My heart goes out to people in the Gulf who are dealing with the impacts of Tropical Storm Isaac. The response efforts bring back memories for me of serving in Louisiana seven years ago as a medical officer with the National Disaster Medical System. I was honored to help care for patients transported through the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans after hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck. Seven years later, I’m relieved to see people –leaders, responders, and residents – responding to Isaac using much of what we learned together from Katrina and Rita and every emergency since then.
To stay safe, many people followed the recommendations from local officials to evacuate before the storm, taking advantage of local shelters and transportation or relying on personal networks of family, friends, and neighbors for help. Many were proactive in making sure they could manage the after effects of the storm by purchasing batteries, fuel, and medical supplies, by stocking up on canned goods, water, and pet food, and by having some cash on hand in case power went out and banking services were disrupted.
Although hurricanes are well predicted, the destruction they cause can still bring out strong emotions, especially for kids in families and communities recovering from past disasters. As a pediatrician, I’ve seen children respond to traumatic events with reactions that may not be the same as those we see in adults. Some may have reactions very soon after the event; others may do fine for weeks or months, and then begin to show signs of anxiety, depression, or detachment, or may even appear physically sick from stress. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers recognize problems and respond appropriately. Work with your child’s primary care provider to address any questions promptly if you notice a change. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has an excellent tips for parents and teachers.
Adults may experience strong emotions, too , even as clean up and recovery begins. The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 can provide immediate crisis counseling and information and referrals to resources to anyone who needs help in dealing with the disaster-related problems. The toll-free Helpline is confidential and multilingual and available for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters, incidents of mass violence or any other tragedy affecting America's communities. It’s available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and is a resource that responds to people seeking crisis counseling after a disaster.
The actions we’ve seen in the Gulf during Tropical Storm Isaac showcase the importance of personal and family preparedness for any type of emergency. Some disasters may not give notice of their arrival like a hurricane, and you may have to take action with no warning. The importance of personal and family preparedness cannot be overstated; after all, nobody knows better how to take care of your family than you. By thinking about what your needs will be after a storm and talking with your family, friends and neighbors about those needs, you can maximize your chances of staying safe and healthy. For help in making a disaster plan and on strategies to get families reunited after a disaster, check out http://www.ready.gov/ or use bReddi, a free app on Facebook, or specifically for hurricanes, try the new free mobile hurricane American Red Cross available on iTunes and GooglePlay app stores.
Knowing how and when to engage our personal network – whether it’s for a ride, a place to stay, to vent worry or frustration, or help someone else get the help they need – is likely one of the most important things people have learned in responding to disasters and recovering. It’s also free. People who have strong social networks of family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors not only fare better in disasters but also live longer and healthier lives. We want to remain attentive to the potential for upsetting emotions or concerns as we face disaster anniversaries, storms, and other emergencies. However, we should also remember that past challenges and difficulties and the relationships and bonds that resulted from getting through them with our family, neighbors and friends make us better able to cope with, respond to and recover from future disasters or distressing events.
Empower yourself and your family to prepare for and respond to disasters. Be proactive about how you will take care of each other and those around you when the unexpected strikes. Despite the importance of preparedness, only a relatively small percentage of Americans have taken even minimal steps to plan for their family’s safety after a disaster. Please get informed, make a commitment to yourself and those you love to get yourselves ready for disasters , and then convince someone you care about to do the same.
