NCCEV Press Releases

For immediate release: September 17, 2004

Helping Children Deal with Natural Disasters.

BY ROBERT P. FRANKS, Guest Columnist
September 17, 2004 4:57 pm
Kids can become anxious and fearful during the hurricane season --
something to remember as we prepare for Hurricane Ivan's possible
arrival in North Carolina. While most kids are amazingly resilient, some
may suffer traumatic stress reactions.

In young and school-aged children, this may show up in a variety of
ways, such as feelings of insecurity, anxiety or fear, disruptive or
clinging behaviors, or problems at school. Adolescents may also
become socially withdrawn, angry, irritable, or may indulge in
risk-taking behaviors. Kids with pre-existing emotional or
behavioral issues may be even more vulnerable.

In response to the recent hurricanes in Florida, experts from the
UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress have given
support to victims and their families. A team of staff members
trained by the American Red Cross worked with more than 20 children
a day.

With the hurricane season lasting from June to November, storms are
part of every North Carolinian's life. Thanks to improved prediction
and tracking methods, families are often able to prepare and
evacuate their homes if necessary.

Here are some practical steps to help prevent child trauma due to
hurricanes and tornadoes. Before a severe storm hits:

-- Give children simple, factual, age-appropriate information about
hurricanes and tornadoes in language they can understand.

-- Develop a family preparedness plan (include pets, since most
emergency shelters cannot take them).

-- Make and carry a family preparedness wallet card (for a suggested
format for a plan or card go to www.nctsnet.org).

-- Create and practice a family evacuation plan.

During a hurricane or tornado:

-- Do your best to create a sense of safety and security and let
your children know that adults will take care of them.

-- Where possible, shield children from viewing severe injuries and
damage.

-- Let children help in age-appropriate ways to increase their sense
of control.

-- Do not underestimate or dismiss the sense of loss that children
feel for missing pets or special toys.

Afterwards, most kids and families recover in time with the help of
their support networks. How long this takes depends on factors such
as how frightening the hurricane was, whether evacuation was
necessary, the extent of damage to the home, and whether anyone was
injured or lost in the disaster.

Children are strongly influenced by how their caregivers cope.
Parents and teachers should try to remain calm, answer children's
questions honestly, and be sensitive to each child's reactions.
Adult conversations should be monitored, because children may
misinterpret what they hear and be unnecessarily frightened.

Media exposure should be limited to protect children from too many
images of the hurricane. If children do watch media coverage,
whenever possible it should be done with adult supervision, followed
by a family discussion.

It is important to repeatedly reassure children that they are safe,
even after the hurricane has passed. They should be told about
community recovery and efforts to restore electricity, phones, water
and gas, to remove debris and help families find housing.

Where possible, regular daily routines such as mealtimes and
bedtimes should be followed. Even in the midst of disruption and
change, children feel more secure with structure and routine. Once
children return to school, extra patience may be needed. Children
may be more distracted and need extra help with their schoolwork.

Finally, all children benefit from parents who keep things hopeful
and stay optimistic about the future. When confronted with disasters
it is an opportunity for us to show our children the goodness and
generosity of others, as well as a unified and hopeful community
spirit.

With a positive outlook, parents can help their children get through
the most challenging times.

Robert P. Franks is Director of the National Resource Center at the
UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
(www.nctsnet.org) and a faculty member in the psychiatry department
at Duke Medical Center. In addition to the National Center, a
community treatment center is in Durham, The Center for Child and
Family Health. Local residents needing services or information may
call (919) 419-3474.

URL for this article:
http://www.herald-sun.com/opinion/columnists/guests/68-523282.html

For more information, please contact:

National Center for Children Exposed to Violence
1-877- 49-NCCEV
Email: nccev@info.med.yale.edu
Or visit the program’s websites at www.nccev.org and www.cd-cp.org.