How to Talk to Your Family About Natural Disasters

Written by Marquetta Smith

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Family Life | Featured Post

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09/10/2019

Rescue workers look through a pile of debris

At the time of writing this article, the most recent update for the death toll of Hurricane Dorian is at 43 people, with an expectation that the number will increase drastically due to hundreds being missing. [1] According to the International Red Cross, 45% of homes on Grand Bahama and the Abacos were severely damaged or destroyed, which is almost 13,000 properties. [2] As Hurricane Dorian hits North Carolina, Massachusetts, and eventually parts of Canada, having a conversation with your family about natural disasters may feel imperative. [3]

Though a difficult subject to broach, such discussions can help prepare your family, both young and old alike, for the emotional toll of such situations – even if you’re not in the path of the storm.

The eye of a hurricane

“Natural disasters can cause myriad emotionally harmful circumstances for children. Not only is the event itself stressful and frightening, but after it passes, stress can be incurred from the damage to children’s homes and possessions, from migration, and from breakdowns in social networks, neighborhoods, and local economies.” [3]

A man looks out at ruined buildings after a disaster

A 2015 study shows that a parent’s post-disaster adjustment is directly correlated to a child’s psychological processing of the event. [4] Though the trauma may not be as close to home for your family, chances are news coverage and conversation will make your family aware of the reality of disasters. The questions that arise due to troubling events like Hurricane Dorian can be difficult to answer, but here are a few tips you can use to help your family become educated, prepared, and mindful of their mental and emotional health.
A parent talks to their child about natural disasters, reading from a book

Stay Calm

Setting a precedent of calm when talking about serious issues like storm safety can help your family, especially the younger members, feel safe and secure. If staying calm is difficult for the older individuals, remember to seek help and reassurance before approaching the subject with your children. An attitude of panic can transfer quickly to younger, more impressionable children.

Have a Plan

Assure your children and family members that you have a plan of action in case of an emergency. Although absolute safety is an impossible goal, letting the family know that you are prepared can be crucial for your children to feel safe. Including your children in preparations, like assembling an emergency kit or covering go-to shelter base plans, can also lead them to feel more in control.

Be Honest – and Smart

As you discuss natural disasters with your family, don’t be afraid to be honest about the damage such serious events can cause. However, be careful to limit exposure to media coverage that relies on sensationalized material. Using age-appropriate language to answer questions honestly is important and try to ensure that your children aren’t dwelling on images or stories that can cause unnecessary panic and insecurity.

Listen

If any of your family members express concern or fear, be sure to address it with a willingness to lend a listening ear. Encourage your children to express their feelings. You can discuss the reality of the dangers whilst leaving opportunities and freedom to express fears.

Show them the Heroes

News coverage of natural disasters can often be negative. Make sure your family isn’t only focusing on that side. Although disasters can leave wreckage in their wake, they also have a way of bringing people together. Show your kids the firefighters, churches, and volunteers that are donating their time to clean up the aftermath and rescue and comfort families in need.

Be a Hero

Another great way to help your family deal with the problem of natural disasters is to get involved in disaster relief efforts.

You can make a donation online at RedCross.org, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word DORIAN to 90999. The Humane Society is another great organization that lets you donate towards an emergency animal rescue fund.

Article written by Brooke Smoke, blogger for Safe Harbor International Ministries

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