In this Article

• Introduction to hurricane preparation
• What are hurricane aftermath health concerns?
• How can I store food safely?
• How can I make sure our water is safe?
• How do I perform first aid for injuries?
• How should I clean mold from my house?
• How can I prevent injuries after a hurricane?
• Wear protective gear
• Beware of electrical hazards
• Avoid carbon monoxide
• Prevent musculoskeletal injuries
• Beware of structural instability
• Avoid hazardous materials
• Be prepared for fires
• Prevent drowning
• Reduce the risk of thermal stress
• Prevent fatigue-related injuries
• What can I do to cope with stress after a hurricane?
• How do I deal with wild and domestic animals in a disaster?
• Hurricane Preparedness Glossary
• Hurricane Preparedness Index

What can I do to cope with stress after a hurricane?

The days and weeks after a hurricane are going to be rough. In addition to your physical health, you need to take some time to consider your mental health as well. Remember that some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, hyperactivity, mild depression, or lethargy are normal, and may go away with time. If you feel any of these symptoms acutely, seek counseling.

Your state and local health departments will help you find the local resources, including hospitals or health care providers that you may need.

Individual responses to a threatening or potentially-traumatic event may vary. Emotional reactions may include feelings of fear, grief and depression. Physical and behavioral responses might include nausea, dizziness, and changes in appetite and sleep pattern, as well as withdrawal from daily activities. Responses to trauma can last for weeks to months before people start to feel normal again.

Seek medical care if you become injured, feel sick, or experience stress and anxiety.

There are many things you can do to cope with traumatic events, including:

• Keep as many elements of your normal routine incorporated into the disaster plans as possible, including activities to allay children's fears.
  
  
• Be aware that you may have fewer resources to attend to your day-to-day conflicts, so it is best to resolve what you can ahead of time.
  
  
• Turn to family, friends, and important social or religious contacts to set-up support networks to help deal with the potential stressors.
  
  
• Let your child know that it is okay to feel upset when something bad or scary happens.
  
  
• Encourage your child to express feelings and thoughts, without making judgments.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
• Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).
• Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).

Read more Hurricane Preparedness related articles »

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