THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 1995 TAG: 9508170655
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
This is a stressful, anxious time for Hampton Roads. Children, who lack perspective on natural disasters, may be especially fearful.
Before, during and after the storm, you can minimize anxiety - both yours and your family's - by talking and taking deliberate action. Here are some tips.
If you have time before the storm strikes:
Take action to protect yourself, your family and your property. Help neighbors if you can. Doing so provides a sense of control that can dispel anxiety.
Gather as many support systems around your family as possible. Talk with the neighbors, church or synagogue members, relatives. If circumstances allow, work together. Help others who need it.
Remember that the overwhelming odds are that you'll make it through the storm alive and without serious injury.
If you have children, talk to them honestly about what is happening. Answer their immediate questions: Where will their toys be? Where will they be? Where is the bathroom? Will they have to leave the house?
Before moving to a shelter, if possible, try to soothe children's fears by driving by and visiting it before moving in. ``Children can accept things better if they're not surprised,'' said Fort Lauderdale psychologist Marilyn Segal, who counseled families after Hurricane Andrew.
Let children help gather supplies, test flashlights and fill bathtubs. This will create a sense of family togetherness.
Give kids messages that things are going to be all right. Tell them all the things you are doing to make sure they are safe.
Don't ignore kids' questions.
During the storm:
Stay safe, whether it's at home or in a shelter.
Remind kids that they are safe. Never leave them alone.
Keep active. If you have kids, sing songs, play simple games, color, tell stories. Try to keep kids occupied, but understand that they may be bored and temperamental at being trapped inside with no television or lights.
Try to maintain normalcy, even in the shelter. Set regular bedtimes, mealtimes and play times. Try to carve out a spot where children can play and have some privacy, even if it's on a cot.
After the storm:
Be patient.
Determine what's really important, keeping in mind that a spouse's view on what should be considered top priority might not match yours.
Don't expect things to instantly restore themselves. Accept that restoration (both physical and emotional) takes time.
Realize that disaster victims have suffered losses, and it's natural for them to express disbelief, anger, sadness, anxiety and depression.
Realize that the emotions of victims will be on a roller coaster, and moods can change unexpectedly.
Try to maintain a diet that's as nourishing as possible.
Focus on the big picture, instead of little problems.
Talk with friends, family, counselors or clergy members. A supportive network is crucial.
If you have children, talk with them about what you did during the storm that worked, and what you would do differently next time.
Let children know it's OK to still be scared. Have them draw pictures expressing their feelings, or let them act it out during play.
Reassure them that they're lucky nothing bad happened.
The next time it rains, they may fear another storm is coming. Reassure them that there is always plenty of warning with a hurricane and that they are very rare.
Sources: psychologist Marilyn Segal, Nova University; psychologist John Freedy, Medical University of South Carolina; Virginia Cooperative Extension. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
STEVE EARLEY/Staff
Shawnee Stewart sits with her younger brother Wayne at the Oscar F.
Smith High School in Chesapeake.
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE FELIX by CNB