DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Deal with it - Recognize your own feelings so you can deal with themproperly and responsibly.Talk or not? - Talking to others can help relieve stress and help you realizeyou are not alone… other victims are struggling with the same emotions,including your own family. And don’t leave out the little ones … let themtalk about their feelings and share your feelings with them. But don’t forceanyone to talk about their feelings since they might cope better by keepingtheir thoughts private.Accept help - Realize that the people who are trying to help you want tohelp you so please don’t shut them out or turn them away.Time out - Whenever possible, take some time off and do something youenjoy to help relieve stress… and do something fun with the whole familylike a hike, a picnic, or play a game.Rest - Listen to your body and get as much rest as possible. Stress can runyou down so take care of yourself and your family members.Slow down - Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once and paceyourself with a realistic schedule.Stay healthy - Make sure everyone cleans up with soap and clean waterafter working in debris. Also, drink lots of clean water and eat healthymeals to keep up your strength. If you packed vitamins and herbs in yourDisaster Supplies Kit, take them.Work out - Physical activity is good for releasing stress or pent-up energy.Hug - A hug or a gentle touch (holding a hand or an arm) is very helpfulduring stressful times.They’re watching you - Kids look to adults during a disaster so your reactionswill impact the kids (meaning if you act alarmed or worried – they’llbe scared, if you cry – they cry, etc.)Stick together - Keep the family together as much as possible and includekids in discussions and decisions whenever possible.Draw a picture - Ask your kids to draw a picture of the disaster to help youunderstand how he or she views what happened.Explain - Calmly tell your family what you know about the disaster usingfacts and words they can understand and tell everyone what will happennext so they know what to expect.www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325143