Disaster Resources
Coping With a Disaster...
If you or someone you know and/or love has just experienced a traumatic event you will be very busy over the next several days caring for your immediate needs. Finding a new place to stay, cleaning up making repairs, and filling out claim forms will occupy a majority of your time. As the shock wears off you will start to put your life back together. Below is a list of things that will help you to take care of your “whole” self:
Tips for Coping and Self-Care...
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Reach out and make contact with others.
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Talk with friends and loved ones.
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Recognize and accept your feelings as "normal" responses to extreme circumstances.
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Express your feelings appropriately; keep a journal to help in the process.
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Structure your time.
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Maintain your usual schedule as much as you can.
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Get extra rest and set aside time to relax.
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Eat regular balanced meals even if you don't feel hungry.
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Exercise or participate in some regular physical activity.
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Delay major decisions or changes in your life.
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Avoid excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
Common Symptoms after a Crisis or Disaster...
- Irritability/Anger
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Nightmares/Sadness
- Headaches or nausea
- Hyperactivity
- Lack of concentration
- Recurring thoughts of the event
- Feeling numb, “in a fog”
Helping Others...
- Listen with interest
- Encourage people to talk about their experience
- Spend time together
- Reassure them that they are safe
- Help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking or caring for their family
- Allow some private time
- Try to maintain a normal routine
- Do not take normal responses of anger personally
Your Family Disaster Plan...
Disaster can strike quickly anywhere, anytime. If this happens, will you be ready?
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
- 3-day supply of water and non-perishable food
- One change of clothing and sturdy footwear per person
- First aid kit including any of your family’s prescription medications
- Battery-powered radio, flash-light, and extra batteries
- Extra set of car keys, credit card, cash or traveler’s checks
- Sanitation and hygiene supplies
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- List of important information and phone numbers (doctor, etc)
CREATING A DISASTER PLAN
- Pick two places to meet in case you and your family are separated.
- Have an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact in case you are separated and local phone service is out.
- Plan pet care in case you have to evacuate your home.
Contact one of Trumbull County’s Crisis Team Counseling Agencies listed below if symptoms persist. Recognize that seeking professional help doesn’t mean you are weak, inadequate, or crazy.
Emergency Contact Information
Police/Fire 911
American Red Cross 330-392-2551
Trumbull 211 - dial 211 or CONTACT 330-393-1565
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services - Trumbull LifeLines Providers
Valley Counseling 330-394-6244
Community Solutions 330-394-9090
Churchill Counseling 330-759-3040
PsyCare Inc. 330-856-6663
Catholic Charities 330-393-4254
Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)