What To Do When the Lights Go Out: Precautions

Disaster does not have a time clock and strikes whenever it desires. It is normal and natural to have a reaction, but being prepared and having a PLAN can minimize your stress and anxiety.

• Monitoring your symptoms for any changes (do relaxation exercises and deep breathing; eat and sleep properly; exercise; get sunshine)
• Learning stress-management and problem-solving skills that work for you
• Planning ahead for stressful events you know are coming (i.e. have extra cash; dried cans; hand held opener; extra water; if you are on medication, extra medication; flashlights in the rooms you frequent and extra batteries; generator if needed for medical reasons; know your neighbors and whom you can trust/call on for what; always keep a full tank of gas; keep a hand held fan nearby with extra batteries)
• Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle

Remember to take great care of #1! Then you can be of help to others. Having a PLAN relieves stress and anxiety! BE PREPARED!

Reflection

After a crisis or emergency, take another look at your action plan. Were there new warning signs or an unexpected trigger? What worked or didn’t work for you in the course of getting help? Consider this information and use it to improve any parts of your plan that weren’t successful.

Resources

https://www.redcross.org/ns/apology/disaster_homepage.html