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<br />""...-:t <br />5 'i' -'"- ____ <br />~&I Take Care of Yourself First <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />and crisis counseling are often <br />set up. Contact the Red Cross <br />for programs available in your <br />area. <br />Floodproof as you rebuild. <br />People who are prepared ahead <br />of time are better able to deal <br />with disasters. Getting ready for <br />the next flood can give you a <br />sense of control over the future. <br />Besides, floodproofing will be a <br />definite improvement to your <br />property. (See Step 8.) <br /> <br />Care 'or Your Children <br />Watch children closely. They may <br />display fear or symptoms of <br />stress. <br />Because their daily routine <br />has been interrupted, children <br />may experience a lot of anxiety <br />and fear. Those feelings are real <br />and natural. Fear is a normal <br />reaction to any danger that <br />threatens a person's well-being. <br />You can help your children deal <br />with the disaster by keeping in <br />mind the following points. <br />Try to keep the family <br />together. Make an effort to <br />establish normal family routines. <br />Include children in cleanup <br />activities. Children need and <br />want to be important members <br />of the family. <br />listen to what children say. <br />Encourage them to talk or other- <br />wise express their feelings. <br />Teenagers may need to talk with <br />other teenagers. <br />Explain the disaster <br />factually. Children have vivid <br />imaginations. Things they don't <br />understand can make them <br />afraid. When they know the <br />facts, children may deal better <br />with the disaster. <br /> <br />Reassure children. Show <br />them through words and actions <br />that life will rerum to normal. <br />Touching and nolding are im- <br />portant. Hugs help. Try to find <br />or replace pets or favorite toys. <br />Be understanding. Try not <br />to scold children for things they <br />do that might be related to the <br />flood, such as bed-wetting, <br />thumb sucking, or clinging to <br />you. Remember, they are also <br />going through a rough time. <br />Take care of yourself. Your <br />children reflect your fears and <br />worries. If you take care of your- <br />self, you will be better able to <br />help your children cope. <br /> <br />Stay Healthy <br />Small children, pregnant <br />women, and people with <br />health problems should avoid <br />flooded areas until cleanup is <br />complete. Small children tend <br />to put things in their mouths. <br />Pregnant women need to be <br />cautious to avoid injury and <br />exposure to disease. People with <br />health problems are more likely <br />to get sick or to be injured. <br />Your body is used to being <br />clean. When you work in an area <br />that has been flooded, you <br />could be exposed to dangerous <br />chemicals and germs that you <br />are not used to. Any of these <br />things can make you very sick. <br />Wash your hands with soap <br />and water, thoroughly and <br />often. This is especially impor- <br />tant before handling food, <br />eating, or smoking, Scrub well <br />between your fingers and under <br />your nails. If possible, use an <br />antibacterial soap. Avoid biting <br />your nails. <br />