The Department has established a toll-free Hurricane Sandy Hotline (1-855-385-9985) and Hurricane Sandy email address (EdSchoolInfo@ed.gov).

The purposes of the hotline and email address are to provide answers to questions, make references to helpful resources, and share information.

ED is working closely with other federal agencies, such as FEMA, HHS, and USDA, to ensure continuation of critical services to students, families, and educators and the restoration of the learning environment.

Guidance for Schools Addressing Federal Programs

• Food and Nutrition Service Response to Hurricane Sandy [PDF, 103KB], USDA
• Public Assistance Program and Educational Facilities, Frequently Asked Questions [PDF, 818KB], FEMA

Resources

Disaster Distress Helpline

• http://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/
• 1-800-985-5990 or
  Text TalkWithUs to 66746
• TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 1-800-846-8517
• Spanish-speakers text messaging: Hablanos to 66746
• Twitter | Facebook

Financial Recovery Information

• Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) [PDF, 856KB], FEMA and Operation HOPE
• EFFAK, Paquete de Primeros Auxilios Financieros [PDF, 198KB], FEMA and Operation HOPE

Education Supports for Homeless Children and Youth

• Education for Homeless Children And Youths Grants For State And Local Activities, (ED)
• McKinney-Vento State Coordinators for the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
• The National Center for Homeless Education
• Updated Guidance For Homeless Children In The School Nutrition Programs [PDF, 51KB], USDA

Restoring Education Facilities

• Clean Up Safely After A Disaster, CDC
• Clinician Recommendations Regarding Returning of Children to Areas Impacted by Flooding and /or Hurricanes [PDF, 74KB], American Academy of Pediatrics
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Floods Web Page, CDC
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Hurricanes Web Page, CDC
• Hurricane Safety Checklist, FDA
• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home: Mold Cleanup Guidelines, EPA
• Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, EPA
• The American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities

Creating Continuity of Teaching and Learning during Prolonged School Closures

Student Loans and Financial Aid

• Federal Student Aid, Natural Disaster Information, ED
• Frequently Asked Questions for Students and Borrowers, ED
• Frequently Asked Questions about Loan Servicers, including Contact Information, ED
• Guidance for helping Title IV participants affected by a major disaster, ED

Teaching and Learning Resources

• Department of Education Recommendations to Ensure the Continuity of Learning for Schools (K‐12) During Extended Student Absence or School Dismissal [PDF, 167KB], ED
• Federal Resources for Educational Excellence Web Page, U.S. Government
• Learn at Home Instructional Activity Guides, New York City Department of Education
• North American Council for Online Learning Online (NACOL) Online Learning Clearinghouse, NACOL
• Planning for Potential School Closures [PDF, 48KB], ED
• PBS Teachers Web Page, PBS
• PBSKids Web Page, PBS
• PBS Parents Web Page, PBS

Restoring the Teaching and Learning Environment

• Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center, ED
• Tips for Helping Students Recovering from Traumatic Events, ED
• Children and Youth Resource Collection: Introduction, Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) Resource Collections Web Page, SAMHSA
• Children and Youth Resource Collection, Annotated Bibliography, including materials for children, SAMHSA
• Helping Your Child Recover from the Emotional Aftermath of a Disaster, "Do It Yourself" Brochures, Newsletter, Flyers, and Tip Sheets Templates, SAMHSA
• Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events: A Guide for Parents and Educators [PDF, 454KB], SAMHSA
• Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters, SAMHSA
• Recovery: After a Flood, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, NCTSN
• Recovery: After a Hurricane, NCTSN
• Teacher Guidelines for Helping Children after Hurricanes [PDF, 72KB], NCTSN
• "Trinka and Sam, A Children's Booklet" [PDF, 1.5MB], NCTSN
• "Trinka y Juan en un Día de Mucho Viento y Lluvia," [PDF, 1.5MB] En español, NCTSN