One way to speed your own emotional recovery after a disaster is to focus on helping others, whether your own family members, friends, neighbors or others in your community.

Children

A child’s reaction to disaster varies by age, how parents react, proximity to damage and whether friends or family members were injured or killed.

What To Expect	Children of all ages may experience the following emotions and symptoms. Fear a disaster will strike again. Loss of interest in school or other activities. Nightmares or other sleep disturbances. Regressive behavior.
How To Help	Be honest. Calmly tell facts about the disaster. Admit your own concerns, but emphasize the things you can all do to cope. Tell children your plans for making your home safer and for helping others. Encourage children to talk about their feelings. Spend extra time with children, especially at bedtime. Hug them often. Let children help with recovery efforts in an age-appropriate way. Praise their efforts. Resume a regular routine for school, play, meals and rest.
From the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Elderly Or Disabled Individuals

As soon as you are certain your family is uninjured and safe, check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

If the individual is injured or extremely distressed, seek immediate medical attention.
Make sure they have access to fresh water and unspoiled food.
Help them contact a close family member or caregiver.
Help them locate disaster relief services, as appropriate.

Pets

Handle pets calmly and carefully after disaster. Because they will need more care and attention than usual, try to leave pets with a family member, friend, veterinarian or kennel. They could get injured in a damaged home.

Provide plenty of water and feed your pet its usual diet.
Visit and play with your pet often. This aids your pet’s recovery — and yours.
Expect unusual behavior, such as scratching or chewing on furniture, spraying urine or defecating on floors. Pets exhibit stress in these ways.
Give your pet a familiar toy or blanket for comfort.

Back To Normal

Returning to normal after a disaster is generally a difficult and gradual process. Knowing what to expect, how to respond and where to turn for assistance can help everyone cope. Remember, even though life will not be the same, you and your family can and will recover.

Updated Thursday, August 14, 2008

HELPFUL FORMS & LISTS

Damage Assessment Checklist