Recovering After A Disaster

Recovering after a disaster is usually a gradual process.  Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being.  If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful.  This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal.

Your first concern after a disaster is your family’s health and safety.  You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being. Throughout the recovery period, it is important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media sources for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. 

The emotional toll that disaster brings can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage and loss of home, business, or personal property.

Understand disaster events

• Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way.
• It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends.
• Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
• Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
• Focusing on your strengths and abilities helps you heal.
• Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
• Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping.
• It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain.
• Children and older adults are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters.  Even individuals who experience a disaster “second hand” through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected.
• Contact local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors for counseling.  Additionally, FEMA and state and local governments of the affected area may provide crisis counseling assistance.