Helping Children Cope With Disaster

• Be aware that after a disaster, children are most afraid that....

• the event will happen again.

• someone will be injured or killed.

• they will be separated from the family.

• they will be left alone.

• Children depend on daily routines.  In a disaster, they'll look to you and other adults for help.  How you react to an emergency gives them a clue on how to act.

• As best as you can, tell children what you know about the disaster.  Explain what will happen next.

• Your children will realize that life will eventually return to normal.  If a child does not respond to the above suggestions, seek help from a mental health specialist or a member of the clergy.

• So plan to keep the family together, calmly and firmly explain the situation and encourage your children to talk!