Patio Furniture 2014 Magellan Hurricane Guide
User Manual: Patio Furniture
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MagellanHealth.com
Hurricane Guide
History shows us that a lack of awareness and preparation are
common in all major hurricane disasters. If you know what
actions to take, you will be less vulnerable. Magellan knows
about the anxiety many people feel when the hurricane season
arrives.
We developed this guide to help you get prepared emotionally and
physically. It will help you:
• Learn about hurricanes.
• Get ready for a hurricane.
• Understand the anxiety you and your family may feel.
• Know the importance of resiliency.
Did you know?
In areas that have had major hurricanes:
• 25 to 30 percent of people may have major mental health needs.
• Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have lesser needs.
• Up to 500,000 people may need professional help.
Dening a hurricane
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone. This is the term for a low pressure
system that often forms in the tropics. A typical cyclone has
thunderstorms.
In the Northern Hemisphere, there is a counterclockwise circulation of
winds near the Earth’s surface.
Contents
3 Getting prepared
6 Taking care of your pets
7 Dealing with nances
9 Preparing yourself at work
10 The emotional toll of
hurricanes
11 Impact on children and families
14 Survivors and post-traumatic
stress disorder
16 More resources
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 2
All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas get
hurricanes or tropical storms. Parts of the Southwest
United States and the Pacic coast get heavy rains
and oods from hurricanes formed near Mexico. The
Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June through
November. The peak season is from mid-August to
late October.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to
coastlines. Damage can occur several hundred
miles inland. Winds can exceed 155 miles per hour.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause:
• Tornadoes.
• Microbursts.
• Storm surges along the coast.
• Major damage from heavy rainfall.
Hurricanes are put in ve categories. This is based
on wind speed, air pressure and damage potential
(see chart on next page). Category Three and higher
hurricanes are major hurricanes. Categories One
and Two are still very dangerous. Give them your full
attention.
Hurricanes can produce torrential rains. Floods
are the deadly and destructive result. Slow-moving
storms and tropical storms moving into mountains
produce heavy rain. Too much rain can cause
landslides or mud slides. Flash oods can occur.
Flooding on rivers and streams may last for several
days after the storm.
Additional weather terms and hazards
related to hurricanes
Hurricane. An intense tropical weather system. It
has circulation and winds of 74 mph or higher.
Tropical Storm. A system of strong thunderstorms.
It has circulation and winds of 39 to 73 mph.
Tropical Depression. A system of clouds and
thunderstorms. It has circulation and winds of 38
mph or less.
Storm Surge. A large dome of water that sweeps
ashore when a hurricane strikes land. It can be 50 to
100 miles wide. It accounts for nine of ten hurricane
deaths. Water levels up to 15 feet or more can cause
severe ooding and damage along the coast. This
happens often when the storm surge occurs at the
same time as normal high tides.
Tornadoes. A hurricane or tropical storm weakens
as it moves inland. But it can produce damaging
tornadoes.
Flooding. Hurricanes bring heavy rains. This makes
drainage problems worse in areas with storm surge
ooding. Rainfall totals of 10 inches may occur when
a tropical storm or hurricane moves across coastal
areas. Heavy rain may continue after the wind slows.
Heavy rain can produce ash oods and river oods.
More people have died from ash oods than from
storm surge. Flooding causes major property and
agricultural damage.
Sar-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale
Scale Number
(Category)
Sustained Winds
(MPH) Damage
1 74 – 95 Very dangerous winds will produce some damage
296 – 110 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage
3111 – 129 Devastating damage will occur
4 130 – 156 Catastrophic damage will occur
5More than 157 Catastrophic damage will occur
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 3
Getting prepared: what to expect before,
during and after a hurricane
Before a hurricane
Hurricanes are tracked for weeks before they
reach land. The storms are predictable. A hurricane
watch implies a storm within 48 hours of landfall. A
hurricane warning occurs within 36 hours of landfall.
Families often have a chance to prepare. They can
leave if necessary. Families should have supplies
ready. This includes preparing for quick evacuation.
Families should practice evacuations. This will help
make sure that all are prepared for a hurricane.
• Tell children about hurricanes in simple terms.
• Make a family preparedness plan. All family
members will know what to do in case of a
hurricane or other disaster. This should include
a plan for pets. (See Taking Care of Your Pets on
page 6.)
• Create a disaster supply kit. Use a large backpack
or duffel bag. Or use an easy-to-carry covered
trash container. (See Disaster Supply Kit section.)
• Practice a family disaster plan. You can evacuate
quickly and safely if told to do so. (See Family
Disaster Plan section.)
• Prepare your home for the storm.
Disaster supply kit
• Water. One gallon daily per person for three to
seven days.
• Food. Enough for up to a week.
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food and
juices.
- Foods for infants or the elderly.
- Snack foods.
- Non-electric can opener.
- Cooking tools and fuel.
- Paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Blankets and pillows.
• Clothing. Seasonal/rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• First aid kit, medicines and prescription
drugs.
• Special items. For babies and the elderly.
• Personal hygiene items, moisture wipes.
• Flashlights and batteries.
• Radio.
- Battery-operated.
- NOAA weather radio.
• Cash. With some small bills. Banks and ATMs may
not be open.
• Keys.
• Toys, books and games.
• Important documents. Keep these in a
waterproof container. Or resealable plastic bag.
- Insurance.
- Medical records.
- Bank account numbers.
- Social Security card.
• Tools. Keep a set with you.
• Full tank of gas in your car.
Family disaster plan
• Discuss the hazards that could affect your family.
Know if your home can be damaged by storm
surge, ooding and wind.
• Find a safe room or nd the safest area in your
home for each hurricane hazard. Sometimes the
safest area may not in be your home. It might be in
your community.
• Find escape routes from your home. Find places
to meet loved ones. Measure them in tens of miles
rather than hundreds of miles.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 4
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact.
Your family should have a single contact.
• Plan what to do with your pets if you need to
evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your
phones. Make sure your children know how and
when to call 9-1-1.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is
not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a
disaster supply kit.
• Use a NOAA weather radio. Replace its battery
every six months. As you do with your smoke
detectors.
• Take rst aid, CPR and disaster preparedness
classes.
Preparing your home
• Install valves in your sewer traps. This will stop
ood waters from backing up into drains.
• Make a list of items to bring inside if there are
high winds or ooding. This includes:
- Patio furniture.
- Lawn decorations.
- Tools.
- Trash cans.
- Planters.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and
downspouts. Water should drain properly.
• If you live near the water, consider raising your
home. This will resist ood waters. (Check with
your town’s planning and zoning ofcial for
approval.)
• Raise your furnace, water heater and electric
panel. Do this if they are in places that may be
ooded.
• Seal walls and openings in basements. Use
waterproong compounds to stop seepage.
• Take photos of your home for insurance claims.
• Find a place to store your boat in case of a ood.
• Write down instructions for turning off utilities.
This includes electric, gas and water.
During a hurricane
If a hurricane is in your area, you should:
• Listen to the radio or TV.
• Secure your home. Close storm shutters. Secure
outdoor objects. Or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so. If not, turn the
refrigerator to its coldest setting. Keep the doors
closed.
• Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone
except for emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with
water. This will ensure a supply of water for
sanitary purposes. This could be for cleaning and
ushing toilets.
You should evacuate if:
• Local authorities tell you to leave. Follow their
instructions.
• You live in a mobile home or temporary structure.
They are hazardous during hurricanes.
• You live in a high-rise building. Hurricane winds
are stronger at higher levels.
• You live:
- On the coast.
- On a oodplain.
- Near a river.
- On an inland
waterway.
• You feel you are in danger.
If you cannot leave, go to your safe room. If you
do not have one, follow these guidelines:
• Stay indoors during the hurricane. Stay away from
windows and glass doors.
• Close all inside doors. Secure and brace outside
doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled
if the storm stops. It could be the eye of the storm.
Winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small inside room, closet or
hallway. Go to the lowest level of your home.
• Lie on the oor under a table or another sturdy
object.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 5
Recovering from disaster
Recovering from a disaster takes time. It is gradual.
Safety is a primary issue. Mental and physical well-
being are important. Getting help makes the process
faster and less stressful. This section offers advice
on steps to take after disaster strikes. It can help you
start to get back to normal.
After the hurricane
• Check radio and TV (local or cable). Check NOAA
weather radio or the Internet.
• Roads may be closed for safety reasons.
• You may come to a barricade or a ooded road.
Turn around and go another way!
• Avoid weakened bridges and washed-out roads.
Do not drive into ooded areas.
• Stay on rm ground. Moving water only six inches
deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Standing water may have an electrical charge.
This can come from underground lines. It could
also come from downed power lines.
• Check gas, water, electrical lines and appliances
for damage.
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water. Be
sure it is safe rst.
• Do not use candles and open ames indoors. Use
a ashlight to check for damage.
• Be very careful if you use a chainsaw to cut fallen
trees.
• Use the telephone only to report life-threatening
emergencies.
• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
• You may be using an emergency generator. Make
sure the exhaust is vented to the outside.
• Most important, be a GOOD neighbor.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 6
Taking care of your pets
Before the hurricane
• Be sure your pets have up-to-date vaccines.
Pet shelters may require proof.
• Have a current photo.
• Keep a collar on your pet. It should identify your
pet. Consider giving your pet a microchip for
permanent security.
• Have a leash on hand.
• Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal.
Carriers should be large enough for the animal to
stand and turn around.
• Plan your evacuation strategy. Do not forget your
pet! Some places to keep your pet out of harm’s
way:
- Specialized pet shelters.
- Animal control shelters.
- Veterinary clinics.
- Friends and relatives.
• If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your
evacuation route plan.
Pet disaster supply kit
• Proper identication. Include immunization
records.
• Ample supply of food and water.
• A carrier or cage.
• Medicines.
• Collar and leash. Consider a muzzle if you think
your pet may be fearful.
During the hurricane
• Bring pets indoors well before a storm. Reassure
them and remain calm.
• Animals brought to a pet shelter must have:
- Identication collar and rabies tag.
- Identication on all belongings.
- A carrier or cage.
- A leash.
- Food, water and food bowls.
- Necessary medicines.
- Care instructions.
- Newspapers or trash bags for clean-up.
• Pet shelters may be lled. Call ahead for
availability.
After the hurricane
• Walk pets on a leash until they adjust. Familiar
scents and landmarks may be altered. Pets could
be confused and become lost. Other threats for
animals:
- Downed power lines.
- Reptiles brought in with high water.
- Debris.
• If your pet is lost after the disaster, contact the
local animal control ofce. You can nd out where
lost animals can be found. Bring a picture of your
pet if possible.
• Animals can become aggressive or defensive after
a disaster. Watch their behavior.
More pet resources
• American Humane Association:
www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/
emergency-services
• FEMA Information for Pet Owners: www.fema.
gov/individual/animals.shtm
• Bring Your Pet: www.petswelcome.com
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 7
Dealing with nances
Dealing with nances after a disaster can be a challenge. Whether you own or rent your home,
you have responsibilities. You may have other obligations too. You also have rights. Here are some
things you need to know.
Mortgage payments
What do I do about the home I own and cannot
access? Do I need to pay the mortgage?
You still own the property. And there is debt. You
need to discuss your situation with your lender. Your
lender will review your options and requirements.
You should contact FEMA too. They may know your
rights in a declared disaster. There may be some
relief under federal law.
If you have homeowners insurance, contact your
agent. Your policy may pay for temporary housing or
living expenses.
Rental housing
Do I need to pay my rent?
Contact FEMA to learn about your rights. You may
not be able to use the rental. It may be declared
uninhabitable. If so, you may not need to pay
rent. But you must pay rent for the time up to the
declaration. Contact your landlord. Keep a record of
the discussion. Note the date.
If you have renters insurance, contact your agent.
Every policy is different. Your policy may pay for
temporary living expenses.
Utilities
Do I need to pay?
Your area may be declared a natural disaster. All
utilities may be shut off. You must contact the utility
companies for advice. This includes:
• Telephone.
• Water.
• Electric.
• Gas.
• Trash collection.
If utilities are shut off, your bills should stop. You
must check with the utility companies. You are
responsible for all prior billings. FEMA may have
information on your rights. They may tell you what
to do.
Personal loans/car loans/leases/student
loans
Do I have to pay?
All loans still exist. You are responsible for them.
Contact each creditor for instructions. This includes:
• Credit card companies.
• Financial institutions.
• Leasing companies.
• Student loan lenders.
Most have programs for disasters. But you must
contact them. For car loans or leases, contact your
insurance agent. Damage to your car may be covered
by your policy. If you can use your car or truck, you
need to pay loans or fees. The creditor may allow a
grace period.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 8
Insurance—homeowners, renter, car or
truck, health, life and other coverage
Do I need to pay my insurance?
Contact FEMA. There may be instructions for your
situation. And contact your insurance agent. Your
agent will advise you what you need to do if you
have losses. You must pay all past due premiums.
You must pay for health, disability, life and special
personal coverage.
My employer provides my health insurance.
Is it still valid?
You may have group health coverage. Contact your
employer. Your employer will tell you what actions
are being taken. Contact your provider to conrm
coverage or other options.
Getting nancial help
FEMA offers disaster assistance through
www.DisasterAssistance.gov. This site provides easy
access to information from 17 government agencies.
This help is for everyone. It does not matter if you
own or rent your home.
Help is available for declared disaster areas. It is for
things not covered by insurance. These may include:
• Temporary housing.
• Home repairs or replacement.
• Non-housing needs. Items such as medical or
dental expenses, burial expenses, vehicle damage
and moving and storage.
To apply to FEMA:
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
Smartphone: m.fema.gov
Phone: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for
people with speech or hearing disabilities.)
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 9
Preparing yourself at work
You may not be able to leave work during a disaster. It is important to have supplies to use until
you are able to leave. Or until help arrives.
Personal workplace disaster supply kit
Flashlight with extra batteries. Use the ashlight
to nd your way if the power is out. Do not use
candles or any other open ame.
Battery-powered radio. News about the
emergency may change quickly. You will be
concerned about family and friends. Radio reports
will tell about affected areas.
Food. Keep enough non-perishable food to sustain
you. Have food for at least one day (three meals).
Select foods that do not need:
• Refrigeration.
• Preparation.
• Cooking.
• Water.
Use the following:
• Canned meals or
meats.
• Canned fruits and
vegetables.
• Canned juices.
• High-energy foods,
such as:
- Granola bars.
- Energy bars.
Water. Have at least one gallon of water. Have more
if you take medicines that require water or increase
thirst. Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using
containers that will break. This can include glass
bottles.
Medicines. Have the non-prescription medicines
you take. This includes pain relievers and stomach
remedies. Keep a three-day supply of prescription
medicines at work. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for information on storing these medicines. Talk to
your employer about storage concerns.
Tools and supplies
• Emergency “space” blanket (Mylar).
• Paper plates and cups.
• Plastic utensils.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Personal hygiene items. Include:
- Toothbrush.
- Toothpaste.
- Comb.
- Brush.
- Soap.
- Contact lens
supplies.
- Feminine supplies.
• Plastic garbage bags and ties.
• At least one change of clothing and shoes. Include
a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Include
closed-toed shoes or boots.
• An extra pair of eyeglasses.
General information
• Your kit should be based on your personal needs.
• Do not include:
- Candles.
- Weapons.
- Toxic chemicals.
- Controlled drugs
unless you have a
prescription.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 10
The emotional toll of hurricanes
Lessons learned from hurricane disasters
America is a nation that is changed by events.
Some events move us forward. Others test our
courage. Hurricanes test our courage. Living through
hurricanes has taught us resiliency. We know we can
bounce back from problems. When we help others,
we are helping ourselves. Together, we have learned
about hope.
We learned lessons from past hurricanes. These
lessons will help us with future challenges.
• We know the unthinkable is possible. We must
plan for it. We know our weaknesses.
• We understand courage. We saw uncommon acts
of courage among common people.
• We must support each other. This makes our
resilience stronger.
• We must volunteer. Helping others helps the
community. And helps us heal. We are responsible
to each other.
• We need disaster plans. We have to respond
quickly. We are paying attention to disaster
training.
• We know that fear is normal. Talking about fears
is helpful. It brings strength. Listening to others’
fears helps our relationships.
Overcoming your fears
Fear is normal if you are in a hurricane. You can
reduce the stress before or after the event. Anxiety
can be a feeling of dread. It can be about a real or
imagined threat to your well-being. Some anxiety is
normal. It can alert you when danger is present. A
traumatic event can be overwhelming. The anxiety
may get in the way of your daily life.
Helpful tips to assist you in getting over your fears:
• Be prepared. Get ready for the hurricane season.
This will help reduce fear about it.
• Eat healthy foods. Try to eat at your regular times.
Do not skip meals.
• Limit caffeine. Too much caffeine can make you
edgy. Drink coffee, tea or sodas without caffeine.
Avoid chocolate.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol. They can cause
anxiety.
• Practice relaxation. Sit quietly and breathe slowly
and deeply. Try seeing yourself in your favorite
place. See yourself as calm and happy.
• Do not over-commit. Lots of people may need
help after a hurricane. Trying to do too much all at
once can bring on anxiety.
• Keep to your daily routine. Doing routine things is
comforting. It can reduce stress.
• Limit TV news viewing. Major events like
hurricanes feed news coverage. You do not have
to view it constantly. Tune in for updates. But stop
watching if it adds to your anxiety. Or that of your
family members.
• Keep family members close by. It may make you
feel better. Be concerned about your family’s
safety. Try not to overreact.
• Do something for someone else. Take attention
off your own worries. Do something nice for
someone.
• Volunteer. Contact area schools or hospitals. Ask
volunteer groups how you can help. Take action
to be part of the solution. This is a great way to
reduce anxiety.
• Talk to someone. If you feel overwhelmed by
emotions, talk to:
- A friend.
- A family member.
- A doctor.
- A religious advisor.
- A mental health
professional.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 11
Impact on children and families
Hurricane warnings produce emotional distress. People try to gure out when the hurricane will
hit. The fear and anxiety may be contagious. People may be frantic. They may shop for food, water
and emergency supplies. They may look for ashlights, candles, generators, and boards to cover
windows. People may line up at gas stations and want to ll their tanks to get ready for evacuation.
Families must decide how to meet in a safe place or make nal evacuation plans.
A hurricane threatens the usual feelings of safety.
Heavy rain, ooding and winds may disrupt
telephone and power lines. This breaks down
communication. Food and water supplies may be
affected. A powerful storm can blow off the roofs of
houses. It can break windows or blow open doors.
It can destroy entire homes. Leaving a shelter is
dangerous. Wind-blown debris can cause injury or
death.
Children may see unusual fear in their parents and
caretakers. They may lose their home. They may lose
cherished toys. They may be exposed to collapsed or
damaged buildings. Their school may be destroyed.
Familiar landmarks may be gone.
There will be a wide range of psychological
problems. Individuals with pre-existing emotional
and behavioral problems may get worse. This could
happen if:
• They lose their
supports.
• Their routine is upset.
• They do not have
medicines.
People may have emotional problems if they lose:
• Their homes.
• Their jobs.
• Family members.
• Friends.
Facing constant problems may affect the ability to
recover.
Children and adults may have traumatic reminders.
They may re-live the bad experience. They feel the
same fears they had during the hurricane. Reminders
can include:
• Hurricane warnings.
• Dark clouds.
• Lightning bolts.
• Heavy rain.
• Wind.
• Activities linked
to hurricane
preparations.
Common emotional reactions of children and
families include:
• Feeling angry or sad.
• Worries about the
future.
• Fear that it will
happen again.
• Temper tantrums.
• Irritability.
• Being hyperactive.
• Clinging to others.
• Stomach aches.
• Headaches.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nightmares.
• Sleep problems.
• Fears about the safety
of family members,
friends and loved ones.
• Problems in school.
• Decreased motivation.
Teens may respond differently. They may:
• Feel withdrawn or angry.
• Take risks because they want to live life to the
fullest.
• Go against authority.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 12
What you can do to help your child
Spend time talking to your children. Let them know
it is okay to ask questions and share their worries.
Issues may come up more than once. Be patient. Be
open to answering questions again to clarify things.
It will be hard to nd time to have these talks. Use
regular family mealtimes or bedtimes to talk.
Let children know what is happening in the family.
Tell them what is going on with their school and the
community. Answer questions briey and honestly.
Be sure to ask children for their opinions and ideas.
For younger children, read a favorite story or have a
relaxing family activity. This can help them feel more
safe and calm.
To help children recover:
• Be a role model. Try to remain calm. Your
child can learn from you how to handle stressful
situations.
• Listen to adult conversations. Be aware of
what adults are saying about the hurricane. Or
the damage. Children may misinterpret what they
hear and be frightened.
• Limit media exposure. Protect your child from
too many storm images:
- On TV.
- On the Internet.
- On radio.
- In the newspaper.
• Reassure children. Tell them they are safe. You
may need to repeat this often. Even after the
hurricane passes. Spend extra time with them.
Play games outside. Read together indoors. Or just
cuddle. Be sure to tell them you love them.
• Replace lost or damaged toys as soon as you
can.
• Calm worries about their friends’ safety.
Phones may not be working. But make sure your
children know that their friends’ parents are
taking care of them. Just the way you are taking
care of your children.
• Tell children about the community. Make
sure they know that things are being done to x
utilities. These can include electricity, phones,
water and gas. Tell them that the town or city
will remove debris. They will help families nd
housing.
• Take care of your children’s health. Help them
get enough rest. They need exercise and healthy
food. Be sure they have a balance of quiet and
physical activities.
• Keep the routines of daily life. Children feel
more secure with structure and routine. Keep to
regular mealtimes and bedtimes if possible.
• Maintain expectations. Stick to your family
rules about good behavior and respect for others.
Continue family chores. Children may need more
reminding than usual.
• Encourage children to help. They cope better
and recover faster if they feel they are helping.
Give them small clean-up tasks. Then provide
activities not related to the hurricane. These can
include playing cards or reading.
• Be extra patient once children return to
school. They may be more distracted and need
extra help with homework.
• Give support at bedtime. Children may be
more fearful when separating from parents. Spend
more time talking, cuddling or reading. Start the
bedtime routine earlier. This will help them get the
sleep they need. If young children need to sleep
with you, let them know it is temporary. Soon they
will go back to sleeping in their own beds.
• Help reduce boredom. Daily activities may be
disrupted:
- Watching TV.
- Having friends over.
- Playing on the
computer.
Special activities, like sports and or dance classes,
may be stopped. Help children think of other
things to do, such as:
- Board games.
- Card games.
- Arts and crafts.
Try to nd community programs with child-friendly
activities, such as:
- The library.
- A park program.
- A local YMCA.
• Keep things hopeful. Stay positive about the
future. Your positive outlook will help children see
good things in the world around them. This will
help get them through challenging times.
• Get professional help if your child has
problems more than six weeks after the
hurricane.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 13
What parents can do to help themselves
Parents may neglect their own needs during a crisis.
To take care of their children, parents must take care
of themselves. Here are some things parents should
keep in mind:
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, get enough
sleep and get proper medical care.
• Support each other. Parents and other
caregivers should talk together. Provide support
as needed.
• Put off major decisions. Avoid unnecessary life-
altering decisions during a stressful time.
• Give yourself a break. Try not to overdo clean-
up activities. Avoid lifting heavy items or working
for long periods of time.
How families can help children cope with
fear and anxiety
A hurricane may touch your family personally
or news of it may come to your home via TV or
newspapers. You can help children cope with the
anxiety.
Listen to your children. Talk to them about their
concerns. This can reassure them that they will be
safe. Encourage them to discuss what is happening
around them. Even young children have questions
about tragedies. Children react to stress at their own
level.
Here are pointers for parents and other caregivers:
• Encourage children to ask questions. Listen
to what they say. Comfort them. Address their
specic fears. It is okay to admit you cannot
answer all of their questions.
• Talk on their level. Talk in a way they
can understand. Do not get too technical or
complicated.
• Find out what frightens them. Encourage
children to talk about fears they have. They may
worry that someone will harm them at school. Or
that someone will try to hurt you.
• Focus on the positive. Make sure they know
that most people are kind and caring. Tell children
about heroic things done by ordinary people to
help victims of tragedy.
• Pay attention. Your children’s play and drawings
may show their concerns. Ask them to tell you
what is going on in the game or the picture. It is
a chance to clear up confusion, answer questions
and give comfort.
• Create a plan. Establish a family emergency plan
for the future. This can include nding a meeting
place where everyone should gather if something
happens in your family or neighborhood. It can
help you and your children feel safer.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 14
Survivors and post-traumatic stress
disorder
The eect of a disaster or traumatic event goes beyond current devastation. It takes time to rebuild
damaged buildings. And it takes time to grieve and rebuild our lives. Life may not return to normal
for months or even years. There may be changes in living conditions. This can cause changes in day-
to-day activities. And this can lead to strains in relationships or lead to changes in expectations and
shifts in responsibilities. Changes in relationships, roles and routines make life unpredictable.
Things to remember when trying to
understand disasters
• Everyone in a disaster is touched by it in some
way.
• It is normal to feel fear about your family’s safety.
• It is normal to feel sadness, grief and anger.
• Acknowledge your feelings. This helps you
recover.
• Focus on your strengths and abilities. This will
help you to heal.
• Accept help from community programs and
resources. This is healthy.
• We each have different needs and we have
different ways of coping.
• It is common to want to strike back at people
who have caused us pain but nothing good is
accomplished by hateful language or actions.
Signs help may be needed to manage stress
• Confusion and difculty communicating thoughts.
• Short attention span.
• Difculty concentrating.
• Being easily frustrated.
• Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt.
• Depression, sadness and feeling hopeless.
• Mood swings and crying.
• Difculty maintaining balance.
• Headaches and stomach problems.
• Tunnel vision or mufed hearing.
• Colds or u-like symptoms.
• Difculty sleeping.
• Poor work performance.
• Afraid to leave home.
• Fear of crowds or strangers
• Fear of being alone.
• More use of drugs or alcohol.
Ways to ease the stress
• Talk with someone about your feelings.
• Do not blame yourself for the disaster.
• Do not be frustrated because you cannot help in
rescue work.
• Help your own physical and emotional healing.
Stay active in your daily routine or adjust it. A
healthy approach to life will help you and your
family. This includes:
- Healthy eating.
- Rest.
- Exercise.
- Relaxing.
- Meditating.
• Keep a normal household and daily routine. Do
not demand too much of yourself and your family.
• Spend time with family and friends.
Magellan Healthcare—Hurricane Guide Page 15
• Take part in memorials or rituals. Using symbols
helps express feelings.
• Use existing support groups of family and friends.
Or spiritual and religious outlets.
• Set up a family emergency plan. This shows that
there is something you can do.
A disaster can have serious effects on our lives.
Knowing what to expect may help us return to
normal. As you and your family begin to rebuild your
lives, you may face the situations below.
Personal uncertainties
• Feeling mentally drained is normal.
• Feeling exhausted is common.
• The loss of a home, business, or income may
result in confusion about the future.
• Past emotional problems or losses may resurface.
• The anniversary of an event can remind us of
our losses. This can happen on the event date
each month. It may be stronger on the yearly
anniversary of the event.
Family relationship changes
• Relationships may become stressed. Conicts
with spouses and other family members may
increase.
• Families may have to live in temporary housing
or with relatives and friends. This leads to
overcrowding and tension.
• Family members or friends may be forced to
move. This disrupts support systems.
• Parents may not be available to their children.
They may be busy cleaning up or distracted by
problems.
• Parents may be too protective of their children.
• Children may need to take on adult roles. This
includes watching siblings or helping with
cleanup. They will have less time to spend with
friends. They will not do routine things.
Work disruptions
• Stress from personal issues can lead to poor work
performance.
• Conicts with co-workers may increase because
of stress.
• Businesses may be forced to lay off employees.
Company work hours and wages may be cut.
• Less income may mean taking a second job.
• Daily travel may change because of the loss of a
car or damaged roads.
Financial worries
• People may not regain their standard of living.
This can lead to concerns about money and
unpaid bills.
• People may need to get nancial help to rebuild or
repair damage. This adds to high levels of stress.
How to be a survivor
• Everyone needs to take steps to recover from a
disaster or traumatic event.
• Accept the reality of the loss.
• Allow yourself and other family members to feel
sadness and grief.
• Adjust to a new environment. Acknowledge the
loss of a person or possessions.
• Move on. Do not continue to let the loss take a
toll.
• Have faith in better times to come.
You and your family have survived a traumatic event.
Your lives are not over. Return to doing things you
enjoy with friends and as a family. Get back to the
routines of your life. Make commitments and keep
them.
If you or a member of your family still has trouble
coping, ask for help. Talk to a counselor or mental
health professional. In the workplace, you may be
able to get assistance from your human resources
department. For help with nancial matters, contact
a nancial advisor.
B-H1007 (7/14) ©2014 Magellan Health, Inc. Page 16
More resources
Federal/national resources
American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-
733-2767). For missing persons call 1-866-GET-INFO.
FEMA: www.fema.gov. Or call 1-800-621-FEMA
(3362). Or call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
FirstGov: www.usa.gov. This is the U.S.
Government’s ofcial site for information and
resources.
HUD Housing Counseling Center:
Log on to HUD.gov. Or call HUD at 1-800-569-4287.
Humane Society of the United States:
www.humanesociety.org.
National Hurricane Center:
www.nhc.noaa.gov.
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSNHC.
On Twitter: www.nhc.noaa.gov/twitter.shtml.
National Weather Service:
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/graphicsversion/
bigmain.html.
Salvation Army:
www.salvationarmyusa.org. Or 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Magellan resources
Call us for more information, help or support.
Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days
a week to provide condential assistance at no cost
to you.
