelley announced that school will be closed on Wednesday due to the proximity of the fires and resulting poor air quality.
Monday, October 22, 2007 -
7:30 PM
Mayor Jerry Sanders and Councilman Brian Maienschein spoke with Rabbi Yonah Fradkin conveying a sense of calm that the fires will not redraw the path of the Cedar Fire through Scripps Ranch and that all remains safe at the Chabad campus. In addition the cities full support was conveyed directly to Rabbi Fradkin to assist with the needs of our community.
7:01 PM
The Chabad Hebrew Academy will be closed on Tuesday and presumably on Wednesday until Scripps Ranch is re-opened, the fires have reached a non threatening level and only once we have been assured that the air quality is safe for students and staff.
11:10 AM
Apartments in La Jolla for those in need of a short term home. All of Chabad of San Diego Counties 30 Rabbi's are there to assist the entire community. Please call 858-231-7002 for assistance.
10:00 AM
Rabbi Polichenco and Chabad HA families in Chula Vista and TJ have opened their homes for those wishing to evacuate to the south bay. Please call Rabbi Polichenco at 619.726.4645 to arrange hospitality. Please do not come to the Scripps Ranch area and stay safe.
5:10 AM
SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY and children should remain indoors for health reasons. In case you are in need of an evacuation site Chabad of Downtown SD at 472 Third Avenue S. Diego, CA 92101 PH 619-702-8518 and Chabad of SDSU at 6115 Montezuma SD, CA 92115 is available for evacuation of CHA families.
Please be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will not open school unless we are confident it will be safe for our students.
For up to date information, please contact 1.800.CHABAD9. All sources are keeping the people manning the phones at 800 Chabad 9 informed of up to date information.
Email jfradkin@chabasd.org with your contact information and you will be contacted ASAP. If you are in immediate need of assistance, please contact Cheryl White at 619-246-5906. Be safe!
Below are some websites you may be interested in to keep you updated on the situation:
www.signonradio.com
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/fireblog/
http://www.10news.com/index.html
http://www.signonsandiego.com/
Stay safe!
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