Disaster Planning

Written by Diane Dennis for Portland Family Magazine

What may go down in our history as the worst natural disaster of our country's history, Hurricane Katrina's damage to the Gulf Coast and parts of Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida continue to be assessed. While countless lives have been lost, those spared are finding themselves suffering with physical and emotional wounds. Gone are countless homes, personal belongings, irreplaceable memento's, pets and worst of all many are still searching for family members and friends—not knowing whether the missing will be found alive or not.

However, buried beneath the devastating stories of loss lies glimmers of heartwarming stories. Tony Perkins, President of Family Research council says, "We can't do everything but we can do something. I encourage ever person to do their part in bringing relief to the victims of this disaster." Perkins helped lead efforts in Louisiana that resulted in 90 trucks delivering water and food to the new Orleans area and helped generate over 35,000 phone calls to a website helping find homes for the displaced citizens (www.shareyourhome.org). Here in Portland, many volunteers signed up to assist in outfitting southeast Portland high school Washington-Monroe with cots, blankets, pillows and other comforts to an anticipated 1,000 refugees coming this direction. Although they have yet to arrive, countless other citizens of this city are looking for ways of helping the victims of the storm.

Kids are also finding innovative ways to assist. Christina Wessell of Youth Services America sent Portland Family Magazine these examples of ordinary kids finding extraordinary ways to help: Former Hurricane Andrew sufferers, a third grade sister and fourth grade brother team are conducting a relief campaign involving letter writing to their 468 elementary students to bring in as many non-perishable goods to the schoool. Their efforts were encouraged by a current Learn & Serve America project, called "Storm Troopers," during which students learn about hurricane safety, educate others about hurricane safety through music, print and a variety of other products, and work with the American Red Cross to construct emergency supply kits for area seniors.

A 7-year-old youth has been collecting for the Hurricane fund and giving it to the Red Cross. He has collected $303 so far in his community and isn't stopping any time soon. A 1,200 student-led effort combining student organizations at Trinity Christian College, including the Social Justice Committee, The courier (a student newspaper), the Student Association, and student ministry teams has distributed 250 piggy banks for students to donate their spare change. The college has also opened the enrollment to students in the Chicago area who were displaced by the hurricane.

When adversity touches our lives there are always valuable lessons to learn. Besides high winds, flooding and devastation, Hurricane Katrina brings an opportunity to teach compassion to our children. Local Boy Scout and Camp Fire Groups are teaming up with community clubs such as the Rotary in fund raising efforts. Besides modeling empathy, such activities help kids feel part of the rebuilding process—minimizing feelings of helplessness. It is also a time to restrict overloading kids with graphic images and descriptions that will continue to appear on television, radio and the Internet. Experts agree that for children under four, any disturbing images and descriptions should not be allowed. Kids older may watch some of the coverage of the storm damage, but should not view television alone. A parent present should be nearby to answer questions and allow the child to express his or her fears. It is critically important for parents to assure their children that they are safe by explaining how your family is prepared in the event our communities suffer a disaster, natural or otherwise. As with the events of 9/11, children may be more needy, not want to sleep alone and have bad dreams. Again, experts alert parents to be empathetic with their children keep them close and bend some rules. For example, if a child suddenly wants to sleep in their parent's bed, it can be allowed for a short period of time. Most importantly, any change in behavior is an alert to parents to open the dialogue and let kids express themselves.

And, in the event that parents struggle emotionally, it is important to seek outside help, keep disturbing images to a minimum and practice healthy self- care. As parents model resilient behavior, kids have the opportunity to witness healthy coping skills first hand.