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Disaster related stress can

take heavy toll on children

Weather disasters and other emergencies are highly

stressful on the residents of affected areas, but children can be the

most vulnerable to the disruption in their lives. Knowing what

kind of behavior to expect in the wake of a disaster, and

understanding how to help children cope with their fears are an essential

part of preparing and planning for possible emergencies.

"Knowing what to expect from a child and knowing how to

help them to cope with what has happened may be the single

most important thing a parent can do in being prepared for an

emergency," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency

(GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell.

"It is also important for emergency responders to

understand how children react to disasters and to be able to respond

accordingly," McConnell added.

McConnell pointed out that children are not

emotionally equipped to deal with the loss of their home and belongings,

or with a period of displacement resulting from an evacuation.

He said it is essential for parents and adult family members, as well

as emergency responders, to understand how children react to

stress and to know how to address their needs and to reassure them.

A child's reaction to a crisis depends on a number of

factors, but various behavior patterns can be expected including:

distress, restlessness, anger and physical aggression, fear and

anxiety, reticence, guilt, symptoms of illness, and the return to

behavior patterns of a younger age.

The fears can be especially wide ranging. Children can

experience an overwhelming fear of leaving home or of being

left alone. They may also fear the disaster that disrupted their

lives will reoccur, and feel anxiety over what will happen to

them. Some children may even feel that they are somehow

responsible for what happened because of their previous behavior.

According to mental health experts, listening to children

express their feelings and fears following a disaster is critical.

They also recommended that adults talk with children about the

disaster and about their own feelings, and repeat reassurances

frequently. Physical contact is important, and parents should

take the time to hold young children to provide comfort. Play

opportunities should be provided to relieve tension. Returning to

a routine as soon as possible is also helpful to children.

Children should also be given the opportunity to mourn

or grieve over their losses, no matter how insignificant they

may seem to an adult. The loss of a favorite toy or "security

blanket" can be extremely distressing.

"The most important response, however, is to reassure your

children that you care and that you are there to take care of

them," McConnell added.

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