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In past EPAP articles we've discussed how to be disaster ready with emergency supplies, go bag, and medication. But what about being prepared emotionally? Following a disaster, we assume we will be okay and life will just return to its previous level of function. But in reality, many of us will likely experience some kind of injury, physical and/or emotional. Physical injuries are usually obvious, but emotional injuries are often harder to detect. Some of us may develop depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The emotional impact depends on the scope of the destruction, and personal loss, impacts, and reactions can happen immediately or may appear after some time. Distressing thoughts and feelings of uncertainty can lead to unhealthy behaviors, which we may think will help us cope. Emotional support is not the first thing most think about after a disaster, but it could be one of the most important. Those of us who may be fortunate enough to come out unscathed could become a very needed emotional-support volunteer to those who are not so fortunate. One of the goals of an emotional-support volunteer should be to calm the incident scene and provide survivors with emotional response and support. Traumatic events are not easy for anyone to comprehend or accept, and letting others know how they are feeling is not something that many are comfortable doing, but they should be encouraged to do so. They should know it is okay to reach out, share their feelings, and ask for help. Providing support can start by Listening, Empathizing and Connecting. Listening is the first important step in helping a survivor. Let them talk about their feelings and physical needs; they may just need someone to listen. Caring responses or empathizing show the survivor(s) that someone else shares their feeling of pain and grief. Finally, connecting. Help survivors connect to natural support systems, such as family, friends, clergy and/or social services. Hopefully, neighbors and/or Zone Captains have contact information they can share. Emotional support should also be accompanied by assuring the survivors are resting, eating, keeping hydrated, and getting some light exercise or just moving. This will help them get back to normal function more quickly. Taking care of your body will assist in reducing the negative effects of stress. Avoid using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to manage distressing emotions; it could make it harder to cope and in the long-run and can cause problems. WHAT NOT TO SAY… When providing support, you should avoid the following phases; they can be misinterpreted. "I understand," "Don't feel bad," "You're strong," "You'll get through this," or "Don't cry." SAY THIS INSTEAD … Always ask permission to enter the victim's space to provide help or interact with them. "I'm so sorry for your pain," "Is it all right if I help you with…?" "What do you need?" "I can't imagine what this is like for you." ~ Janis Rice, EPAP PIO 10 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2024 | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EMOTIONAL PREPAREDNESS NEED TO KNOW EPAP WORKSHOP Are you emotionally prepared? Join us Mon., July 22, 9 to 11 am in the South Clubhouse Presenters: Lori McCallun Bailey, Jon Brewer, and Lauren Prunty EPAP Animal Rescue Group meets at 10 am in the Multipurpose Room on the third Monday of the following five months each year: September, November, January, March, and May. We strive to bring interesting and informative guest speakers to our meetings to help you keep your animals safe and healthy. For more information, contact Sandy Burgon at (909) 855-0226. I wanted to inform you about a wonderful program directed to those experiencing behavioral health issues. Take My Hand™ connects individuals to a live Certified Peer Support Specialist, a person with lived experience in recovery from a behavioral health condition and trained to interact with others mutually and without judgment. These specialists are skilled coaches that support a person's wellness by responding to questions, providing assistance and connecting them to resources. In addition, Take My Hand™ allows the user to remain anonymous if they choose. They can be reached at: 2085 Rustin Ave. Riverside, CA • (951) 955-7360 • https://takemyhand.com/ This free service is available Monday- Thursday 8 am to 5 pm and Friday 8 am to 4 pm (except holidays). ~ Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez SUPERVISOR'S MESSAGE