HURRICANES: Readiness, Response & Recovery

The following excerpts are from the NCCTS/TDB - www.nctsnet.org

What You Should Know About the Emotional Impact of Hurricanes

A hurricane is a tropical storm with strong winds, heavy rains, and very high tides. The most severe weather is centered around the eye of the storm, which can be up to 30 miles wide.

Hurricanes move slowly and cover vast areas, up to 400 miles. A hurricane can last for more than 2 weeks and can travel up the entire length of the eastern coast. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30, with August and September being the peak months.

Hurricanes may spawn tornadoes and floods. Unlike tornadoes, whose resulting damage is somewhat localized, hurricanes affect entire communities and often require extensive services from outside sources for recovery. Large areas of destruction may result in long term disruption to schools and work places.

Family support and social networks may also be disrupted by hurricanes, as people may be relocated or separated from parents, family, and friends. People frequently suffer financial hardships due to losing their jobs or having to rebuild homes and businesses. The recovery time following the hurricane can be lengthy.

Readiness: Before a Hurricane

  • Give children factual information about hurricanes in simple terms.
  • Develop a Family Preparedness Plan so that all family members will know what to do in case of a hurricane or other disaster. This should include a plan for pets. Most emergency shelters cannot take in animals.
  • Make and carry a Family Preparedness Wallet Card.
  • Create a Family Evacuation Plan.
  • Practice your Family Evacuation Plan, so that if instructed to do so, you can evacuate quickly and safely.
  • Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit in a large backpack or duffel bag or an easy-to-carry covered trash container.
  • Get information and follow through on reinforcing your home.
  • Practice your Family Evacuation Plan, so that if instructed to do so, you can evacuate quickly and safely.

Response: During a Hurricane

  • Use flashlights--not candles--to inspect your home for damage, in case there are broken gas lines.
  • Watch for dangerous debris (broken glass, nails), standing water, and fallen power lines.
  • Shield children from viewing severe injuries and damage as much as possible.
  • Give children a small snack or juice to help reassure them that their needs will be met.
  • Let children help in age-appropriate ways to increase their sense of control.
  • Do not underestimate or dismiss the loss that children feel for pets or special toys.
  • Keep pets on leashes or in crates/cages to prevent them from running away or causing injury.

Recovery: After a Hurricane

    Children's functioning is influenced by their parents' ability to cope during and after the hurricane.
  • Recovery may be delayed by ongoing disruptions such as financial loss.
  • It's important to monitor and limit children's exposure to graphic media coverage of hurricane damage.
  • They should temporarily lower expectations for their children's performance in household duties and at school.
  • Families should gradually return to normal routines and activities.
  • If children have difficulties for more than six weeks after the hurricane, they should consult a mental health professional for an evaluation, including an assessment of preexisting mental health problems and prior traumas.
  • If a child is found to need therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found most effective for recovery.