American Red Cross provides tips for dealing with stress of oncoming storm WASHINGTON, Aug. 30
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ - As uncertainty swirls around Hurricane
Gustav and where its path will lead, the American Red Cross encourages those
in the potentially affected areas to make preparations now instead of waiting
to see where the storm will hit.
Even if a hurricane doesn't make landfall where you live, it is normal for
approaching storms to stir up difficult feelings and thoughts, especially for
residents in the Gulf Coast Region who may still feel vulnerable after being
devastated by storms like hurricanes Rita and Katrina in recent years.
"Being prepared in advance can greatly reduce stress and anxiety as well
as protect lives and property," said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of
Disaster Services.
People find the most comfort in tasks related to preparedness. In order to
prepare, Gulf Coast residents are encouraged to:
-- Stay informed by listening to their local news stations.
-- Prepare an evacuation plan of where you and your family will go if you
evacuate. Know how to access the Red Cross Safe and Well website.
-- Assemble a disaster supplies kit, including food, water, essential
medication and a flashlight.
For more specific information, please visit the "Preparing for a
Hurricane" section on www.redcross.org.
While preparing yourself and your family for a pending hurricane can help
to relieve stress, there are several others ways to help cope with stress such
as:
-- Ask friends, family and loved ones if they need help with getting
prepared.
-- Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. This means eating
healthy foods and drinking plenty of water. Taking care of loved ones is a
good way to relieve your own stress.
-- If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help.
You can provide your family peace of mind by registering yourself on the
Safe and Well website before you leave the affected area. This website can be
accessed at www.redcross.org. If there's no internet access, call 1-800-RED
CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register yourself and your family. If family members
know your telephone number or complete home address, they can search the site
for messages posted by those who register.
Red Cross mental professionals from across the country have already
deployed to the region to provide emotional support, psycho-educational
information, crisis intervention and referral services to community members
before, during and after the storm. In addition, all Red Cross volunteers are
specially trained to provide psychological first aid.
"In times like this, the Red Cross is not only there to provide food,
water and shelter; we are also a shoulder to lean on during difficult times,"
Becker said.
Residents who need immediate emotional support may call the National Life
Line at 1-800-273-8255
The people of the Gulf Coast will need your support in the coming days.
Red Cross is asking for your help now. A record tornado season, wide-scale
flooding in the Midwest, and an early wildfire season have put a strain on the
Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can help by calling 1-800-REDCROSS or
1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mail your donations to your local American Red
Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC
20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting
www.redcross.org
SOURCE American Red Cross
