Moving On How to Jump-Start Your Recovery
Hurricane Rita's Six-Month Anniversary - 'Doing a 180: From Disaster to Recovery' One in a Series
Release Date: March 23, 2006
Release Number: 1606-164
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- As the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Rita approaches, some disaster survivors may feel immobilized in their recovery process or unconnected with the community they are living in. Stress management counselors say this is a normal but not lasting step in recovering from a chaotic situation.
"Grieving is part of recovering from a traumatic experience, but at some point you have to let go of what used to be," said Lori E. Slayton, program coordinator for the Rita crisis counseling grant with the Texas state disaster mental health services. "Bringing closure to your former life frees up energy to help you create what your future can be."
An important part of moving on is establishing a sense of community, according to Slayton. "Establishing a connection with a new community is something a person can control and it will help him or her feel more comfortable where they currently are living."
Slayton offers this advice:
- Register for state and federal assistance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) using the toll-free tele-registration number, 1-800-621-3362.
- Find employment.
- Secure living arrangements, whether an apartment or a house.
- Enroll children in local schools and find after-school care if needed.
- Get involved in local community activities through the recreation department, public library, service and social organizations, and churches.
"Establishing a new routine also will help disaster survivors to transition from their status of being impacted by the disaster to moving on to establishing a new life," Slayton said. "It's an important step in successfully managing individual recovery.
"Write a to-do list," Slayton also advised. "If you need a job, write on your list to visit the Texas Workforce Commission. Making a physical list adds structure to your day and can give you a ready-made sense of community in moving forward."
For more information on stress management, contact the Texas Crisis Counseling Hotline at 1-866-733-4243. For locations and information about the Texas Workforce Commission, visit their Web site at www.twc.state.tx.us .
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-May-2006 15:54:05