Helping Children Manage Their Post Disaster Fears and Stress
Release Date: November 10, 2005
Release Number: 1605-100
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The trauma of a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina may leave children with emotional scars long after the event. The family may survive safely, yet children may be struggling emotionally and psychologically. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers some valuable services and information to assist parents and caregivers who are helping children recover from a disaster.
Identifying Fears and Anxieties
Some fears following a disaster are natural, but adults should be aware that children may have experienced trauma or may have worries they are unable to express. How parents and caregivers behave at this time can have lasting effects on their child. If caregivers resume a normal existence quickly, the child is more likely to recover quickly too.
Children may need attention if they:
- experienced the disaster first-hand, were part of an evacuation, saw injured or dying people or had their own lives threatened;
- suffered personal loss, such as the death or injury of a loved one or the loss of a pet;
- are living in interim housing, or are attending a different school;
- lost contact with other family members, friends or classmates; or have parents who are out of work or experiencing severe financial hardship.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
When the family is safe and secure, try to follow a normal routine. Go grocery shopping together. Contact and reunite children with their friends. These actions can help them feel their lives are back to normal. If you suspect counseling will be helpful, get children professional help as soon as possible.
For immediate help parents can call the Project Rebound 24/7 Crisis Counseling toll-free Hotline at 1-800-971-7401. Another resource for children is the “FEMA for KIDS” web site at www.fema.gov/kids.
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Nov-2005 11:12:36