Preventing Violence After a Natural Disaster (Part 2)
Prevent sexual violence.
- Take action. If you see someone who is being attacked, take action. If it is safe, get the person away from the attacker. If your safety is at risk, tell the person in charge what happened.
- Keep yourself safe. Take precautions for your safety. Do not be alone. Stay with a group of trusted friends if possible.
- Go to safe places. If possible, go to places where there are a lot of people.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. These can increase feelings of worry and stress, and may put you in places where you could be attacked.
- Find support. If you are a victim of sexual violence or you know someone who is, talk to a good friend or family member. He or she can offer the support you need.
- If sexual violence does occur, find someone you can trust to report the occurrence to, or call the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673).
Prevent suicide.
- Stay in touch with family. If possible, stay in touch with trusted family, friends, and neighbors to help deal with the stress and losses that can happen after a natural disaster.
- Get help from professionals. Ask for help from doctors or other leaders who are trained to help.
- Stay active. Go for a walk, or participate in other group activities to keep moving.
- Keep busy. Help others in your shelter, community, or school.
- If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Prevent youth violence.
- Respect others and value differences. Even if you feel stressed or anxious, do not bully, tease, or talk about others.
- Get involved in the cleanup effort. Help with a community or local rescue cleanup effort.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. Stay away from alcohol and drugs, as well as from people who use them. These can increase feelings of worry and stress, and may put you in places where you could be attacked.
- Learn other ways to resolve arguments and fights. Talk through arguments without yelling, hitting, or pushing, and tell your friends to do the same.
- If you know someone is planning to harm someone else, report him or her. Tell a trusted adult, such as a counselor or parent. If you are afraid and believe that telling will put you in danger or lead to retaliation, call the authorities.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Updated 2014, June 20). Preventing violence after a natural disaster. Retrieved February 3, 2015, from http://emergency.cdc.gov