The following are some tips from the Red Cross to help children and families cope with the aftermath of this disaster:

� Keep the family together, but be careful not to place children at risk for injury if you visit a damaged site. It is important not to force children to return to the site of the devastation. They can be overwhelmed by the enormous extent of the damage. Focus on basic needs such as safe, dry shelter; food and water; medicines and health items; clothes and a safe place to cook and store food.
� Try to leave children with relatives and friends if you need to handle demolition or construction work. They need to be supervised and comforted by adults who are familiar to them. When children return to school they can build their own informal network of support � but at other times be sure to spend a lot of time with them.
� Calmly explain the situation. As best you can, tell children what you know about the tornado and its effects. Explain what will happen next. Speak to them at their level of understanding.
� Encourage children to express their feelings. Let them talk about the storm and about the plans for the future and encourage them to ask as many questions as they want. Try to be patient. If possible, include the entire family in these discussions, and listen carefully to children�s concerns.
� Make children an integral part of recovery activities, if those activities do not pose injury risks. Assign children tasks they can undertake, even if they are simple ones, such as counting books or organizing toys. Having their own tasks will remind children that progress is being made. Also, playing is an important way for children to work out their feelings, so try to make time for play.
� Don�t hesitate to seek help. After a disaster as devastating as this one, a family�s needs could be so profound that professional aid is needed. The American Red Cross and other relief agencies have trained staff available to respond to your concerns. Mental Health workers are available by calling the Red Cross Hotline at 1-866-GET-INFO. Hearing impaired callers may use TDD 1-800-526-1417. They are also available (in person) at the Service Center, located at 308 W Mt. Vernon in Nixa.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of the recent tornadoes and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.