Storm Stress

Right Before the Storm Hits

Now is the time to discuss factual information with your family about what is happening with the storm. Turn on the TV, but do not keep it on for 24 hours. Have it on only long enough to find out the facts. If it makes some in the family feel better to listen to the TV, give them a space to do it. Earphones may be good if others in the family can’t tolerate the sound of the TV.

When preparing for the storm, maintain crucial standards with children but be more flexible with less important expectations. Set priorities and problem solve with input from family members. Give and ask for support from family members, friends and the community. Review emergency preparedness and improve those areas that need some attention. Laugh. Use humor. Try to lighten up if you can.

Eat together if you can -- particularly chocolate -- really! It’s good for people under stress. Remember to eat carbohydrates to maintain your energy levels; people get depleted easily when under stress.

Be more tolerant of each other and remember it is a stressful period for all and we all handle stress in different ways.

Get sufficient exercise, even in your chair. Keep moving about, don’t sit and worry your mind.

Listen to music that is calming. If you feel upset, remember to breathe in and out at least 5 or 6 times. When we are stressed, we often forget to breathe. Validate each other.

Give hugs -- sounds nuts, but it works! Tell each other how much they are appreciated and how they have made the preparations easier. Control your environment as much as possible.

The last two important issues to consider before the storm comes are these:

1. Use Rituals: Rituals are symbolic events that can support and aid growth and healing. Rituals can help the family reduce stress, heal and reaffirm the family bonds.

For instance, one family sat in a circle for one half hour two days in row before the approaching storm and told each other their fears about the storm. The other members had to listen and be supportive with out making fun of each other. At the end, they all began to laugh.

Try to play some board games after all the work is done and have fun together.

2. Have family drills: Drills may not seem important, but research has found that workers that drill ahead of time are the most competent and, the least likely, to experience high levels of stress.

Remember: your string of contacts are your most important asset in the time of an emergency. This is the time to meet your neighbors