Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event (And When to Seek Help)

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Plus, what to do after an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, or flood
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In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s natural to feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. As difficult as it can be, prioritizing your mental health can help you cope with loss and build resilience as you recover. We’ve partnered with Mental Health America to provide strategies for coping with a disaster (including how to help children cope). We’ve also included some important next steps to follow after events like an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, and fire to help you get back to normal as soon as possible.

Managing Your Mental Health After Disasters

Connect with family, friends, and neighbors for mutual support and community. If you have the resources, start to take care of your body by eating well, getting rest, and moving your body. Limit your exposure to the disaster on TV or social media, and listen only to trusted local authorities and emergency relief agencies for instructions and updates.

Section 1 of 8:

Coping After a Disaster

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  1. Check on yourself, your family, and anyone near you who may be hurt or displaced. Take care of any urgent physical needs right away. This might mean seeking shelter if your home was damaged. This might also mean finding medical help for injuries, shock, or emotional or mental distress. [1]
    • Make sure you have access to clean water, food, shelter, and medical supplies you need (inhalers, prescriptions, etc.). If you have to evacuate your home, you can pack a change of clothes, toiletry items, and anything else you may need for a few days if you’re unable to return home immediately.
    • Here are some initial emergency resources you can access:
      • FEMA : Provides initial assistance and has a helpline at (800) 621-3362. You can also apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
      • American Red Cross : Provides emergency shelter options by zip code. You can also text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362).
      • Salvation Army : Provides emergency shelter options by zip code.
      • National Response Center : Call (800) 424-8802 for emergencies, or (202) 267-2675 if you can't access 800.
      • HUD : Provides additional support for recovery through programs and partnerships. You can call the HUD disaster line at (800) 304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
  2. Having a daily routine can help you feel more calm, in control, and ready to tackle any new issues that pop up. [2] Jump back into your old routines as soon as you can, or create new ones if your circumstances have changed. Some important things you can do to take care of yourself daily include:
    • Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. Drink plenty of clean water and try to eat nutritious, fresh foods as much as possible. [3]
    • Exercising. Even if your workout routine is temporarily changed, you may still be able to walk, run, stretch, or move your body each day to reduce stress .
    • Sleeping well. Practice good sleep hygiene to sleep as well as possible in your current circumstances, and remember that some sleep is better than none.
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  3. When you’re stressed after a disaster, it’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms. Try some of your usual hobbies if you’re still able to practice them. Reading, journaling, drawing, listening to music, or cooking are all great ways to feel some normalcy and release stress. [4]
    • You could also try mindfulness activities like meditating , yoga, breathing exercises, or self-affirmations. These can help calm your body and mind in a peaceful, nonjudgmental way.
    • Socializing, volunteering, being outdoors (if it’s safe to do so), or spending time with pets are also great ways to reduce stress.
    • Do your best to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs. These may feel like they provide relief but actually increase stress on your body. This can make it harder to manage your emotions.
  4. Get your news and updates from reliable sources. This can include local government websites, police, fire departments, or disaster relief agencies. [5] Accurate information is important. You’ll need to know when it’s safe to return to your home if you had to evacuate. You’ll also want to know where food and shelter can be found, as well as when normal public services will return.
    • Share trustworthy updates and resources with your family and friends so they can stay informed, too.
    • Avoid listening to speculation, rumors, or non-expert opinions on what to do. Correct information is vital to recovering as quickly and smoothly as possible.
  5. Overexposure to coverage of the disaster can increase your stress and make your mood worse. It can also make the experience more jarring or scary for children. Take in only what you need to stay informed instead of letting the news coverage play for hours at a time. [6]
    • Take breaks from TV, social media, the radio, or any outlet you use to get updates on the disaster and recovery efforts.
  6. Community is important to recovery, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Check in with local friends and family who may have been impacted. See how you can help or what they may be able to offer you if you’re in need. Once immediate needs like food, shelter, water, or medical care are taken care of, try to do something enjoyable as a group. This can alleviate stress and add some optimism to the situation. [7]
    • Assess everyone’s needs. Prioritize those who are most vulnerable like the older adults or children. For example, you could check in on a neighbor who is an older adult without power.
    • Make friends with new people you encounter, too. The larger your community and support system, the better! [8]
    • Be patient with yourself and others while you establish a community. Everyone affected by the disaster is stressed and trying to get their feelings, possessions, and lives back together. They may not be ready to contribute much just yet, and that is ok.
  7. Get in touch with your boss or coworkers if you’re now unable to commute to work. You may also have to let them know that you can’t work remotely due to power outages, or aren't able to return to work right away. Check your employee benefits to see what assistance is available. Then work with your employer to find a solution that works for you both. [9]
    • For example, you may work out a carpooling deal with a coworker if your car was destroyed. Or your employer might be able to provide you with a new work laptop if yours was lost or damaged.
    • If the disaster has destroyed your workplace or made you unable to work, contact local employment support agencies for immediate assistance opportunities.
    • If you are a business owner, check all of your legal and insurance papers to determine what type of claims you can make. Then, make a to-do list of everything you must do to get your business operational again.
    • If your business survived the disaster, consider a temporary relocation if necessary. You can also post signs throughout town letting residents know you’re still open and able to serve others.
  8. If your home or possessions were damaged or your income is threatened by the disaster, you’ll likely feel even more stressed. Make an estimate of your monthly expenses, debt, and what it’ll cost to repair or rebuild your losses. [10]
    • Claim what you can through insurance for help paying for replacement items, home repairs, or medical bills.
    • If the expenses are too high, reach out to your bank, a free financial counseling service, or a free legal advice service for help.
  9. The stress you feel after a disaster can make you feel angry, irritable, and impulsive. You may feel like you are unable to concentrate or make rational decisions. When you feel these emotions clouding your judgment or affecting your relationships, take a step back. This can help you clear your mind and calm yourself down. [11]
    • Try taking a short walk outside if it’s safe to do so, or practice deep breathing exercises to steady yourself.
    • Remember that it’s OK to feel a variety of strong emotions when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a disaster. Everybody reacts to disasters differently. It’s normal to have good days where you feel in control and bad days where you feel frustrated.
  10. As much as possible, limit the big changes you make to your life while you’re in the aftermath of a disaster. [12] It’s important to get back to a sense of routine or ownership over your life. Making too many big or new decisions might make it harder to feel grounded or “back to normal.”
    • For example, getting a new pet while you’re still repairing your home (or looking for a new one) could contribute to you feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities.
    • Life decisions it may be wise to postpone could include things like leaving or accepting a job, moving to a new town, or starting or ending a relationship.
  11. Disasters are tragedies that can take friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and pets from you. So, let yourself grieve. Feel your loss without trying to suppress or stifle your emotions. Attend memorial services if there are any to connect with your lost loved ones You could also consider having your own ritual or ceremony. Try journaling about your grief if you prefer to express yourself more privately. [13]
    • You may feel the need to “get over it” quickly due to your challenging circumstances. But remember that addressing your feelings as you experience them will help you cope and rebuild more healthily in the long run.
  12. It’s normal to need time to recover and get back to normal. However, if you find yourself reliving the traumatic experience, having trouble functioning on your regular tasks at work or at home, or withdrawing from relationships after you have experienced a disaster, get in touch with a counselor, therapist, or doctor for help. [14]
    • If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or others in any way, get help immediately.
    • Call or text 988. Help is available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential.
    • For more resources and places to get help, jump to Where to Get Help .
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Section 2 of 8:

Helping Children Cope After a Disaster

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  1. Children may fear repeat disasters, so let them know that the disaster is over and won’t happen again any time soon. (You may need to repeat yourself frequently to get the message across). Tell them that there are people like firefighters and volunteers working to handle emergencies and protect them. [15]
    • Reiterate that their safety is your main concern and that you’ll be there to protect them, too.
    • Avoid offering false promises like “you’ll never experience a tragedy again,” especially for older children, who could see through your efforts to soothe them. [16]
  2. Children get stressed by dangerous experiences. They may not fully comprehend what has happened. Listen to them when they speak about what they do or don’t understand. Once you know their specific fears, you’ll be better able to soothe them or give them the answers they need to feel more in control. [17]
    • Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” to a child’s question. Explain how disasters are hard for adults too. Being transparent and honest about what’s going on will help them trust you. [18]
    • Remember that kids tend to personalize emergencies. They may be overly worried about their safety or the safety of their friends and family.
    • Use words and ideas children can understand to help them grasp the situation. Be prepared to repeat yourself often to make sure they know what you mean.
    • The amount of information you tell your kids should depend on their age and maturity. You can be more open with older children about the extent of the damage or your fears, but always express these thoughts calmly.
  3. Children are more susceptible to increased stress from repeated images of “scary” situations. Monitor their TV and online screen time. Put any information they receive about the disaster in context so they understand what they’re hearing or seeing. [19]
    • For example, an image of a crowded ER might be scary for a child. But, explaining that the doctors and nurses are busy working to help people can make them feel more secure. This sends the message that there are adults prepared to keep them safe.
  4. [20] As much as you can, keep your kids on their usual mealtime, bedtime, and playtime schedule to give them a sense of normalcy. If they’re in school, find out when their school will return to in-person instruction or normal hours, and ask teachers or administrators how they’ll explain the disaster and its effects in an age-appropriate way.
    • Ensure they get regular meals and plenty of sleep each night. This will keep them resilient to change so they are still able to learn, grow, play, and develop.
  5. Some kids may be comfortable talking about their thoughts or fears. Others may be more reserved or unable to express their feelings. Let them use play, drawing, or stories to relay their emotions or experiences of what happened. If they depict the disaster or tragedy, ask them about what they’ve drawn to get their perspective on it. [21]
    • Then, you can help them “retell” the story and incorporate safety concepts you want them to learn, like calling 911 for help, to educate them on what to do in future emergencies.
  6. How you respond to and talk about the emergency can affect how your kids will respond, too. Try to remain calm, solution-focused, and optimistic about recovery and the future. If you react with anger, stress, or hopelessness, your children are more likely to feel upset as well. [22]
  7. Spending family time together makes kids feel safe and gives you more chances to hear about and observe how they’re coping. Children who’ve experienced trauma, loss, depression or anxiety before may have stronger, longer-lasting reactions to disasters than other children and require extra support. [23]
    • Every child responds to disaster differently. Younger children may turn to you for support. Older kids and teens may turn to friends and social media for comfort. No matter their age or response, let them know you’re there for them.
    • Look for physical symptoms of anxiety or stress like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue. Symptoms like these without an obvious medical cause can be a sign your child is overwhelmed, even if they don’t say it out loud.
  8. Stress symptoms can include changes to sleeping and eating habits, concentration levels, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or worries, preoccupation with the disaster, aggression, or poor performance at school. If behaviors like these continue for weeks following a disaster, get in touch with their pediatrician or school counselor for help. [24]
    • Reactions like this are common in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy. Most often, signs of distress will lessen over the following few days or weeks. If they don’t, it could be a sign your child needs more support in coping with the trauma.
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Section 3 of 8:

What to Do After an Earthquake

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  1. An aftershock is a smaller earthquake that happens after the main event. If you feel another earthquake come through , drop to the ground. Then take cover under a sturdy object like a table or desk (or take cover against an interior wall), and hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. [25]
    • If you can’t get down to the ground, sit or remain still in a position where you can’t be easily knocked down.
    • If you’re inside, stay inside. Don't crowd doorways to get outside. This can cause foot traffic jams and confusion among those trying to find shelter.
    • If you’re outside, stay outside. Avoid other buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel or gas lines.
  2. In the immediate aftermath, safety and first aid are your top priorities. Only enter structurally sound buildings. If you live near the coast and there’s a tsunami threat, move inland and look for higher ground immediately. A tsunami can strike within minutes of an earthquake. [26]
    • Stay away from beaches or areas with loose soil as the ground can shift in the aftermath of an earthquake and be potentially dangerous.
    • If you’re trapped under rubble or debris, cover your mouth, nose, and eyes to protect them from dust. Make as much noise as you can by yelling or banging on pipes or other debris. Call for help with your phone (if you have it) to attract as much attention to yourself as possible.
    • Treat your wounds and injuries to prevent infection, then help others if you’re able. For serious injuries, find an emergency responder or call 911 (if you have a functioning phone) as soon as possible.
  3. Listen to all instructions provided by local disaster relief agencies and law enforcement about when it’s safe to return home or to other public areas. Cell service and internet connectivity may be down or limited. Send text messages instead of making calls when you can. Stay connected to your loved ones, friends, and neighbors to help each other when needed. [27]
  4. Do not enter any damaged building unless it’s been declared safe by emergency services. Leave your home immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Avoid downed power lines and report them to your electric company whenever you see one. [28]
    • Additionally, stay away from wild or stray animals that may be displaced. Report any dead animals to local animal control or other officials.
  5. Check the walls, floors, doors, windows, and stairs for damage. If you spot any structural damage, like a cracked foundation, relocate to a shelter until it can be repaired. Shut off your gas, electrical, and/or water lines until they’ve been inspected and you’re certain there’s no damage or leaks. [29]
    • If the power is out, use flashlights instead of candles to see. The flame may ignite if there is any leaking gas in the home.
    • Leave your home immediately if your CO2 monitor is beeping. Do not use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment inside your home.
    • Use bottled, boiled, or treated water for cooking and hygiene. Throw away any perishable food that’s no longer refrigerated from power outages.
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Section 4 of 8:

What to Do After a Hurricane

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  1. After surviving a hurricane , do not drive in flooded areas, and wear a life jacket if you must be in floodwater (especially if it’s rising). Always wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer after touching floodwater. contain hazardous chemicals, animal waste, and more. [30]
    • Do not enter damaged buildings until they’re declared safe by authorities. If you notice any structural damage or shifting noises in your home, evacuate immediately.
    • Avoid and report any downed power lines or lines that are hanging overhead.
    • Wear long sleeves and apply insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes since they thrive near standing water. Stay away from other wild or stray animals. Report dead animals to your local officials.
  2. If your house took a beating during the storm, keep an eye out for dangers like carbon monoxide (CO2) poisoning. Leave your home right away if your detector starts beeping. Have a battery-operated one on hand if you’re using a generator for electricity. Never use backup gasoline or coal-burning appliances inside in case your gas or electric lines break. [31]
    • Never use wet electrical devices. Turn off the power at the main breaker in your home if a wet device is still plugged in. Don’t use it again until an electrician has inspected it and deemed it safe.
    • Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid accidental fires or igniting gas leaks.
    • If you smell gas or suspect a broken gas line, evacuate immediately (leaving doors and windows open as you exit). Call 911 or your local fire department right away and don’t reenter until it’s declared safe to do so.
  3. Get first aid for minor scrapes and pains, or call 911 for severe injuries. If you’re able, help others near you get medical help. Afterward, keep your hands clean with hand sanitizer or soap and clean water (if clean water is available). Only drink boiled or bottled water until authorities say the tap is safe to use. [32]
    • Also throw away any food that came into contact with floodwater or that hasn’t been refrigerated due to power outages.
      1. What to Do After a Tornado
  4. Bang on items around you, yell, or send text messages if you’re caught under some debris. Make sure to keep your eyes, mouth, and nose covered to protect against dust. (You can use a bandana or handkerchief, your hands, or even pull your shirt or a jacket up over your face). [33]
  5. Apply pressure to bleeding wounds and wash cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap. Have any puncture wounds evaluated by a medical professional. Get immediate medical care for wounds that are red, swollen, or draining. [34] Do not move a severely injured person unless they’re at risk of more imminent danger in their current location.
    • If someone has stopped breathing, administer CPR if you’re trained to do so.
    • Continue offering to help others until a response team arrives. Injuries are very common after surviving a tornado . [35]
  6. Wear long sleeves and pants, sturdy shoes or boots, and gloves when you’re sifting through or walking over debris. Inspect the walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases for damage. Find a new shelter if there is any structural damage, like missing beams or a cracked foundation. Shut off the main gas, electrical, and/or water lines if you suspect any leaks or damage. [36]
    • Do not use any matches, candles, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you’re positive there is no gas leak in your home. Turn off the electricity immediately if you spot any frayed wires, sparks, or smell a burning odor.
    • Do not use any gasoline or coal-burning appliances indoors and leave your home immediately if your CO2 monitor begins beeping.
    • Evacuate immediately if you smell gas or suspect a broken gas line. Leave doors and windows open as you leave and call 911 right away to investigate. Do not reenter your home until first responders declare it safe.
    • If your property was damaged, there may be insurance scammers trying to make a profit off of the tragedy. [37] File claims through your trusted insurance provider only.
  7. Do not enter any buildings besides your home until authorities have said it’s safe to do so. (Tornadoes can cause significant damage to the structure of many buildings and homes). Beware of exposed nails, broken glass, or any rough, sharp edges and corners that may be poking out. [38]
    • Report any downed power lines to your local electric company. Caution your children and neighbors to look out for any dangers in your immediate area.
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Section 5 of 8:

What to Do After a Fire

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  1. If there’s a fire at home or work, call the fire department right away and evacuate the building (even if the fire has largely gone out already). Then, check yourself for burns or injuries and offer first aid to others who have been hurt. [39]
    • If someone is on fire, do not spray them with a fire extinguisher. Have them stop, drop, and roll to put out the flames. Use thick blankets or jackets to help smother the fire. Fire extinguishers may cause frostbite or respiratory problems.
  2. The fire department will check for damage and let you know if and when the building is structurally safe. [40] It’s possible that the firefighters had to break windows or put holes in the roof to fight the flames, so this may contribute to the safety of the structure afterward as well. [41]
    • Wear long sleeves and gloves when you re-enter the building. Wash your hands after touching sooty items or dirty water left behind from dousing the flames.
    • The fire department will also check if your electrical, gas, and water lines are safe to use. Do not turn them back on by yourself.
    • If you have to leave your home temporarily for repairs, contact the police department to let them know you’ll be away. You may need to board up your windows and doors to prevent burglary.
  3. Ask for recommended companies for cleaning and restoring your home and belongings. Clarify which services your insurance will and will not pay for. When you contact other companies for repair services, get a cost estimate in writing (and save a copy for possible future insurance claims). [42]
    • If you don’t have home insurance, you may be able to get assistance from organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, religious groups, public agencies or community groups, or local nonprofit centers.
    • Contact your landlord (if you rent) or mortgage lender for more information on what to do next. They may also be able to work out a temporarily reduced rent or mortgage if your income or ability to work has been impacted.
  4. Replace your valuable documents and records first (things like your driver’s license, insurance policies, passports, credit cards, citizenship papers, etc.). If you have burnt money, place it in plastic wrap to preserve it. If more than half of a bill is OK, take it to your regional Federal Bank Reserve to get it replaced. [43]
    • Save receipts for any money you spend on replacing or repairing your home and belongings. You may need these for future insurance claims or to prove losses on your tax returns.
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Section 6 of 8:

What to Do After a Flood

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  1. After surviving a flood , dirty flood water can hide chemicals, waste, sharp objects, collapsed roads, downed power lines, and more dangers and debris. Avoid it when possible. Also steer clear of active disaster areas. You may interrupt rescue efforts and emergency operations happening in the vicinity. [44]
    • Heed all road closure signs, too, as the flood waters may have affected drivability or safety.
  2. Flooding can weaken floors and ceilings or damage electrical systems. This can put you at risk of collapsing ceilings or electrocution. Do not go back inside your home (or any other damaged building) until responders have said it’s safe to do so. [45]
    • Clarify with responders that the electrical system has been turned off. Contact a professional electrician to handle any electrical or wire damage.
  3. During floods, it’s possible for spiders, mosquitoes, snakes, rats, mice, and other animals to seek shelter in your home (or get swept inside by the moving water). Do not approach any wild animals in your home. Contact local animal control or an animal shelter for removal guidance (including animals that may have died in your home). [46]
    • Keep food stored securely in airtight containers and bags to discourage rats and mice.
    • Mosquito-proof your home with mesh screens in windows and doors. Clean up any stagnant or sitting water to take away mosquitoes’ breeding grounds.
  4. As soon as it’s safe to go home, report your loss to your insurance company to schedule an inspection. An agent will come to observe the damage and provide a claim estimate. Take photos and videos inside and outside of your home before throwing away or moving anything. Write down the make, model, and serial number of large appliances (like washers, dryers, TVs, computers, etc.). [47]
    • After you’ve documented the damage, you can throw away bad food, flood-ruined items, or anything that’s begun to mold or rot and might pose a health risk.
  5. If you’re without power, leave all doors and windows open while you begin cleaning to ventilate your home. Open or remove all drawers, closets, shelves, and cabinets so no hidden surface stays wet. If you have electricity, set up fans, dehumidifiers, or space heaters throughout your home to speed up the drying process and prevent mold . [48]
    • If you see any visible mold, clean it with a diluted bleach solution before turning on any fans.
    • If your HVAC system is damaged, do not use it to dry out your home. Instead, contact a professional cleaner or repair specialist.
    • It may take several days to several weeks before your home is fully dry again.
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Section 7 of 8:

Signs of Disaster-Related Distress & When to Get Help

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  1. Everyone reacts to tragedies differently. People who live or work in the disaster area may experience emotional distress. This includes first responders and recovery workers. People who are already at risk of harm from other situations like domestic abuse or food insecurity are also more likely to experience distress. The most common signs of distress include: [49]
    • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
    • Feeling angry, edgy, or lashing out at others
    • Overwhelming sadness
    • Withdrawing from people and activities
    • Frequent lack of energy or fatigue
    • Feeling like you have to keep busy all the time
    • Unexplained aches and pains like constant stomach aches or headaches
    • Feeling helpless or hopeless
    • Excessive smoking, drinking, or drug use (including prescription medications)
    • Worrying a lot of the time or feeling guilty but not sure why
    • Having difficulty readjusting to typical home or work life
  2. Feeling distress after a disaster doesn’t automatically lead to PTSD ). But surviving a natural disaster can trigger PTSD symptoms immediately or even years later. Signs that you may be experiencing PTSD and should seek help from a doctor or mental health professional include: [50]
    • Re-experiencing the trauma in a way that’s uncomfortable (flashbacks, nightmares, repeated intrusive thoughts).
    • Avoiding any reminders or conversations about the incident.
    • Changes in your thought or mood patterns (memory problems, difficulty interacting with others, negative self-talk, feeling blame for the event, depression, isolation, etc.).
    • Feeling constantly reactive (jumpy, agitated, irritable).
    • Physical symptoms like constant headaches, stomach pain, diarrhea, chest pain, or low back pain.
  3. If your distress is not getting better within a few days or weeks of the disaster, it’s time to see a doctor, counselor, or therapist for support. You may also decide to seek support if your ability to work, concentrate, or maintain your relationship is affected. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help; disasters are difficult, tragic events that take a huge toll on your mind, body, and way of life. You may be struggling to cope if you continue to have symptoms like the following after about 2 weeks: [51]
    • Crying spells or bursts of anger
    • Difficulty eating or sleeping
    • Losing interest in things that previously brought you joy
    • Increased physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue
    • Feeling guilty, helpless or hopeless
    • Avoiding family and friends
    • Increased alcohol or drug use
    • Warning: If you’re thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else, seek immediate help from a healthcare professional or crisis hotline.
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Section 8 of 8:

Where to Get Help & Additional Resources

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  1. You’re not alone if you’re fighting to take care of yourself after a disaster and need someone to talk to. If you’re unsure where to turn, consider one of these crisis resources to get help and determine what your next steps toward stability and recovery will be. [52]
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : Call or text 988 or live chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support for suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
    • Disaster Distress Helpline : Call or text 1-800-985-5990 24/7 for support for natural or manmade disasters.
    • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 access to a trained crisis counselor.
    • 211 : Visit 211.org or call 211 for help paying for food, housing bills, childcare, and other essential services.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
      2. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx
      3. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368
      5. ↑ https://news.caloes.ca.gov/family-preparedness-are-you-ready-california/
      6. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
      7. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
      8. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx
      9. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx
      1. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx
      2. ↑ https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/disaster_selfcare.asp
      3. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/stay-well-after-disaster-emergency.aspx ]
      4. ↑ https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/disaster_selfcare.asp ]
      5. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
      6. ↑ https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/help-children-cope-with-disaster
      7. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      8. ↑ https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/help-children-cope-with-disaster
      9. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      10. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      11. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      12. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      13. ↑ https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/help-children-cope-with-disaster
      14. ↑ https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
      15. ↑ https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/help-children-cope-with-disaster
      16. ↑ https://cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-during-an-earthquake.html
      17. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-after-an-earthquake.html
      18. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-after-an-earthquake.html
      19. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-after-an-earthquake.html
      20. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/safety/stay-safe-after-an-earthquake.html
      21. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-hurricane-or-other-tropical-storm.html
      22. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-hurricane-or-other-tropical-storm.html
      23. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-hurricane-or-other-tropical-storm.html
      24. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/stay-safe-after-a-tornado-safety.html
      25. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/stay-safe-after-a-tornado-safety.html
      26. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-after
      27. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/stay-safe-after-a-tornado-safety.html
      28. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-after
      29. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/stay-safe-after-a-tornado-safety.html
      30. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/north-texas/about-us/news-and-events/news/what-to-do-after-a-home-fire.html
      31. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/north-texas/about-us/news-and-events/news/what-to-do-after-a-home-fire.html
      32. ↑ https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
      33. ↑ https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
      34. ↑ https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf
      35. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-after
      36. ↑ https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-after
      37. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-animal-and-insect-related-hazards
      38. ↑ https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/starting-your-recovery-after-flood
      39. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/flood-cleanup-protect-indoor-air-and-your-health
      40. ↑ https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/warning-signs-risk-factors
      41. ↑ https://mhanational.org/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
      42. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/recovering-emotionally.html
      43. ↑ https://mhanational.org/crisisresources

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