Helping Children Cope with Fear of Disaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2008

The earthquake and aftershocks that recently rattled southern Illinois might have children a bit shaken. Adults can help ease those concerns by explaining what to do in case of a disaster, said Renate Jobst, University of Illinois Extension youth development educator.

Jobst suggests that parents and caregivers of children prepare in the case of any disaster, including earthquakes. This preparation not only reminds adults of proper procedures, but if done properly, it can also ease children's anxiety.

A good resource, created by FEMA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross, encourages the following:

• Get informed. Find out about dangers that exist in your community and find out about community response plans. Ask where designated shelters are located; inquire about evacuation plans, routes and warning systems. Your local emergency management office or local American Red Cross chapter would have that information. Also learn about emergency plans and procedures at your child's school, childcare center and other places your family frequents.

• Determine a place to meet in case of an emergency. Designate a place outside your home and another location outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.

• Ask an out-of-town friend or relative to be your emergency contact. After a disaster, all family members would call this person for a check-in.

• Create a disaster kit. Information on how to assemble a kit can be found at www.fema.gov/pdf/library/children.pdf .

• Include a plan for your pets. For tips, visit www.fema.gov/individual/animals.shtm .

• Practice and maintain your plan.

Also, in the days, weeks and months following an earthquake, children may continue to show signs of anxiety and fear, Jobst said. Different ages manifest these emotions differently. FEMA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and American Red Cross indicate children's reaction to disasters can be as follows:

Birth through 6: Although infants may not have words to describe their experiences, they can retain memories. They may become more irritable, crying more than usual or wanting to be held and cuddled more. Preschool and kindergarten children can feel helpless, powerless, and frightened about being separated from their caregivers.

Ages 7 through 10: At this age, children understand that loss can be permanent. They may become preoccupied with the details of the traumatic event, wanting to continually talk about it. This preoccupation can interfere with their concentration at school and affect their academic performance. Children may hear inaccurate information from their peers. They may fear that the disaster will happen again and have sad or angry feelings.

Ages 11 through 18: As children mature, their responses become more like those of adults. Much of adolescence is focused on moving out into the world. Following a disaster, that world can seem more dangerous and unsafe. Teenagers may react by becoming involved in dangerous, risk-taking behaviors, such as reckless driving and alcohol or drug use. Others may fear leaving home and avoid social activity. Teenagers can feel overwhelmed by their intense emotions, yet unable to talk about them.

"Adults should acknowledge their kids' fears and listen to them," Jobst said. "Encourage children to talk about their concerns but remind them of the safety procedures you have in place to protect them. Involve them in updating your emergency plan. You might even spend extra time with them to help them cope."

For more information on earthquake preparedness and response, go to www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm