After a Disaster

Following a disaster, people may be experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional distress. It is important to identify areas of distress to quickly address individual and family needs. Physical distress may come of the form of injury, while emotional distress may present itself in the following ways:

• Poor sleep or nightmares
• Anger or wanting revenge
• Numbness or lack of emotion
• Restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Mood swings

While this list is not all-inclusive, it indicates a variety of symptoms which may pose concern and require short-term or long-term treatment.

If you experience a disaster, remember the following:

• Make sure your family members and pets are accounted for and are safe. If family members are missing, seek help from first responders.
• Attend to physical injuries and emotional distress.
• If property damage is identified, secure your property, and take photos of the damage.  
• If you can safely reside inside your home, but require repairs, contact your insurance company.
• If you require sheltering due to extensive property damage, contact the City of Laurel at 301-725-5300 for information on available shelters.

For further information on disaster relief and recovery services, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html.