Having life disrupted by a natural disaster or emergency situation can be a traumatic experience for anyone. After all, catastrophe often strikes out of the blue. It is important to know what to do after an emergency happens. That way you can get on with your life as soon as possible and establish a sense of normalcy.
Here are some tips for putting the pieces of your life back together after a disaster strikes:
- Find a Safe Place – For whatever reason, you might have had to abandon your home because of the emergency. Fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms might have damaged your house so that it is no longer safe to live in. Whether it is an emergency shelter or the home of a close friend or family member, get to a safe place where you can stay until the threat has passed.
- Assess the Damage – After the disaster has occurred, it is time to assess the damage done to your home or property. You can return to your home after local officials have declared it safe to do so. Remember to be cautious, however, because there are still hazards to be mindful of including downed electrical lines, falling objects, and debris. If you are concerned about whether it’s safe to return home, you can have it inspected by a structural engineer or qualified building inspector.
- Document the Damage – Once you’ve inspected the damage, contact your insurance agent. Hopefully, you kept your agent’s contact information as part of your emergency kit. Take pictures of the damage and be sure to keep copies of receipts for repairs and cleaning costs.
- Establish a Routine – Disasters are not only difficult to get through physically but also emotionally. Emergencies disrupt daily routines. Moreover, it might be weeks or months before your home is repaired. One of the ways to start putting your life back together is to establish a normal routine again. Get up and go to bed at the same time. Have meals around the same time of the day. Go back to work and have the kids to go back to school as soon as possible. A routine can help you and your loved ones build the emotional strength to deal with the effects of a disaster.
- Consider Crisis Counseling – If you or one of your family members is having a hard time emotionally after a disaster, consider professional help. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable. A counselor can help individuals deal with their feelings of loss, anxiety, and anger and develop different ways to cope with them.