DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Reassurance - Let your kids and family know that they are safe and repeatthis as often as necessary to help them regain their confidence.Praise - Recognizing good behavior and praise for doing certain things(even the littlest of things) will help boost morale.Watch your temper - Stress will make tempers rise but don’t take out youranger on others, especially kids. Be patient and control your emotions.Let kids help - Including children in small chores during recovery and cleanup processes will help them feel like they are part of the team and give themmore confidence.Let others know - Work with your kids’ teachers, day-care staff, babysittersand others who may not understand how the disaster has affected them.GENERAL RECOVERY TIPS - AFTER A DISASTERRETURNING TO A DAMAGED HOME:Listen - Keep a battery-operated radio with you for emergency updates.Twitter, MySpace, Flickr, etc - Social networking sites allow users to staycurrent on disaster recovery efforts with messages and pictures. You maynot have access to the Internet during or after a crisis, but text messages cansometimes get through when cell and phone systems are down. The RedCross, FEMA and other relief groups use Twitter to send instant messages(called Tweets) about evacuations and shelter information. And FEMA andDHS partnered with MySpace so users can get emergency broadcastwarnings and stay updated on friends and families displaced by storms.What to wear – Use sturdy work boots and gloves.Check outside first - Before you go inside, walk around outside to check forloose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.Call a professional - If you have any doubts about the safety of your home,contact a professional inspector.Don’t go in there - If your home was damaged by fire, do NOT enter untilauthorities say it is safe (also don’t enter home if flood waters remainaround the building).Use a flashlight - There may be gas or other flammable materials in the areaso use a battery-operated flashlight (do not use oil, gas lanterns, candles ortorches and don’t smoke!)144 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325