Experiencing a hurricane can be traumatic under any circumstance; however the scale and scope of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina will almost certainly increase the emotional and psychological impact for the children and adults involved. Clearly those most at risk are residents of the most severely damaged regions and those who are living in poverty. However, aftereffects will encompass inland areas, neighboring states offering shelter to displaced survivors, and families of survivors across the country.

Children are particularly vulnerable. They will have difficulty processing the extent of the physical threat, loss of life, destruction to homes and communities, breakdown of civil systems, and continued uncertainty. They will look to the significant adults in their lives for reassurance that they and their loved ones will be okay, and that life will eventually return to normal.

Recognizing and supporting children’s mental health needs in the immediate and long-term aftermath of the disaster is essential. It is important that adults understand the possible reactions of children and youth in order respond to their needs appropriately.

Possible Reactions of Children and Youth to a Hurricane
Reactions immediately following a hurricane may include emotional and physical exhaustion, fear, anxiety, confusions, disbelief, and grief. In some instances children may experience survivor guilt (e.g., that their home was left unharmed, while others were completely destroyed). The sights, sounds, and smells of a hurricane often generate fear and anxiety. Consequently, similar sensations (e.g., strong rain, thunder, or winds) may generate distress among children in the months that follow. Given the scale of Hurricane Katrina, individuals living outside the primary impact area may still feel exposed to the danger from local wind damage, flooding, the impact on family or friends, and television reports. Some children may also react to follow-up news coverage, and even weather reports that talk about hurricane related conditions after the fact.

With the passage of time and support from adults (in particular parents and other familiar caregivers), most children will be able to cope with their hurricane experiences. While all children exposed to Hurricane Katrina can be expected to display initial crisis reaction, some may be at risk of more extreme and long-term reactions. The severity of children's reactions will depend on their specific risk factors. These include exposure to the hurricane, personal injury or loss of a loved one, relocation from their home or community, level of parental support, the level of physical destruction, and pre-existing risks, such as a previous traumatic experience or mental illness.

Common Initial Crisis Reactions
Initial crisis reactions that many children might expected to display at different age levels include the following:
• Preschoolers: thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal from friends and routines.
• Elementary school children: irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.
• Adolescents: sleeping and eating disturbances, aggression, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.

Severe Crisis Reactions
A minority of children may be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can include those listed above that last for several weeks. Other symptoms may include re-experiencing the hurricane during play and/or dreams; anticipating or feeling that a hurricane is happening again; avoiding reminders of the hurricane; general numbness to emotional topics; and increased arousal symptoms such as inability to concentrate and startle reactions. Although extremely rare, some adolescents may also be at increased risk of suicide if they suffer from serious mental health problems like PTSD or depression. Such students should be referred immediately for appropriate mental health evaluation and intervention.

Internet Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
National Association of School Psychologists

Adapted from:
Lazarus, P. J., & Jimerson, S. R., Brock, S. E. (2002). Natural disasters. In S. E. Brock, P. J. Lazarus, & S. R. Jimerson (Eds.), Best practices in school crisis prevention and intervention (pp. 435-450). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.
Lazarus, P. J., & Jimerson, S. R., Brock, S. E. (2003). Helping children after natural disasters: Information for parents and teachers. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.
Zenere, F. (2004). Hurricane experiences provide lessons for the future. In NASP Communiqué, Vol. 33, #5. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

This is one in a series of articles available from NASP to help parents and school support the needs of children and youth in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which are available at www.nasponline.org.

Developed by Stephen E. Brock , Shane R. Jimerson, and Katherine Cowan, with contributions from Steven Hardy-Barz, Ted Feinberg, Philip J. Lazarus, Richard Lieberman, Amanda B. Nickerson, William Pfohl, and Frank Zenere.

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