Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by a natural disaster, it is normal to feel a range of emotions. The destruction created by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires may vary, but a common thread is how we experience strong emotions in the aftermath.
When a natural disaster strikes, the most basic needs of food, water, shelter and safety are disrupted. A disaster of any size can shake our sense of security and reality. You may be far from the destruction, experiencing the disaster through media coverage and still be very affected. Common reactions to a disaster are disbelief, fear, numbness, anger, powerlessness and disorientation. You may have physical responses such as headaches, stomachaches and trouble sleeping. People respond differently at different times so it’s important not to compare yourself to others and also not to judge other people’s reactions.
Most people affected by a disaster will recover on their own when they are given time and support – we are resilient by nature.
What can you do in the immediate aftermath to boost your own resiliency? You are likely to recover more quickly if you feel safe and connected to others. Maintain hope and be confident that you will survive this challenge. Understand that your strong reactions are temporary and that you will feel like yourself again. Focus on what you can do that is in your control.
- If you are directly impacted, focus on seeking support and resources to ensure that your basic needs of food, shelter and safety are met. Identify aid organizations in the community. Call your EAP for help finding local resources.
- Pay attention to and follow the health and safety guidelines given by response teams and local authorities. The environment after a natural disaster can be hazardous, and many illnesses and injuries occur in the clean-up and recovery stages. Don’t put yourself in an unsafe situation.
- Seek out community. Talk with family and friends about your reactions. You will find that you are not alone in your emotions and thoughts.
- Tell your children that it is okay to feel upset when scary things happen. Encourage them to express emotions through talking, writing, drawing or helping others. Respond to your children’s reactions without judgment. Let your children know what you and other adults are doing to keep them safe.
- Help with relief efforts. Actively participating in community relief efforts will help you gain a sense of control and empowerment. Some examples are donating money, food or giving blood. Volunteer your time towards clean up or caring for others.
- Participate in memorials and vigils. Rituals allow for time and space to grieve together in community. They can provide focus and structure when everything has been disrupted.
- Keep normal routines as much as possible.
- Take care of your body by eating healthy foods, drinking water and getting enough rest and sleep. Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Remember other challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. Draw upon what has worked in the past to calm and sooth you now.
If you continue to be troubled after many weeks, or you are feeling overwhelmed and under supported, seek out a professional counselor. Counseling can help us to process our feelings and understand how to repair our sense of security. Your EAP is available 24/7 to help support you.
Resources and related articles:
- SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
- www.fema.gov
- www.redcross.org
- https://www.fema.gov/coping-disaster
- http://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp
- http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/coping-disaster
- http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/disaster_mental_health_treatment.asp
Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery:
- http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane
- https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4068/updates/hurricane-safety-tips-learn-what-do-during-and-after-hurricane
- https://www.nationwide.com/hurricanes.jsp
- https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
- http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane
- http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane/resources/hurricane-safety_flyer.pdf
- https://weather.com/storms/report-recover
English
Spanish
Current Evacuation Routes
Road Closures
Texas Department of Transportation
800-452-9292
http://conditions.drivetexas.org/current
Local Red Cross Locator
Red Cross Smartphone Apps (Apps will update people on current flooding situation and provide information on safety during a disaster.)
- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.fa&hl=en
- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red/id529160691?mt=8
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
500 C Street Southwest
Washington, DC 20472
800-621-FEMA
- If a disaster is declared, please call to apply for assistance by phone, or visit https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance
Texas Department of Public Safety – Division of Emergency Management
Family Temporary Assistance Program
Local Salvation Army Locator
Also, Google has launched its Google Crisis Response map to assist individuals in locating areas that are in advisory or warnings. They also have shelter information, including openings and closings/at capacity.
Get valuable information on Making a Plan, Building a Kit that meets your family's needs and viewing Texas specific Videos on the importance of preparation:
- http://www.texasprepares.org (English & Spanish, Checklists in various languages)
The Texas Division of Emergency Management has a variety of materials for preparedness and safety tips for different types of disasters and emergencies, including an evacuation checklist.
Basic Information regarding Emergency Preparedness for Texans who are Deaf:
Surviving Disaster Videos link on www.accessibleemergencyinfo.com (Sign Language, Braille, Large Print options)
2-1-1 (https://www.211texas.org/211) provides a voluntary registry for people who need assistance and evacuation in the case of a hurricane or natural disaster. The public may register year-round. Registry information will be forwarded to local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs). Local OEMs have the responsibility for coordinating evacuations.
As an additional resource, we have provided the website information for AirBNB and VRBO, which may offer reduced rates for housing in times of disaster.
AirBNB
VRBO
Louisiana Department of Transportation Emergency Information:
Road Closures
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
877-452-3683
The President has declared a disaster in Louisiana, and FEMA is currently actively assisting. Please call to apply for assistance by phone, or visit https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance
Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Family Temporary Assistance Program
Louisiana Cajun Navy
2-1-1 (http://www.louisiana211.org) provides a voluntary registry for people who need assistance and evacuation in the case of a hurricane or natural disaster. The public may register year-round. Registry information will be forwarded to local Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs). Local OEMs have the responsibility for coordinating evacuations.