Floods

Although often overlooked when it comes to its psychological impact, floods are the most common type of natural disaster in the U.S. / territories and therefore can be particularly devastating and distressful for those who experience them, including:

• Survivors in impacted areas (including children and teens) 
  -  those who have suffered damaged to or who have lost completely their homes or businesses
  -  evacuees
• Loved ones of victims
• First responders, rescue & recovery workers. 

Feelings such as overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, trouble sleeping and other
depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters and traumatic events
(before, during and after the event), although reactions can vary from person-to-person.

Most people impacted by floods are able to 'bounce back' in a short period of time, but others may need additional support in order to cope and move forward on the path of recovery. 

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round, 24/7 phone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746) crisis counseling to anyone who is experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters within the U.S. and territories. Those impacted by floods and having difficulty coping can reach out to us any time for support.

Risk Factors for Distress and Warning Signs 

Forecasts

Those who have struggled to recover from floods in the past may be vulnerable to distress when forecasts for severe weather are issued- such as for tropical storms, hurricanes, or other storm systems that may produce heavy rainfall, floods or flash floods. Forecasts may be distressful because they may be days-long (such as for tropical storms or hurricanes) or sudden, when conditions after a storm may produce flood-prone conditions.     

Warnings, Evacuations, and Returning to Impacted Areas:

Once flood warnings and/or evacuation orders are issued, the risk for distress becomes greater: 

• Feeling unprepared, isolated, overwhelmed or confused: "I don't know where to go"; "I'm afraid to leave my home because I don't know what will happen if I leave"; "I'm scared that the shelter won't accept pets"; "I'm afraid I don't have enough medication"
• Not being able to reach a loved one living in an impacted area during the event because cell and land lines are tied up, their power is out and so no access to internet, etc.
• Triggers of difficult memories and emotions associated with similar traumatic experiences in the past for those in/around or anywhere outside of the impacted areas, particularly for those who may have had a difficult recovery from the past experience  
• Stress associated with temporary relocation: unfamiliar environment (particularly difficult for teens and children to adjust); accessibility for people with disabilities; separation from pets; difficulty sleeping, etc.  
• Those with limited physical mobility, economic means (no car or access to mass transit), limited English-speaking, or those who may have pre-existing mental health concerns are all also particularly vulnerable to isolation.  

After evacuation orders are lifted, additional distress may occur upon return to the impacted area if a home, business, school, place of worship or a beloved community landmark such as a neighborhood park or wildlife refuge are damaged or destroyed. 

After the Flood: Adjusting to a 'New Normal'

When loss of or major damage to any kind of property occurs, distress may arise from having to adjust to a 'new normal':

• A new or temporary school: peers may be separated, there may be new teachers and other caregivers that are unfamiliar to younger kids, after-school activities may be disrupted
• Temporary or permanent loss of employment
• Overall disruption in home and community life: place of worship damaged or destroyed, neighbors displaced, feelings of overwhelm related to disaster recovery activities, etc.

First Responders, Rescue & Recovery Workers

First responders, rescue and recovery workers include:

• Fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 9-1-1 operators and other fire / emergency / medical personnel
• Military service men and women
• Clergy
• Staff and volunteers serving with disaster-relief organizations, in a range of roles from sheltering to animal rescue, food service to crisis counseling.  

Risk factors for emotional distress among first responders, rescue & recovery workers includes:   

• Prolonged separation from loved ones
• Mental fatigue brought on from working long hours
• Working under difficult or challenging conditions that may also be unstable during or immediately after disasters; risk to physical safety and other threats to life during rescue and recovery operations
• Disruption in home or work life brought on by deployment
• Vicarious traumabrought on by witnessing or being exposed in some way to difficult stories of survival or loss
• Difficulty readjusting to home or work life post-deployment. 

Signs of emotional distress related to floods may include:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and things
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains like constant stomachaches or headaches
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Excessive smoking, drinking or using drugs (including prescription medication)
• Feeling unusually confused or forgetful
• Worrying a lot of the time; feeling guilty but not sure why
• Feeling like you have to keep busy
• Hyper-vigilant- constantly thinking that something is going to happen, including when forecasts for any storm are issued whether or not they have the chance to produce flooding
• Constant yelling or fighting with family and friends; irritable
• Having thoughts and memories related to the storm that you can't seem to get out of your head; nightmares
• 'Triggers' such as smells or sounds that 'take you back' to the storm; sweating or heart racing when you experience these triggers
• Unable to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or other dependents, trouble showing up to work or school on time or at all (excessive absences), trouble concentrating and getting things done, etc.
• Thinking of hurting or killing yourself or someone else

Where can I get help?

If you or someone you know shows any of these warning signs, whether you know they are in relation to a flood or if you aren't sure how they started ...Talk with us. You are not alone!  Call our toll-free number1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (Spanish-speakers can text Hablanos to 66746) for support and counseling. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from crisis call centers located throughout the U.S.

Additional Resources 

Information and Referrals within Flood-Impacted Areas

The national '2-1-1' network of call centers offers up-to-the-minute, local, disaster-specific information and resources. Visit http://www.211.org to locate a specific center serving a drought-impacted area, or simply dial '2-1-1'.

Local Crisis Counseling Services within Flood-Impacted Areas

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7/365 crisis counseling and support for all 50 states and territories via a network of local crisis centers. If you are looking to connect with a local crisis center directly, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org to look up the nearest call center serving a flood-impacted area, or dial 1-800-273-TALK [8255]. 

Tip Sheets and Additional Information on Flood-related Distress  

American Red Cross:
Taking Care of your Emotional Health after a Disaster (PDF)

American Psychological Association:
Strengthening Your Emotional Well-being Ahead of the Flood
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/flood-preparation.aspx

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Recovery: After a Flood
http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/natural-disasters/floods 

Flood Preparedness  

Creating safety and emergency plans for your home and business can give you a sense of control when severe weather is forecasted, and help you and your loved ones to feel calmer when disasters and other emergencies strike. 

For information on how to prepare for a flood, visit:

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood

ASPCA Disaster Preparedness for Pets
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

Centers for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness and Response: Floods
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.asp

FEMA
http://www.ready.gov/

Sesame StreetLet's Get Ready: Planning Together for Emergencies
(involving children in family preparedness)
http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/ready

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation: Older Adults and Disaster- Disaster Preparedness & Response http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns.html