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"Be Prepared, Not Scared."
Crisis Counseling Program Flyer
Hurricanes and other natural disasters are part of the normal weather pattern here in North Carolina. We can't always predict them, but we can plan for them. This is especially important if you have an emotional or physical disability. There are 3 steps in preparing for disasters:
Include your family, friends or support person in your disaster plan. If you need assistance in a disaster, discuss your needs with them and ask for their help. Make a list of your personal daily needs and how to meet them in a disaster. Include a list of items like medications, wheelchair, cane, special supplies or special diet. Include phone numbers of your doctor, pharmacist, therapist or a support person.
There are a number of emotional reactions that may occur or become more severe after a disaster. Have a plan for coping with these feelings and how to contact your therapist if needed.
It is important to make your plans now if you can't stay in your home after a disaster. Do you go to a hotel or a shelter? What is the evacuation route and how do you get to safe shelter if you do not have a car? If you have a pet, what are your plans for your pet? Some hotels are pet friendly and some public shelters have a pet shelter located beside it.
Know what kind of disaster can occur in your community. Also, before, during and after a hurricane, keep informed about up-to-the-minute risk and safety information by listening to the radio, watching television or by calling hotline telephone numbers. Listen for information on hazardous conditions, school closings, updated evacuation plans and routes.
For more detailed information about developing a disaster plan, contact your local emergency management office or go to www.redcross.org, www.ncready.org or read the additional information provided below.
If you are prepared ahead of time, you will be better able to cope with the disaster and recover from it more quickly.
The days and weeks following a disaster such as a hurricane are going to be rough. Everyone who sees or experiences a hurricane is affected by it in some way. It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends.
You may also experience some sleeplessness, anger or mild depression, which is normal and may go away with time. If these symptoms don't go away or you feel them more intensely, or if you find yourself using alcohol and other drugs to cope with your feelings, seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster stress.
Children are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. They want to know who will take care of them and they need to feel safe and secure. Limit television exposure and spend time with them. Give children the chance to talk about what happened and their feelings about it. Their reactions to the disaster might be immediate but could also appear much later.
You can take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation and meditation. Maintain a normal daily routine and limit demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
Taking positive action in some way can also help. Give blood, help others, attend memorial services and spend time with family and friends.
Stress is normal after tragic events.
Stress will likely go away over a brief period of time.
Expect a normal recovery.
For information about coping after a disaster, go to www.redcross.org or click on the link to the left "Coping and Emotional Support Brochures and Handouts."
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