Disaster recovery
Once an immediate threat is over, the recovery phase begins and we will do everything we can to speed the recovery to normality.
You should:
- call your insurance company as soon as possible
- take pictures of damage and keep good records of any repair work and cleaning costs
- be aware of bogus traders who will show up after every disaster
- always get a written quotation as your insurer will require this, make sure that it is on letter headed paper with landline contact numbers and an address you have verified
- never pay in advance and only pay up when the work is done to your satisfaction and obtain a receipt for the payment, to be sure check with Trading Standards to get advice
For advice on insurance issues use the external links to the Advice guide and the Association of British Insurers.
Coping with disasters
A disaster may well leave you stressed and mentally affected. Don’t feel that you have to cope without help. Take special care of your children. They can be more affected than they show and reactions can be delayed.
Signs that someone, including yourself, needs help are:
- difficulty communicating thoughts
- difficulty sleeping
- difficulty maintaining balance
- easily frustrated
- easily flaring up
- increased use of alcohol / drugs
- limited attention span
- poor work performance
- headaches / stomach problems
- tunnel vision / muffled hearing
- colds or flu-like symptoms
- disorientation or confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- reluctance to leave home
- depression, sadness
- feeling of hopelessness
- mood swings and crying easily
- overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
- fear of crowds, strangers, and being alone
A disaster can leave people, especially children, feeling frightened, confused and insecure. It is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.
- children may have reactions very soon after the event, or be fine for weeks before they show worrisome behaviour
- reassurance is the key to helping children with trauma, very young children will need a lot of physical contact and cuddling, they also need verbal support
- answers questions honestly, but do not dwell on frightening details or allow the subject to dominate family life
- encourage all children to express emotions through conversation, drawing and play
- keep a normal household routine
- encourage children to play
- reduce your expectations temporarily about performance in school or at home