Preparedness Counseling for Disasters

by Jaye Levy, LCSW,ACSW,BCD.

  From the recent devastation from the California wildfires to the massive flooding in Ohio, to the horrific tornadoes in the southeastern United States, which killed over sixty people, thousands suffered major losses and are displaced and/or homeless.  In Southern California alone, as of January 6, nineteen thousand victims applied for FEMA help, quoted LA Station 9.

As an LCSW Critical Incident Stress Debriefer, private practitioner and member of the Counseling and Psychotherapy Referral Service, I have viewed, up close and personal, the flattened charcoal remains of homes in Rancho Bernardo and have been a victim of the 2005 Florida hurricane. Recently seeing on television, the acres of shattered remains of homes in Tennessee, I feel compelled to ask fellow social workers to practice and then teach "preparedness".

 Clients ask how they are to regroup after the devastating Wildfires!  One, hopefully with assistance, can eventually rent, buy or rebuild and shop wisely for needed belongings.  However, the residual anxiety and stress, coping with loss and fear of a future disaster is overwhelming.  As an example, in Florida, during the 2005 hurricane, elevators were rendered inoperable as was electricity for 10 days. Seniors and the disabled, who were unable to descend stairs, were stranded, often without sufficient food, medicine and supplies.  Some were injured and unable to communicate for help.  When I delivered preparedness packets before the next hurricane season, to condominium residents, they smiled, sighed relief and expressed gratefulness as they now had lists of needed supplies and emergency numbers for help and shelter locations.  Focus now is also to equip the clubhouse with generators and supplies for this large community.

  Okay, so we know that everywhere, floods, storms, hurricanes, Tornadoes and especially, fires, earthquakes and mudslides in California, are inevitable.  Although we cannot prevent them, we certainly can be better informed, get prepared and be in charge to protect our futures.  I attended disaster courses both in Florida and with the Red Cross “Disaster Preparedness Academy" in Orange County.

 I now have Red Cross goals to meet.  The following details are essential.  As a personal example, just prior to the Florida hurricane, we discovered we needed a battery operated radio(NOA) to keep informed and know when to exit!

 First, buy or assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit in a sturdy easy-to-carry container(s).  Include a 3 day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) and food (for at least 3 days) that will not spoil. Include a change of clothing and shoes, a blanket or sleeping bag, a first aid kit, prescription medicines, emergency tools including a battery powered radio, flashlight and batteries, car keys, credit card, cash, sanitation supplies, extra eye glasses and special needs items. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container both with you and in your car.

     Create a disaster plan with one phone number for everyone to call in to (best out of area) and a place to meet.  Make sure this contact has a list of your valuables, banks, insurance, doctors and lawyer. Know where you will go to evacuate and make plans for your pets.  Mark an evacuation plan(s) on a local map.

  Learn the disaster plans at your work and at your children's schools.  Make a list of emergency phone numbers, know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity.  Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, learn how to use the fire extinguisher, make sure smoke detectors work, know the best escape routes from home and find the safest places in your home for different disasters.  Always avoid downed power lines.  Meet with your neighbors and be aware of each other’s needs.  Statistics show only seven per cent of Americans is, considered "Red Cross Ready"!  This means you have a disaster kit, a communication plan and are prepared to respond to disasters and everyday emergencies. You may visit www.redcross.org/beredcross ready or call your Red Cross chapter.  You may also visit www.ready.gov, www.earthquakecountry.info or www.fema.gov. Products are available at RedCross.org online store or at Target or Drugstore.com.  I personally purchased kits and wonderful organizer books from the Red Cross to keep all personal, medical, property and contact information.