Disasters
strike without warning, oftentimes leaving many people unprepared
for the destruction and the consequences. Disasters are frightening
for adults, but they can be very traumatic for children, who,
depending on their age, may not be able to grasp or understand
what has happened. Many times, also, children are used to routine
in their lives. Disasters interrupt this routine, bringing more
chaos to an already confusing and scary situation. Make sure
not to neglect their needs, concerns, and fears as you clean
up after a disaster.
Children
and Their Response to Disaster
Children depend on daily routines. When their routine is interrupted,
they become anxious. It is important to try to establish and
maintain a routine for them as soon as possible after a disaster,
to give them some stability and security amongst the chaos
around them.
Children often learn how to deal with disasters by mimicking
the influential adults in their lives. Keep in mind that they
will learn to react to disasters by observing how adults react.
If they see you acting fearful, this will cause more fear
in them. If you portray a sense of loss, they will have a
tendency to also express loss for the situation. Although
it is important for them to see your true reaction to circumstances,
it is also important for you to share and explain these feelings
to your child. Make sure that you are honest, but reassuring
as you talk to children.
Children
may develop fear due to their imagination. They may use the
disaster that happened to build other scenarios of disasters
in their heads. These thoughts may cause their fears to become
much stronger. As adults, we must keep control of the situation,
make it as safe as possible, and concentrate on the emotional
needs of the child. Allow time for them to share their thoughts
and feelings. Be honest and understanding when reacting to
their feelings of fear, no matter how unrealistic they may
be. To them they are real. Offer encouragement and reassurance.
Avoid being condescending or distracted. Keep in mind that
this imagined scenario is a coping mechanism for many children.
It is important, above all, to keep the lines of communication
flowing at all times.
Children need to feel important and needed, especially in
times when their life has been turned upside down by a disaster.
Make sure to include them in recovery activities so that they
can see that life will return to normal. By helping with clean-up
efforts, many children will be able to move past the situation
faster.
After
a Disaster, some of the things children may be afraid of:
-The
disaster will happen again.
-They will be separated from their family and/or friends.
-Family members, pets, or friends will be hurt or injured.
-They will be left alone.
Advice to Parents:
-Prepare for disasters. Develop a family disaster
plan. Practice the plan regularly, to not only be prepared,
but to give your child an idea of what to expect should a
real disaster occur. If you need more information on how to
form a disaster plan, click
here. Local emergency agencies, such as the Red
Cross will also have literature regarding how to form a family
disaster plan.
-Teach children how to call for help. If they are old enough,
have them memorize their family name, address, and telephone
number. Post emergency phone numbers beside each telephone.
Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies (ONLY!!).
-Teach your children about various disasters and their warning
signs. Teach them about various alarms and sirens, such as
the smoke detectors and security systems in your house, sirens
on emergency vehicles, and area outdoor warning sirens. Teach
them what each one means when it goes off, and what they should
do if they hear one. Explain to them about watches and warnings
that they may see on television, such as a tornado watch or
warning, and what they are supposed to do when they see/hear
each.
-Designate
a place to meet after a disaster. Make sure that your children
know where this is. Make sure that children have their last
name, address, and telephone number memorized. If they are
too young to memorize this information, make sure that all
caregivers have emergency information lists at all times.
After
the Disaster: Time for Recovery
-Immediately after the disaster, try to reduce your child's
fear and anxiety. Provide comfort, security, and words of
assurance.
-Locate all family members and stay together. Find a safe
shelter or some type of housing for your family. You may have
to leave children with relatives until any imminent danger
is gone. Make sure that this period is short, and bring the
children back to you soon. They often get worried that parents
will not return. Allow them to be a part of what is going
on to recover from the disaster. Allow them to express their
feelings and frustrations, and listen patiently, and offer
much reassurance.
-Explain the situation to children as calmly as possible.
Tell them what happened and what will happen next. They need
to know what to expect. For instance if you must stay in a
shelter, tell them, and tell them why. Make sure that you
are speaking to them on their level, both physically and also
academically.
-Allow children a chance to talk. Encourage them to share
their fears and feelings. Let them ask questions and give
them honest answers that they can understand. If it is possible,
include the whole family in the discussion.
-Include
children in recovery activities. Give children chores that
are their responsibility. This will help children feel
they are part of the recovery. Having a task will help them
understand that everything will be all right.
-With
a lot of love, reassurance, and encouragement, a child will
soon see that life will eventually return to normal. In some
cases, children may need more help recovering from such traumatic
experiences. If a child is having trouble moving past an event
such as a disaster, professional counseling by a therapist
or a trusted clergyman, may be needed.
SOURCE:
American
Red Cross
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