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Being aware of your surroundings
and prepared for various types of disasters helps keep Oak Point
safe. Read how you can |
 
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But Make the Right Call
For years, police departments asked the community to be their eyes and ears -- to be on the lookout for crime and to quickly report incidents to the police. Today, reporting crime continues to be an important role for the public.
If you see a crime in progress or another emergency situation that requires immediate response, call 9-1-1 with a good description of the incident, the offender, and the exact location. For non-emergencies, however, do not call 9-1-1. Non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 can slow the response time to true emergencies. The number to contact the City of Oak Point for non-emergencies is (972) 294-0000.
Make The Right Call when it comes to calling the police!
Get Involved in Your Community
Community involvement works best when the entire community is organized and involved. So join a block club, neighborhood association, Neighborhood Watch group, or other organization in your community.
Help Oak Point Police Fight Drug Trafficking
If you have information regarding Drug Trafficking in your area, contact the Department of Public Safety.
This information will be held in STRICT CONFIDENCE.
In this area, our aim is to provide you with information and links to help educate yourself on how to deal with the new threat of terrorism we are facing today. While we do not expect the City of Oak Point to be high on terrorist list, we know most people live and travel into the Metroplex on a daily basis. We thought to include these tips for your protection no matter where you are.
What should I do if I get receive a suspicious letter in the mail?
Read the FBI guidelines published in PDF format entitled "How to handle suspicious mail".The Department of Public Safety has enacted the following procedures regarding the handling of suspicious mail based on guidelines from the FBI/CDC and other Emergency Management sources:
An unopened letter or package, even if it has any of the characteristics of a suspicious package as indicated by the FBI or U.S. Postal Service Alerts does NOT pose a health threat to those who handled it, unless it has material leaking out of it.
SUSPICIOUS MAIL NOT YET HAVING BEEN OPENED
- Instructions:
(1) Do not tamper with the item in any way.
(2) Avoid handling the item any more than necessary.
(4) Seal the item in a baggie and immediately throw the item away in the trash.SUSPICIOUS MAIL THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN OPENED OR A THREAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED
Don't tamper with the item in any way.
Call the Dispatch Center at 911.
- A Emergency Services Officer will be dispatched to evaluate the item and take appropriate action.
At this time, the possibility of receiving a contaminated letter at a residence is extremely unlikely. There have been NO VERIFIED Anthrax contaminated letters found in Texas.
Immediately after an emergency, essential services may be cut-off and local disaster relief and government responders may not be able to reach you right away. Even if they could reach you, knowing what to do to protect yourself and your household is essential.
This chapter describes how to prepare for most types of disaster. It also provides specific information about emergency water and food, and a recommended disaster supply kit.
Creating a Disaster Plan
One of the most important steps you can take in preparing for emergencies is to develop a household disaster plan.
Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter. Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.
Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.
Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation.
Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home—in case of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are okay.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.
Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.
Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with your local utilities if you have questions.
Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides “good Samaritan” law protection for those giving first aid.
Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and your household’s health and financial well-being.
Review property insurance policies before disaster strikes—make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage, amount of coverage, and hazard covered—flood, earthquake)
Protect your household’s financial well-being before a disaster strikes—review life insurance policies and consider saving money in an “emergency” savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly gain access to it in case of an evacuation.
Be certain that health insurance policies are current and meet the needs of your household.
Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or the disabled.
Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Service animals for those who depend on them are allowed.
Emergency planning for people with special needs
If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Examples include:
Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to receive a warning.
Mobility impaired may need assistance in getting to a shelter.
Households with a single working parent may need help from others both in planning for disasters and during an emergency.
Non-English speaking people may need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep these populations informed.
People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation.
People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply.
Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or fire department for assistance, so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency.
Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.
Discuss your needs with your employer.
If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building.
Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.
Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies.
If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you have a plan to communicate if an emergency occurs.
You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together.
The following checklists will help you assemble disaster supply kits that meet the needs of your household. The basic items that should be in a disaster supply kit are water, food, first-aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies, clothing and bedding, and specialty items. You will need to change the stored water and food supplies every six months, so be sure to write the date you store it on all containers. You should also re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your household changes. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supply kit in one or two easy-to carry containers such as an unused trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag.
Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan.
Have a disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days—this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.
Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks.
You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building.
A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.
Water: the absolute necessity!
Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household.
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.
Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water.
If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, you do not need to treat water before storing it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase storage life.
If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water provider.
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place.
It is important to change stored water every six months.
For water purification for immediate or near term use, please read the “Shelter” section of this guide.
Food:
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.
Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you’ll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle. It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expirations dates—be sure to keep your stored medication up to date.
It is important for you to be ready, wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kits for your household:
A disaster supply kit kept in the home with supplies for at least three days;
Although it is unlikely that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your supply kit to last up to two weeks.
A work place disaster supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains or coolers. Women who wear high-heels should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case an evacuation require walking long distances.
A car disaster supply kit. Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of you car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for sever winter weather during months when heave snow or icy roads are possible—salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves.
The basics for your first aid kit should include:
First aid manual
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)/soap/germicide
Antibiotic ointment
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Petroleum jelly
2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)
Triangular bandages (3)
2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each)
Cotton balls
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue depressor blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Sunscreen
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens.
Have the following nonprescription drugs in your disaster supply kit:
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)
Laxative
Vitamins
Tools and emergency supplies
It will be important to assemble these items in a disaster supply kit in case you have to leave your home quickly. Even if you don't have to leave your home, if you lose power it will be easier to have these item already assembled and in one place.
Tools and other items:
A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries (also have a NOAA weather radio, if appropriate for your area)
Flashlight and extra batteries
Signal flare
Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)
Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools
Duct tape and scissors
Plastic sheeting
Whistle
Small canister, A-B-C-type fire extinguisher
Tube tent
Compass
Work gloves
Paper, pens, and pencils
Needles and thread
Battery-operated travel alarm clock
- Kitchen items:
Manual can opener
Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
All-purpose knife
Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
Sugar, salt, pepper
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Re-sealing plastic bags
If food must be cooked, small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel
Sanitation and hygiene items:
Washcloth and towel
Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent
Tooth paste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorants, comb and brush, razor, shaving cream, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, contact lens solutions, mirror, feminine supplies
Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties—for personal sanitation uses—and toilet paper
Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
Consider including a small shovel for digging a latrine
- Household documents and contact numbers:
Personal identification, cash (including change) or traveler's checks, and a credit card
Copies of important documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license, social security cards, passport, wills, deeds, inventory of household goods, insurance papers, immunizations records, blank and credit card account numbers, stocks and bonds. Be sure to store these in a watertight container.
Emergency contact list and phone numbers
Map of the area and phone numbers of place you could go
An extra set of car keys and house keys.
- Clothes and bedding
- One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses.
- Blankets or a sleeping bag for each household member, pillows.
Specialty items
Remember to consider the needs of infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, and pets and to include entertainment and comfort items for children.
- For baby
- For the elderly
- For pets
- Entertainment: books, games, quiet toys and stuffed animals
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. And almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching hurricanes.
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media. In some circumstances other warning methods, such as sirens or telephone calls, are also used. Government agencies, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other disaster relief organizations provide emergency shelter and supplies. To be prepared for an emergency, you should have enough water, food, clothing and emergency supplies to last at least three days. In a catastrophic emergency, you might need to be self-sufficient for even longer.
The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. If the event can be monitored, like a hurricane, you might have a day or two to get ready. However, many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities. This is why you should prepare now.
Planning for evacuation
Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans. Learn evacuation routes. If you do not own a car, make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government.
Talk with your household about the possibility of evacuation. Plan where you would go if you had to leave the community. Determine how you would get there. In your planning, consider different scales of evacuations. In a hurricane, for example, entire counties would evacuate, while much smaller area would be affected by a chemical release.
Plan a place to meet your household in case you are separated from one another in a disaster. Ask a friend outside your town to be the “checkpoint” so that everyone in the household can call that person to say they are safe.
Find out where children will be sent if schools are evacuated.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, food, water and clothing. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for a complete list.
Keep fuel in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages.
Know how to shut off your home’s electricity, gas and water supplies at main switches and valves. Have the tools you would need to do this (usually adjustable pipe and crescent wrenches).
What to do when you are told to evacuate
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a chemical release and you are instructed to evacuate immediately, gather your household and go. Take one car per household when evacuating. This will keep your household together and reduce traffic congestion and delay. In other cases, you may have time to follow these steps:
Gather water, food, clothing, emergency supplies, and insurance and financial records. See the "Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies" chapter for important information.
Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
Secure your home. Close and lock doors and windows. Unplug appliances. If a hard freeze is likely during your absence, take actions needed to prevent damage to water pipes by freezing weather, such as:
Turn off water main.
Drain faucets.
Turn off inside valves for external faucets and open the outside faucets to drain.
Turn off the main water valve and electricity, if instructed to do so.
Let others know where you are going.
Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts. They may be blocked. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines.
Disaster situations can be intense, stressful, and confusing. Should an evacuation be necessary, local authorities will do their best to notify the public, but do not depend entirely on this. Often, a disaster can strike with little or no warning, providing local authorities scant time to issue an evacuation order. Also, it is possible that you may not hear of an evacuation order due to communications or power failure or not listening to your battery-powered radio. Local authorities and meteorologists could also make mistakes, including underestimating an emergency or disaster situation. In the absence of evacuation instructions from local authorities, you should evacuate if you feel you and your household are threatened or endangered. Use pre-designated evacuation routes and let others know what you are doing and your destination.
Shelter
Taking shelter is often a critical element in protecting yourself and your household in times of disaster. Sheltering can take several forms. In-place sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment, or other location where you are located when disaster strikes. In-place sheltering may either be short-term, such as going to a safe room for a fairly short period while a tornado warning is in effect or while a chemical cloud passes. It may also be longer-term, as when you stay in your home for several days without electricity or water services following a winter storm. We also use the term “shelter” for Mass Care facilities that provide a place to stay along with food and water to people who evacuate following a disaster.
The appropriate steps to take in preparing for and implementing short-term in-place sheltering depend entirely on the emergency situation. For instance, during a tornado warning you should go to an underground room, if such a room is available. During a chemical release, on the other hand, you should seek shelter in a room above ground level. Because of these differences, short-term in-place shelter is described in the chapters dealing with specific hazards. See the chapters on “Thunderstorms” and “Hazardous Materials Incidents” for more information. The remainder of this chapter describes steps you should take to prepare for long-term in-place sheltering and for staying in a mass care shelter if you evacuate.
Large animals in disaster
If you have large animals, such as horses or cattle on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.
Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
Evacuation destinations should be prepared with, or ready to obtain, food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.
Vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal should be available along with experienced handlers and drivers. It is best to allow animals a chance to become accustomed to vehicular travel so they are less frightened and easier to move.
In case evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside. This decision should be based on the disaster type, quality and location of shelter, and the risks of turning them outside.
All animals should have some form of identification.
Wildlife in disaster
Disaster and life threatening situations will exacerbate the unpredictable nature of wild animals. To protect yourself and your household, learn how to deal with wildlife.
Be cautious approaching wild animals during emergency situations. Do not corner them. Wild animals will likely feel threatened and may endanger themselves by dashing off into floodwaters, fire, etc.
If wild animals are trapped or no natural food source is available, you can leave food appropriate to individual animals (i.e., animals could become trapped on an “island” after seeking high ground as floodwaters rise).
Wild animals such as snakes, opossums, and raccoons often seek refuge from floodwaters on upper levels of homes and have been known to remain after water recedes. If you encounter animals in this situation—open a window or other escape route and the animal will likely leave on its own. Do not attempt to capture or handle the animal. Should the animal stay, call your local animal control office or animal shelter.
If you see an injured or stranded animal, do not approach or attempt to help. Call your local animal control office or animal shelter.
Animal carcasses can present serious health risks. Contact your local emergency management office or health department for specific help and instructions.
Animals after disaster
Wild or stray domestic animals can pose a danger during or after many types of disaster. Remember, most animals are disoriented and displaced, too. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities.
If any animal bites you, seek immediate medical attention. If a snake bites you, try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom can be administered. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out.
Recovering from Disaster
Health and safety
Your first concern after a disaster is your household’s health and safety.
Be aware of new hazards created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged wires and slippery floors.
Be aware of exhaustion. Don’t try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself.
Drink plenty of clean water. Eat well and get enough rest.
Wear sturdy work boots and gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.
Inform local authorities about health and safety hazards, including chemical releases, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation or dead animals.
Returning to a damaged home
Returning to a damaged home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.
Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates.
Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
Before going inside, walk carefully around the outside of your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you smell gas, do not enter the home and leave immediately. Do not enter if floodwaters remain around the building. If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional before entering.
If your home was damaged by fire, do not enter until authorities say it is safe.
Check for cracks in the roof, foundation and chimneys. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
A battery-powered flash light is the best source of light for inspecting a damaged home. CAUTION: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering a damaged home—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Do not use oil, gas lanterns, candles or torches for lighting inside a damaged home. Leaking gas or other flammable materials may be present. Do not smoke. Do not turn on the lights until you’re sure they’re safe to use.
Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors.
Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
Check the electrical system where visible and accessible. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If, however, you are wet, standing in water or unsure of your safety, do not touch anything electrical. Rather, leave the building and call for help.
Check appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
Check the water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches and gasoline. Open cabinets carefully. Be aware of objects that may fall.
Try to protect your home from further damage. Open windows and doors to get air moving through.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left behind by floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals.
If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
Check with local authorities before using any water; it could be contaminated. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested by authorities before drinking.
Throw out fresh food, cosmetics, and medicines that have come into contact with floodwaters.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage—your power supply may have been disrupted during the emergency. Throw out all spoiled food and any food that you suspect might be spoiled.
Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
Mental Health and Crisis Counseling
The emotional toll that disaster brings can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage and loss of home, business or personal property.
Children and the elderly are special concerns in the aftermath of disasters. Even individuals who experience a disaster “second hand” through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected.
Crisis counseling programs often include community outreach, consultation, and education. FEMA and the state and local governments of the affected area may provide crisis counseling assistance to help people cope with and recover from disaster. If you feel you need assistance—get help.
Coping with disaster
You need to be aware of signs that one needs help in coping with the stress of a disaster.
Things to remember when trying to understand disaster events.
No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends.
Profound sadness, grief and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
Focusing on your strengths and abilities will help you to heal.
Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
We each have different needs and different ways of coping.
It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain. However, nothing good is accomplished by hateful language or actions.
Signs that adults need crisis counseling/stress management assistance.
Difficulty communicating thoughts.
Difficulty sleeping.
Difficulty maintaining balance.
Easily frustrated.
Increased use of drugs/alcohol.
Limited attention span.
Poor work performance.
Headaches/stomach problems.
Tunnel vision/muffled hearing.
Colds or flu-like symptoms.
Disorientation or confusion.
Difficulty concentrating.
Reluctance to leave home.
Depression, sadness.
Feelings of hopelessness.
Mood-swings and crying easily.
Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
Fear of crowds, strangers, or being alone.
Ways to ease disaster related stress.
Talk with someone about your feelings—anger, sorrow, and other emotions—even though it may be difficult.
Seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster stress.
Don’t hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel that you cannot help directly in the rescue work.
Helping children cope with disaster
Disasters can leave children feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced trauma, has merely seen the event on television or heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.
Children respond to trauma in many different ways. Some may have reactions very soon after the event; others may seem to be doing fine for weeks or months and then begin to show worrisome behavior. Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers recognize problems and respond appropriately.
Reassurance is the key to helping children through a traumatic time. Very young children need a lot of cuddling, as well as verbal support. Answer questions about the disaster honestly, but don’t dwell on frightening details or allow the subject to dominate family or classroom time indefinitely. Encourage children of all ages to express emotions through conversation, drawing or painting and to find a way to help others who were affected by the disaster. Also, limit the amount of disaster related material (television, etc.) your children are seeing or hearing and pay careful attention to how graphic it is.
Try to maintain a normal household or classroom routine and encourage children to participate in recreational activity. Reduce your expectations temporarily about performance in school or at home, perhaps by substituting less demanding responsibilities for normal chores.
Additional information about how to communicate with children can be found on the FEMA for Kids website at www.fema.gov/kids.
Helping others
The compassion and generosity of the American people is never more evident than after a disaster. People want to help. Here are some general guidelines on helping others after a disaster.
In addition to the people you care for on a day-to-day basis, consider the needs of your neighbors and people with special needs.
If you want to volunteer, check with local organizations or listen to local news reports for information about where volunteers are needed. Until volunteers are specifically requested, stay away from disaster areas.
If you are needed in a disaster area, bring your own food, water and emergency supplies. This is especially important in cases where a large area has been affected and emergency items are in short supply.
Do not drop off food, clothing or any other item to a government agency or disaster relief organization unless a particular item has been requested. Normally these organizations do not have the resources to sort through the donated items.
You can give a check or money order to a recognized disaster relief organization. These groups are organized to process checks, purchase what is needed and get it to the people who need it most.
If your company wants to donate emergency supplies, donate a quantity of a given item or class of items (such as nonperishable food) rather than a mix of different items. Also, determine where your donation is going, how it’s going to get there, who’s going to unload it and how it’s going to be distributed. Without sufficient planning, much needed supplies will be left unused.
Below are links to various state and federal agencies who have roles in combating terrorism and in homeland defense and security. Visit them for additional information:
