Helping Loved Ones Impacted By A Hurricane – Five Valuable Tips

  • Apply Caring Case-Management Technique
  • Provide Material Support
  • Ask Questions
  • Seek-Out Supportive Services Information
  • Be Patient and Empathetic

When a monumental disaster like a hurricane strikes, the impact felt by those in the affected regions can be devastating. As a friend or family member, how does one offer the very best of help and support in a situation like this? While each and every survival story is full of its own unique components and complexities, there are some common threads to be found in providing the best on the support-giving side of it all.

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1. Apply Caring Case-Management Technique

In the wake of any disaster, those most severely affected are understandably and likely in a state of shock. They have lost more than what is psychologically normal to deal with, and at this point, they may very well need some help with overall planning and logistics. Where does someone even start when they’ve lost everything or enough to make it feel like everything?

When a massive amount of emergency logistics needs to be sorted, a helping hand and calm, organized approach is what is needed most. Friends, family, and neighbors in a better state can help immensely by starting to organize issues into a notebook or electronic record. Distinguish and list different categories of concern and make lists and plans for each. It is important to note, however, that one should only go as far as their affected loved one wants them to here. Overzealous “taking over” of another’s personal affairs can also cause major issues if unwanted.

2. Provide Material Support

Material support is about as important as any other one could provide in the wake of a natural disaster. “Material support” refers to the material, or physical items the recoveree may need. Chief among material concerns in most natural disasters are items such as clean water, food, clothing, sanitary items, medicines, and first aid items. Again, every individual situation is different, and actual needed supplies can vary greatly from one circumstance to the next. The Federal Emergency Management Agency additionally provides resources such as sample emergency supply lists, recovery plans, and more.

3. Ask Questions

In the midst of all of the frenzied happenings at this juncture, there is one central tenet to remember – the asking of questions. Matters of assumption do indeed take over in many emergency situations, but whenever possible, it is incredibly valuable to ask questions of the recoveree. By asking what they need, how they feel, what else can be done, what supplies could make them more comfortable, how much planning they are comfortable with being assisted in, and more, the channels of communication remain open, and recovery can thus be hastened.

4. Seek-Out Supportive Services Information

While asking questions regarding recovery needs is always important, one thing those wanting to help can also do is independently gather a list of contacts and services offered by as many relevant supportive services as possible. Disaster recovery help is available in many forms and from many organizations and even individuals. Gathering this info for the party in need is a great service in itself. The US Department of Homeland Security also hosts an entire website and department to help those affected in finding applicable assistance.

5. Be Patient and Empathetic

Finally, keeping a healthy perspective in this situation is a big step in maintaining one’s own ability to help another in such time of need and probable despair. Those affected may be psychologically unstable, have a hard time communicating, or even understanding themselves how to approach it all. This, in turn, can be understandably difficult for the support-giving family or friend. Exercising patience, empathy, and the constant awareness of the temporary nature of these events throughout can be critical. Assistance for those giving assistance is often encouraged as well.

Survival and recovery can be just as difficult or even more so than the actual initial disaster itself. For these times, those affected will likely need help from a strong but caring friend, family member, neighbor, or other good samaritan. The above tips are some of the most valuable for those offering their noble support in the wake of hurricanes and other disasters.