Tips for recovering from natural disaster

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas (9/20/05)--The Texas Credit Union League, in its Credit Unions Take Action update Sept. 14 on Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, compiled a list of tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help families begin to get their homes, communities, and lives back to normal.

General tips

  • Have a battery-powered radio handy so you can listen to emergency updates and news reports.
  • Have a battery-powered flashlight for inspecting a damaged home.
  • Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, in floodwater. Use a stick to poke through debris.
  • Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
  • Stay off the streets. If you have to venture out, watch for fallen objects such as downed electrical wires, weakened walls and bridges, and damaged roads and sidewalks.
  • Don't enter your home if you smell gas or if floodwaters still surround the building.
  • Listen to local radio or television reports and other media sources to find out where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance.

Mental health tips

  • Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way.
  • It's normal to feel anxious about your personal safety and that of your family and close friends.
  • It's normal to experience profound sadness, grief, and anger following natural disasters and other abnormal events.
  • Acknowledge your feelings to help you recover from the trauma.
  • Focus on your strengths and abilities to help with the healing process.
  • Accept help from community programs and resources--it's healthy.
  • Everyone has different emotional needs and ways of coping with crises.
  • It's common for some people to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain.

How to help others

  • Volunteer. Ask local organizations or listen to news reports to find out where volunteers are needed. Until volunteers are specifically requested, stay away from disaster areas.
  • Take personal supplies. If you travel to a disaster area to volunteer, bring your own food, water and emergency supplies. Emergency items likely are in short supply.
  • Give cash. Write a check to a recognized disaster relief organization. They're organized to process checks, purchase items that are in short supply, and get those items to people who need immediate help.
  • Wait for requests. Don't drop off food, clothing or other items to a government agency or disaster relief organization unless those items have been requested. Most organizations don't have the staff or resources to sort through piles of donated items.
  • Keep it simple and plan ahead. Donate a quantity of a given item or class of items, such as nonperishable food, rather than a mix of different items. Determine where the donation is going, how it will get there, who will unload it, and how it will be distributed. Without a plan, much-needed supplies won't get used.

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Resource Links
Hurricane Katrina Resource Page
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