They can cause major destruction in their path. Sometimes tornadoes are preceded by heavy rain, wind, and hail; at other times they seem to arise out of relatively clear conditions. Sometimes people hear a loud roar or trainlike sound when a tornado approaches. Tornadoes have occurred in all fifty states and at all times of year. However, the Midwestern and Southern states have the greatest number, and the most violent tornadoes tend to be in the spring.
Areas prone to tornadoes usually have a warning system to alert residents that they should seek safe shelter. Being prepared beforehand is the best way to help children and family members recover after a tornado. To improve their preparedness, families should:. Knowing what to do during a tornado can help families feel more in control and take steps to increase their safety. Tornadoes are unusual storms, as their path is often erratic. In the same neighborhood, some houses may be completely damaged while others will have not been impacted.
While scattered destruction can be easier on the community than that of a flood or a hurricane in that not all community resources may be used up , the inconsistent pattern of damage can cause feelings of guilt in those spared or unfairness in those recovering. Children may develop unusual ideas or myths about why a tornado did or did not hit their home. In early aftermath, children may see anxiety and fear in parents and caregivers who are usually confident.
They may have to move out of their area or seek temporary housing. They may have lost some of their treasured toys and memorabilia or have lost contact with those supports in their life e.
If they remain in the area, they tend to be exposed to reminders including rubble, debris, and changes in landscape e. As with other natural disasters, there will be a spectrum of reactions that children and families will experience. They may worry that another tornado will occur, feel troubled when reminded about the tornado e.
They may exhibit different behaviors e. Children will react differently depending on their age, developmental level, and prior experiences. Responses also depend on the significance of secondary stresses they are exposed to e. In general, most families will recover over time, particularly with the support of family, friends, and organizations. Since tornadoes impact communities erratically, some families will be able to return to their normal routines rather quickly, while others will have to contend with numerous hardships, losses, and potentially medical rehabilitation if there were family members injured.
Children often turn to adults for information, comfort, and help. To assist children, discuss with parents and caregivers ways to:. In response to the recent tornadoes, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help families and communities.
These resources include:. Offers parents guidance on helping their children after a tornado. This fact sheet describes common reactions children may have, how parents can help them, and self-care tips after a disaster. Provides questions for parents to ask their children following a tornado.
This tip sheet offers common reactions to traumatic events and when to get help if needed. Gives information to parents and caregivers about media coverage following a tornado. This tip sheet describes what parents can do to help their children, media exposure after disaster events, and talks about what it is like when a family is a part of the story.
Describes how young children, school-age children, and adolescents react to traumatic events and offers suggestions on how parents and caregivers can help and support them. Offers parents and caregivers a way to talk with their children about tornadoes. Provides information on how parents and caregivers can help their young children cope with the aftermath of a tornado. Helps child welfare agencies support children and youth during and after natural disasters.
This toolkit is for child welfare staff, supervisors, and administrators who work with and on behalf of children, youth, and families who experience a natural disaster. Helps juvenile justice agencies support children and youth during and after natural disasters. This toolkit is for juvenile justice staff, supervisors, and administrators who work with and on behalf of children, youth, and families who experience a natural disaster.
Provides guidance on responding to disaster, violence, or terrorism events using the Psychological First Aid intervention. Helps parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout—whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting. Tornado Resources. Back to top Tornado Resources. Definition A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.
To improve their preparedness, families should: Develop a plan to shelter in place. Have families identify the safest place in their home, such as a basement or the lowest building level in a room without windows e. If any family members have special mobility or health conditions, make sure the plan incorporates their needs and enlists others nearby in case they are alone during a tornado. Make a family preparedness and communication plan. Families need to have important contact information easily accessible, know whom they might stay with in the event of an evacuation, and have a plan for pets and livestock.
Download the family preparedness plan and wallet card to help with this process. Regularly practice the emergency plan. Every 3 months families should practice taking shelter in the designated safe place and reviewing where to meet after a tornado. Be informed about local tornado sirens and how to access updated official tornado information. Encourage families to learn when and how often tornado sirens are tested in their community. You may also feel isolated due to telephone or electric power outages, or if you are separated from friends or family members.
Returning to a home, business, school, or place of worship impacted by a tornado or severe storm may cause additional distress, especially if there is structural damage. A temporary or permanent loss of employment may also occur. Remember, too, that the anniversary of a disaster or tragic event can renew feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness in disaster survivors.
Certain smells or sounds, such as smoke or sirens, can also trigger emotional distress. These and other environmental sensations can take people right back to the event, or cause them to fear that it's about to happen again.
Most people who experience disasters are able to recover quickly, but others may need additional support to move forward on the path of recovery. Finding ways to manage stress is the best way to prevent negative emotions from becoming behavioral health issues. Learn about coping tips for dealing with tornadoes, severe storms, and other types of disasters. Learn more about these issues and find more disaster-related resources at Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
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Ellos escuchan. They Hear You. Solr Mobile Search. Share Buttons. Page title Tornadoes and Severe Storms. Other signs of emotional distress related to tornadoes and severe storms include: Worrying a lot or feeling guilty but not sure why Feeling helpless or hopeless Thinking that something is going to happen when forecasts for any storm are issued Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends Having nightmares or thoughts and memories related to the storm Symptoms of distress may appear before, during, and after a tornado or severe storm and may manifest in the hours, days, weeks, months, or even years after the storms occur.
Where Can I Get Help? Who is at Risk for Emotional Distress? People at risk for emotional distress due to the effects of tornadoes and severe storms include: Tornado survivors. People living in impacted areas, particularly children and teens, previously exposed to traumatic, life-threatening situations during a tornado or severe storm are vulnerable to distress.
Friends and loved ones.
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