Tornado Warning Signs You Need to Know

Watch Out for Animals & Wildlife

Disaster and life threatening situations will exacerbate the unpredictable nature of wild animals. To protect yourself and your family, learn how to deal with wildlife.

Please see our recommended guidelines below:

• Wild animals often seek higher ground which, during floods, eventually become submerged (i.e., island) and the animals become stranded. If the island is large enough and provides suitable shelter, you can leave food appropriate to the species (i.e., sunflower seeds for squirrels). Animals have a flight response and will flee from anyone approaching too closely. If the animal threatens to rush into the water, back away from the island or you may frighten the animal into jumping into the water to escape from you.
   
• Beware of an increased number of snakes and other predators. These animals will try to feed on the carcasses of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals who have been drowned or crushed in their burrows or under rocks.
   
• Do not approach wild animals that have taken refuge in your home. Wild animals such as snakes, opossums and raccoons often seek refuge from floodwaters on upper levels of homes and have been known to remain after water recedes. If you encounter animals in this situation, open a window or provide another escape route and the animal will likely leave on its own. Do not attempt to capture or handle the animal. Should the animal stay, call your local animal control office or wildlife resource office.
   
• Do not attempt to move a dead animal. Animal carcasses can present serious health risks. Outbreaks of anthrax, encephalitis and other diseases may occur. Contact your local emergency management office or health department for help and instructions.
   
• Do not corner wild animals or try to rescue them. Wild animals will likely feel threatened and may endanger themselves by dashing off into floodwaters, fire, and so forth. Call your local animal control office or wildlife resource office.
   
• If bitten by an animal, seek immediate medical attention.

Have more questions? No worries! Contact us for more information – we would love hearing from you!

How to Get Natural Disaster Assistance

Throughout the recovery period, it is important to monitor local radio or television reports and other media outlets for information about where to get emergency housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance. Help can be found in both direct assistance and federal assistance. We break these down below. 

Direct & Local Assistance

Direct and local assistance to individuals and families may come from any number of organizations, including:

• American Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• Local volunteer organizations

These organizations provide food, shelter, supplies and assist in clean-up efforts.

Federal Assistance

In the most severe disasters, the federal government is also called in to help individuals and families with temporary housing, counseling (for post-disaster trauma), low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance. The federal government also has programs that help small businesses and farmers.
Most federal assistance becomes available when the President of the United States declares a “Major Disaster” for the affected area at the request of a state governor. FEMA will provide information through the media and community outreach about federal assistance and how to apply. FEMA also provides many grants, learn more here.

If you have any questions, or would like more information about our storm shelters, contact us! 

How to Cope with Disaster in Storms and Storm Shelters

Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. The emotional toll that disasters bring can sometimes be even more devastating than the financial strains of damage and loss of home, business or personal property.

Children, senior citizens, people with access or functional needs, and people for whom English is not their first language are especially at risk. Children may become afraid and some elderly people may seem disoriented at first. People with access or functional needs may require additional assistance. We will cover how to cope with disasters in the following areas:

• Understanding the Events of the Disaster
• Signs of Disaster-Related Stress
• Easing Your Stress
• Helping Kids Cope

If you would like more information about tornado shelters, please feel free to contact us – we are here to help!

Where to Find Counseling after a Natural Disaster

Children and older adults are of special concern in the aftermath of disasters. Even individuals who experience a disaster second hand through exposure to extensive media coverage can be affected.

Contact local faith-based organizations, voluntary agencies, or professional counselors for counseling. Additionally, FEMA and state and local governments of the affected area may provide crisis counseling assistance.

As you recover, it is a good idea to make sure that you have updated your family disaster plan and replenished essential disaster supplies just in case a disaster happens again. You will always feel better knowing that you are prepared and ready for anything. Also, keep the following in mind:

• It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain.
• Everyone who sees or experiences a disaster is affected by it in some way.
• Focusing on your strengths and abilities helps you heal.
• Profound sadness, grief and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
• Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping.
• It is normal to feel anxious about your own safety and that of your family and close friends.
• Focusing on your strengths and abilities helps you heal.
• Acknowledging your feelings helps you recover.
• Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.

Have more questions? No worries! Contact us for more information – we would love hearing from you!

Signs of Disaster Related Stress

When adults show the following signs, they might need crisis counseling or stress management assistance:

• Fear of Crowds or Strangers
• Fear of Being Alone
• Difficulty Communicating Thoughts
• Limited Attention Span
• Tunnel Vision / Muffled Hearing
• Difficulty Concentrating.
• Guilt & Self-Doubt
• Colds or Flu-Like Symptoms
• Disorientation or Confusion
• Difficulty Maintaining Life Balance
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Reluctance to Leave Home
• Poor Work Performance
• Depression & Sadness
• Easily Frustrated
• Increased Use of Drugs / Alcohol
• Headaches / Stomach Problems
• Feelings of Hopelessness
• Mood-swings

Contact Ground Zero Storm Shelters if you have any more questions! We are here to help!

Easing Stress

The following are ways to ease natural disaster-related stress:

• Do not hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel you cannot help directly in the rescue work.
• Use existing support groups of family, friends and religious institutions.
• Talk with someone about your feelings - anger, sorrow and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Participate in memorials.
• Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation and meditation.
• Maintain a normal family and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities on yourself and your family.
• Seek help from professional counselors who deal with post-disaster stress.

Ensure you are ready for future events by restocking your disaster supplies kits and updating your family disaster plan. Doing these positive actions can be comforting.Contact Ground Zero Shelters if you have any questions.