Hurricane season in the United States can begin as early as mid-May and last well into November. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we may experience more than a dozen instances of tropical storms, cyclones or major hurricanes during this period. As many as four or five may be severe enough to cause widespread destruction.  

Hurricanes can cause disruption to your daily life and emotions. The following ideas can help you focus on what’s important and provide you with some additional resources.

BEFORE A HURRICANE 

Develop and review your personal family plans using information found on these websites or available through other reliable sources.

• www.redcross.org provides information on how to prepare for a hurricane, including assembling a disaster supply kit, and how to secure your home before the storm strikes.
• www.fema.gov provides current storm watch information and other tips for hurricane preparedness.
• www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hurricane provides a "StormReady" program. You will also find pertinent information about pet safety.

Be aware of emotional issues that may arise and focus on coping techniques that can help.

• Discuss a plan of action with your family focusing on what each member of the family is responsible for should a hurricane warning occur.
• If your children are old enough, ask for their help with an important job and provide praise for their contributions. This can reduce feelings of helplessness and provide a sense of inclusion.
• Children need special attention; explain what is happening to your children in age-appropriate language while providing on-going support and reassurance.
• It is not uncommon for some people, including children to react to the threat of hurricanes. Typical reactions might include fear, confusion, sadness, or problems eating and sleeping. Some ways to reduce the stress and worry are to engage in relaxing, calming activity such as writing in a journal, talking and problem-solving, listening to calming music, sitting with one another, playing games and/or reading an enjoyable book or magazine.
• Talk about ways to find comfort and be comforted during this potentially frightening time.

DURING A HURRICANE:

• Follow your plan of action making adjustments as needed based upon the situation.
• Follow instructions from authorities and use your pre-planning steps to keep you safe.
• Draw on knowledge of yourself and family to identify things you can to do remain calm. Focusing your attention on something outside of yourself can help to keep fear and anxiety at bay. You might try doing a puzzle, remembering the names of your first grade classmates or telling stories.
• Keep in mind that a hurricane is an act of nature--it is not a punishment directed at you.

 AFTER A HURRICANE:

• Check with authorities before returning to your home or reentering damaged areas--your safety is their first concern.
• Focus on meeting primary needs—food, clothing and shelter—first.
• Take time each day to do a self check-in and take care of your emotional needs.
• If possible, try to maintain a routine for sleeping and eating to help you cope more effectively with post-hurricane challenges.
• Hurricanes can leave a trail of descrtuction and loss in their wake. You may find yourself and others experiencing grief reactions: shock and disbelief, anger, bargaining ("If this goes away, I promise to be a better person"), depression, and finally acceptance.
• Create a prioritized list of what you will need to do and the resources you will need.
• Keep in mind that rebuilding sometimes takes time--you will need patience.
• There are times when, despite your best efforts, you find yourself confused, struggling and in need of help. The Aetna EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide help and support for you and your family. Aetna EAP is a confidential resource available at no charge to you.  Please call 1-888-238-6232, TTY-TDD 866-843-6323 or visit http://www.aetnaeap.com and enter your company ID.