Aside from being there for one another, the two of you will have to deal with the aftermath of a disaster. There will be important practical decisions that you must make together.
Replacing Things
Don't be in a rush to replace items. Although it may seem critical to you to get everything back to normal as quickly as you can, rushing the recovery process can backfire on you.
- It is important to quickly locate and protect important documents, pictures, books, and other cherished belongings from further damage.
- Move into a practical mode in setting your priorities. Assuming that your loved ones are all okay, temporary housing, clothing, food, medications, transportation, care for pets, and clean up are your immediate needs.
- Verify contractors and repair persons are state-licensed and have a city license, and ask for references.
- Request that you have a written contract that includes how the work will be done, including a schedule of when the work will be completed.
Accept Help
Be willing to accept help. Get in contact with your insurance company, FEMA, and other local emergency services as soon as you can.
- FEMA should be able to provide help with temporary housing, clothing, etc.
- Your insurance company can help with reassessing your home for livability or safety concerns.
- Your local emergency services can assist you in disposing of storm or fire debris.
- Be prepared for complications, red tape, hassles, delays, rules, and disappointment.
- Don't underestimate the financial and emotional impact of your loss.
Temporary Relocation
If you are forced to temporarily relocate to a different area, you may experience increased family conflict. This is because you are away from your friends, neighbors, schools, jobs, and church.
- This sense of lack of support and increased disruption to your lives can create fatique, irritability, sleeping problems, nervousness, trouble breathing, eating issues, difficulty in making decisions, moodiness, and inability to concentrate which may lead to poor communication, frustration, increased alcohol consumption and/or substance abuse, isolation, decreased intimacy, arguments, and domestic violence.
- It is important that you both help your children cope with the sudden changes in their lives. They may become more clingy, have nightmares, cry more often, begin bed wetting or thumb sucking again, fear of the dark, and have problems at school.
Being There for One Another When You've Lost So Much
