Disaster Response Resources
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Both natural and human-generated disasters, which are associated with destruction as well as loss of loved ones and irreplaceable belongings, often overwhelm one's normal coping capacity. Disasters also tend to stress emotional, cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and religious/spiritual beliefs. In light of this, ACA has assembled the resources below to serve as a base for developing responses to disaster situations.
Disasters, from natural events such as hurricanes or earthquakes, to human-caused incidents such as mass shootings or terrorist attacks, are typically unexpected and overwhelming.
Even when you’re not hurt physically, disasters can take an emotional toll. Normal reactions may include intense, unpredictable feelings; trouble concentrating or making decisions; disrupted eating and sleeping patterns; emotional upsets on anniversaries or other reminders; strained personal relationships; and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea or chest pain. Psychological research shows that many people are able to successfully recover from disaster. Taking active steps to cope is important.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Learn about who is most at risk for emotional distress from hurricanes and tropical storms and where to find disaster-related resources.
Traumatic Effects of Specific Types of Disasters
Disasters, whether natural, man-made, or technological, all have the potential to affect psychological health. Many effects are common to all types of disaster. However, research findings from specific disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, show that each can also have unique consequences for the mental health of survivors.
The Trauma That Arises from Natural Disasters
There are various types of common traumatic events, all known to lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One type of trauma results from natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornados or hurricanes, forest fires, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or tsunamis. These types of experiences are particularly insidious because they tend to traumatize large populations of people at once, and can result in epidemics of Survivor Guilt and other PTSD symptoms.
Hurricane warnings result in heightened anxiety and emotional distress, as people try to figure out when and where the hurricane will hit. Often the fear is contagious, as the community prepares for the storm and people shop frantically for food, water, and emergency supplies, board up their homes, pack up and evacuate, or plan how to meet up with family members in a safe place after the storm.
ACTION
A disaster of any size will cause unusual stress in people who have been directly and indirectly impacted by it. Each person will react differently and a range of responses to a disaster are normal and to be expected. Emotional responses to disasters can appear immediately or sometimes months later.
Disaster Mental Health Resources
When disaster strikes, often people react with increased anxiety, worry and anger. With support from community and family, most of us bounce back. However, some may need extra assistance to cope with unfolding events and uncertainties. If you are experiencing emotional distress due to the storm, call the National Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746).