Hurricane Katrina Will Have Wide-Ranging Impact on Children; Secondary Adversaries Could Last for Months

DURHAM, N.C., Aug 30, 2005 (U.S. Newswire via COMTEX) -- Hurricane Katrina's impact will be felt by children in the storm's wake long after it has past, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

"Secondary adversaries -- such as loss of home, changing schools, and parental loss of employment -- can be long-lasting stressors for children after natural disasters," according to Betty Pfefferbaum, chair of the NCTSN Terrorism and Disaster Branch.

In response, the NCTSN has updated information about the emotional impact of hurricanes and floods on its Web site, http://www.NCTSN.org. The materials are available in English and Spanish.

Tips for parents include:

-- Shield children from viewing serious injuries and damage as much as possible

-- Try to remain calm and monitor adult conversations

-- Tell children about what adults are doing to help the community recover from the storm

-- Let children help in the response, in age-appropriate ways, to boost their sense of control

-- Be sympathetic to children's sense of loss over pets and special toys

-- Repeatedly reassure children that they are safe

-- Spend more time with children at bedtime, when they may be more anxious about separation and the unknown

-- Maintain daily routines and expectations for children as much as possible

-- Be patient with children when they return to school. They may be distracted and have difficulty concentrating.

Parents and teachers who take care of themselves emotionally and physically are better able to take care of children. Adults should take breaks from the clean-up work and put off making major decisions.

The NCTSN has at least nine local centers in areas directly affected by the hurricane and its related storms, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio. North Carolina and Georgia, where NCTSN also has sites, have had tornadoes and tornado warnings.

In addition, the NCTSN's terrorism and disaster branch has numerous experts who have experience responding to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. One member is currently working full time on a temporary assignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, helping to address the special needs of children.

US Newswire - August 30, 2005