Those who are dealing with the physical, financial, and emotional aftermath of Hurricane Sandy face a long struggle, with many months, perhaps even years, of unwanted changes and unforeseen hurdles. The challenge of clean-up and recovery is daunting, but not impossible. Here in my community, rebuilding from Tropical Storm Irene, which devastated many parts of Vermont, is still underway. There was quite a bit of anxiety as Sandy approached. The trauma experienced 14 months ago was on the minds of many; for some the trauma was retriggered. Thankfully, we escaped the worst of it this time, but not everyone was so lucky.
Our bridge is still out of order, and a number of houses are still under repair 14 months after Irene. Lots of work HAS been done, though, and things are much, much better here. Photo credit: old-book-guy, flikr
Here are some resources that you can use if your students and coworkers have been affected by a hurricane.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has a fantastic collection of resources you can use to support your students/families, coworkers, and yourself in the aftermath of the hurricane. Resources include guides for parents (in English and Spanish), teachers, and service providers, activities for children, and Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day, a gentle story/coloring book (PDF in English and Spanish) for children who have experienced a hurricane.
Excerpt from Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day
The Sesame Street Hurricane Kit has four video episodes about a hurricane – preparation, aftermath, and clean-up – in which Big Bird’s nest is destroyed and the neighbors pitch in to help each other stay safe and recover. It provides great (and comforting) explanations about what a hurricane is, how people prepare and clean up, and the feelings that can occur. It is appropriate for older kids as well as Sesame Street’s targeted audience. The first episode is available on YouTube and the others can be seen at the Sesame Street link above. Also at this site are scrolling tips for parents and caregivers, and a PDF book with Big Bird’s story, some non-hurricane activities for young children, and additional tips for adults.
I hope that those of you who are working with students who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy will also take time to care for yourselves. Our jobs are already very challenging, and the added responsibilities and stress that can accrue when large numbers of our students and coworkers have experienced trauma, are displaced or without resources, and/or have lost their income can be overwhelming. Some of you may bear the additional burden of personally affected as well.
Please take good care of yourselves and make sure you ask for help when you need it. I have found that I’m usually okay during the actual crisis time, but just about the time things are beginning to settle down for others, the magnitude of what has happened hits me. I try to prepare for this by planning for my own “crash” (which hopefully coincides with a weekend) of healthy take out food, naps, and some good, escapist books. Please do what works for you. It’s not a matter of being selfish – your students need you, and self-care is an important part of being there for them.
Here’s an excerpt from the NCTSN’s What Teachers Can Do to Help Themselves(replace the word “teachers” with “counselors” and read on!):
Teachers play an important role in helping their students recover. Simply returning to school promotes the welfare of children and families. Teachers should not neglect themselves as they work with children, adolescents, and families. Here are some self-care suggestions for teachers:
- Take care of yourself emotionally. You and your family may have had a stressful experience and suffered losses like those of your students. To be able to support them, you must have support yourself.
- Take care of yourself physically. Eat healthily, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and get proper medical care.
- Communicate with others. Make sure that you and your fellow teachers schedule ongoing times to talk together and give each other support. Teachers might consider covering for each other, so that they can address important personal/family issues that arise.
- Give yourself a break. Try not to overdo cleanup activities. To reduce injury, avoid lifting heavy items or working for extended periods.
- Put off major decisions. Avoid making any life-altering decisions during this stressful, posthurricane period.
- Take care of your own family. Even though you may be very committed to your students, you also need to spend time with and meet the needs of your own family members or friends.
- If you have many hurricane-related responsibilities, talk with your school administrators about temporarily altering your work schedule.
The recovery process offers many opportunities for healing and community building. We have seen this in Vermont and you will experience this in your region too. Neighbors will come together with generosity and open-heartedness and hard work. Homes will be rebuilt. Children will feel safe and supported. It will get better. You are strong.
These license plates are still being sold to help aid in the recovery from Tropical Storm Irene, which devastated Vermont last year. You may not live in Vermont, but I know you are just as strong as we are!
If you’d like to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, you can donate to the Red Cross here.
