After the Disaster/Emergency

Right after an emergency, you may feel stressed, confused and disoriented. These are perfectly normal reactions. If you are informed and prepared, you will be in a position to recover more quickly and you can help others do the same. The following steps will help you get back on track.

Help the Injured

Help anyone who is injured. Get your emergency survival kit (the first aid kit should be with it).

Listen to the Radio

Listen to your local radio station for instructions and information.

Don't use the Telephone

Do not use the telephone unless it is necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines.

Check Your Home

Check for damage to your home. Remember the following points:

• Use a flashlight - do not light matches or turn on the electrical switches if you suspect damage or smell gas.
• Check for fires and fire hazards.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. For information on safe procedures for shutting off the main gas valve, contact your gas company.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities. For information on safe procedures for shutting off utilities, contact your utility provider.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately. Wear protective clothing. For major spills or leaks, call for professional help.
• Confine or secure your pets.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.
• Remember, if you turn off the gas, it should only be turned back on by a professional from the gas company

Here are some suggestions to help get yourself and your family back on track after a major emergency or disaster:

• Talk about your feelings.
• Talk about what has happened.
• Encourage your children to express their feelings. They may want to do this by drawing or playing instead of talking. Understand that their feelings are real.
• Recognize that when you suffer a loss, you may grieve. (Yes, you can grieve the loss of a wedding photo or your grandfather's favorite ring.) You may feel apathetic or angry. You may not sleep or eat well. These are normal grief reactions.
• Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal.

How to Help Your Children
 
Children exposed to a disaster can experience a variety of intense emotional reactions, such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, stomachaches, loss of appetite and other reactions.

These are normal and temporary reactions to danger. Parents can help relieve such reactions by taking their children's fears seriously, by reassuring them, giving them additional attention and hugging them. Explain to them what s going on, and what will happen and will not happen. It will help your children if you are calm and reassuring.

After a disaster, children are most afraid that:

• The event will happen again
• Someone will get hurt or injured
• They will be separated from the family
• They will be left alone

To counter these fears, comfort and reassure children. Tell them what you know about the situation. Be honest but gentle. Encourage them to talk about the disaster. Encourage them to ask questions. Give them a real task to do, something that gets the family back on its feet. Keep them with you, even if it seems easier to look for housing or help on your own. During an emergency, it is important for the whole family to stay together.