Helping Hurricane Victims Cope With Holiday Stress
Release Date: December 2, 2004
Release Number: 1539-295
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The holiday season can be stressful enough, but for hurricane victims, add the loss of a home, family member or job and that can mean an overwhelming sense of despair. Victims are dealing with issues never before faced such as recovery, rebuilding and disaster-related financial losses.
A change in routine, especially during the holiday season, can lead to frustration, depression and worry. Families are living in temporary housing in unfamiliar surroundings. Children may be at new schools and not with their usual friends.
“We realize the tremendous strain placed on families affected by the hurricanes. Their lives have been displaced in some way or another. Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Add that to an already stressful time of year and that can mean overload,” said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). “We want them to know we are here to ensure that the services they need are available.”
Project HOPE, administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reaching out to hurricane victims who need assistance, especially this time of year. Crisis counseling is available to hurricane victims in all 67 declared counties. FEMA is providing approximately $21,665,400 to the state of Florida to fund a long-range plan for crisis counseling services.
Crisis counseling is available by phone, face-to-face at various locations, through home visits and at many of the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers. Counselors are available to visit schools, nursing homes and community events in an effort to reach out to special populations such as the elderly and disabled.
For counseling services or tips on coping with holiday stress contact the toll-free Crisis Counseling Hotline at 1-866-518-1825. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Sometimes people don't realize the impact of disasters and how long it can take to recover physically and psychologically,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile. “I would encourage family members, friends and neighbors during this holiday season to become personally involved and seek professional help for those hurricane victims who are unable to identify their own needs.”
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Dec-2004 12:37:39