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.
Help them cope by:
- 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.
- Plan to keep the family together, calmly and firmly explain the situation and encourage your children to talk!