Hurricanes

The American Psychological Association has brochures available on how to cope in time of crisis (hurricane, disasters, terrorism, etc...)

The Red Cross website provides information about how to prepare when a hurricane is coming your way.

Federal Emergency Mangement Agecy (FEMA)
http://www.fema.gov

Hurricane Watch
http://www.hwn.org

UCF Student Housing information.
http://www.housing.ucf.edu/

After a hurricane hits, it is common for power to be out, phone lines to be down or cell phone towers to be down. Some students may be trapped in Orlando after just leaving home for the first time. It may be difficult, especially for students who come from out of town or out-of state to call home, so let parents know you will try to let them know you are ok as soon as you can, but won't be able to be in frequent contact. It might be good to set up a time when you will try to contact them.

PreHurricane Preparation and Personal Empowerment: Powerpoint Presentation

Hurricane Preparation: Handout

Coping with the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster: Handout

Tips for Self Care: Handout

How to Help Your Family and Effects On Young Children: Handout

Death, Grief & Loss

National Suicide Prevention Lifelife

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Family Doctor.org

Psych Central

Coping with a sudden death (handout)

Hope to Cope with Grief (handout)

General Coping Strategies

Many of us in the UCF Community have been deeply affected by the enormous tragedies that continue to stun us; our entire nation (Sept. 11th and Hurricane Katrina), our campus (shooting of a UCF police officer) and the continued unpredictability that exists locally and globally (the Iraq war). We can expect to have a variety of conflicting feelings for some time to come. It is important to recognize that individuals may cope in different ways to tragedy.

Some Things You Might Experience Include:

• Shock and disbelief
• Emotional numbing
• Speculation and confusion about what happened
• Seeking more information
• Feeling sadness or anger
• Wanting to talk with loved ones
• Fatigue/Exhaustion
• Sleep disturbance
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Guilt
• Over-sensitivity
• Concern about safety
• Fear of future violence
• Increased emotional arousal

Helpful Things to Try

• Talk to others about your feelings, fears and uncertainties.
• Spend time with people you trust and cherish.
• Listen to others. Help someone express their feelings.
• Don’t berate yourself for having reactions.
• Structure your time keeping your life as normal as possible.
• Don't attempt to numb emotional pain with alcohol or drugs.
• Give yourself permission to "fall apart," feel upset, or cry.
• Accept help from others.
• Realize that your feelings may not be comfortable, but they are normal and expected.
• Keep a journal. Write your way through those sleepless hours.
• Pray, meditate, and appreciate the sanctity of life.
• Seek support through counseling.

The Counseling Services at SUNY Buffalo has information on their website as well as a list of other internet resources

Tips for College Students on Coping with the War and Terrorism

Faculty and Staff working with students in crisis: Handout