RESPONDING TO

DISASTERS

1
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
 INTRODUCTION:
Disasters, from natural events such as hurricanes or earthquakes, to human-caused incidents
such as mass shootings or terrorist attacks, are typically unexpected and overwhelming.

It is common for people who have experienced disaster to have strong emotional
reactions. Understanding responses to distressing events can help you cope effectively
with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.
When a natural disaster strikes, people in low- and middle-income countries feel the
effects more greatly and often pay a higher price.

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, people need to be taken care of. They may need
immediate treatment for physical injuries or help finding safe shelter and something to eat.
They may also need more long-term care — physically, emotionally, economically or
spiritually.

A quick, efficient and well-executed emergency response can effectively address immediate
needs. But an effective emergency response doesn’t just deal with the immediate effects of
the emergency itself. It also deals with the evaluation and containment of indirect effects
like political and civil unrest, which can affect long-term disaster relief and recovery
efforts.

2
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
HOW TO RESPOND TO A DISASTER:
If there is one area of disaster recovery planning you're sure to spend a lot of time on, it's the
response component. How you respond in the aftermath of a crisis will have long-term
implications for your organization. That response may very well determine whether you're able
to quickly rebound, or end up on the wrong side of statistical data. According to FEMA,
roughly four out of ten companies never reopen after disaster strikes. And those who lost their
IT resources for nine days or longer were at greater risk of going bankrupt within a year. While
every crisis is unique, there are some critical steps every organization should follow when
responding to disaster.

1. ANALYZE THE INCIDENT:

Your very first responsibility after a disaster is to gather as many facts about the incident as
possible. Keep in mind, however, that the type of crisis will dictate how to proceed with your
investigative efforts. For example, if you're responding to a natural disaster, you can check in
with sites like Relief Web, which actively monitors ongoing disasters around the world, for
updates. Whether it's a storm that affected an entire region, or a cyber security attack that
compromised your internal network, incident analysis is necessary to make informed decisions
and coordinate an effective response plan.

2. GATHER EVIDENCE:

Failing to preserve evidence is a surefire way to sabotage your own response plan. The
slightest alteration can stall your recovery efforts and leave you just as vulnerable when you
finally are back up and running. Evidence, both physical and digital, is essential to your ability
to conduct a thorough investigation and follow up accordingly. Depending on the nature of the
incident, it may also factor into the litigation process. Needless to say, your response team
must be diligent in making sure they obtain and retain all evidence relevant to the incident.

3. GO INTO CRISIS MANAGEMENT MODE

Crisis management is the meat and potatoes of your response plan. This is where you put the
plan in motion and start working towards a resolution. Keep in mind that the disaster in
question will ultimately determine the best course of action. If your data center is vandalized,
personnel may be instructed to sequester all affected areas to preserve the scene as authorities
investigate. On the other hand, if confidential data is involved, regulations might trigger the
urgent need to notify customers and authorities of the incident. How you need to respond will
vary from one crisis to the next.

3
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
4. COMMUNICATE EFFICIENTLY:
How well you communicate during a crisis will figure into how fast you can resume business
operations. Members of your DR response team, management, partners, and all other affected
parties should be immediately identified and given all the necessary details on the incident.
Informing customers that their personal data may have been compromised isn't something you
look forward to, but it must be done. A timely crisis communication strategy will help ensure
that you meet compliance notification requirements and handle damage control by getting out
in front of the matter.

5. EVALUATE THE PROCESS:

An exhaustive evaluation of the process is necessary to improve your response plan over time.
After all, you never know when you'll need to execute it again. The evaluation should aim to
answer a number of important questions, such as:

 Were you able to minimize your risk to similar disaster scenarios?

 Did your response align with your recovery objectives?

 How did your staff perform during the crisis?

 Did staff receive adequate support and resources from management?

 What specific aspects of your response plan can be improved in the future?

 Answering these questions and others will enable your team, policies, and processes to
make a greater impact during an emergency.

PLAN BEFORE YOU RESPOND

Like your disaster recovery plan as a whole, a response plan must be mapped out well in
advance. Your communication program should be structured so the response team knows the
most effective way to communicate and whom to contact. There should be protocol in place
that outlines evidence collection procedures and responsibilities. Above all, your team needs a
clear understanding of how they are expected to respond in any possible crisis situation. From
executing internal recovery processes to communicating with third parties, each step must be
detailed and documented as a literal course of action.

4
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
RESPONDING TO WILDFIRES:
Even if you are nt directly affected by wildfires, you may experience a sense of distress or
vulnerability by living close by or watching the destruction unfold in news reports. This can be
especially true if you have family or friends who may be impacted by the disaster and you do
not yet know about their safety and well-being.

TIPS TO RESPONDING:
Take a news break. Watching endless replays of footage from fires can make your stress even
greater. Although you’ll want to keep informed—especially if you have loved ones affected by
the disasters—take a break from watching the news.

Be kind to yourself. Some feelings when witnessing a disaster may be difficult for you to
accept. You may feel relief that the disaster did not touch you, or you may feel guilt that you
were left untouched when so many were affected. Both feelings are common.

Keep things in perspective. Although a disaster often is horrifying, remember to focus as well
on the things that are good in your life.

Find a productive way to help if you can. Many organizations are set up to provide financial
or other aid to victims of natural disasters. Contributing or volunteering can be a way to gain a
sense of “control” over the event.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery and recognize your strengths. People often learn
something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of
persevering through hardship. Many people who have experienced tragedy and adversity have
reported later on better relationships and greater sense of personal strength.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
For many people, using the tips mentioned above may be sufficient to get through the current
crisis. At times, however, an individual can get stuck or have difficulty managing intense
reactions. A licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist can assist you in
developing an appropriate strategy for moving forward. It is important to get professional help
if you feel like you are unable to function or perform basic activities of daily living.

5
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
RESPONDING EMOTIONALLY TO DISASTERS:
Disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, transportation accidents, or wildfires are typically
unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. For many people, there are no outwardly visible signs
of physical injury, but there can be nonetheless an emotional toll. It is common for people who
have experienced disaster to have strong emotional reactions. Understanding responses to
distressing events can help you cope effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors,
and help you along the path to recovery.

WHAT ARE COMMON REACTIONS AND RESPONSES TO DISASTER?

Following disaster, people frequently feel stunned, disoriented or unable to integrate
distressing information. Once these initial reactions subside, people can experience a variety of
thoughts and behaviors. Common responses can be:

 Intense or unpredictable feelings. You may be anxious, nervous, overwhelmed, or

grief-stricken. You may also feel more irritable or moody than usual.

 Changes to thoughts and behavior patterns. You might have repeated and vivid
memories of the event. These memories may occur for no apparent reason and may lead
to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat or sweating. It may be difficult to
concentrate or make decisions. Sleep and eating patterns also can be disrupted—some
people may overeat and oversleep, while others experience a loss of sleep and loss of
appetite.

 Sensitivity to environmental factors. Sirens, loud noises, burning smells, or other

environmental sensations may stimulate memories of the disaster creating heightened
anxiety. These “triggers” may be accompanied by fears that the stressful event will be
repeated.

 Strained interpersonal relationships. Increased conflict, such as more frequent

disagreements with family members and coworkers, can occur. You might also become
withdrawn, isolated, or disengaged from your usual social activities.

 Stress-related physical symptoms. Headaches, nausea, and chest pain may occur and
could require medical attention. Preexisting medical conditions could be affected by
disaster-related stress.

6
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
 HOW DO I COPE?
Fortunately, research shows that most people are resilient and over time are able to bounce
back from tragedy. It is common for people to experience stress in the immediate aftermath,
but within a few months most people are able to resume functioning as they did prior to the
disaster. It is important to remember that resilience and recovery are the norm, not prolonged
distress.

There are a number of steps you can take to build emotional well-being and gain a sense of
control following a disaster, including the following:

 Give yourself time to adjust. Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in your life. Allow
yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced and try to be patient with changes in your
emotional state.
 Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with
your situation. Social support is a key component to disaster recovery. Family and friends can
be an important resource. You can find support and common ground from those who've also
survived the disaster. You may also want to reach out to others not involved who may be able
to provide greater support and objectivity.
 Communicate your experience. Express what you are feeling in whatever ways feel
comfortable to you—such as talking with family or close friends, keeping a diary, or engaging
in a creative activity (e.g., drawing, molding clay, etc.).
 Find a local support group led by appropriately trained and experienced
professionals. Support groups are frequently available for survivors. Group discussion can
help you realize that you are not alone in your reactions and emotions. Support group meetings
can be especially helpful for people with limited personal support systems.
 Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress. Eat
well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing difficulties with sleep,
you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Avoid alcohol and drugs
because they can be a numbing diversion that could detract from as well as delay active coping
and moving forward from the disaster.
 Establish or reestablish routines. This can include eating meals at regular times, sleeping and
waking on a regular cycle, or following an exercise program. Build in some positive routines
to have something to look forward to during these distressing times, like pursuing a hobby,
walking through an attractive park or neighborhood, or reading a good book.
 Avoid making major life decisions. Switching careers or jobs and other important decisions
tend to be highly stressful in their own right and even harder to take on when you're recovering
from a disaster.

7
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
MANAGE FLOOD-RELATED DISTRESS BY BUILDING
RESILIENCE:
Reports of record-high water levels flooding communities or water breaking through sandbag
barriers or dikes are enough to create stress and anxiety for anyone living or working nearby.
The anticipation of destruction created by flooding can summon up feelings of worry, fear,
anger and uncertainty.
You can take steps today to reduce stressful emotions in the midst of the flood-related chaos by
strengthening your resilience. Resilience is the process of adapting while facing adversity,
trauma, tragedy, threats or other sources of stress. By strengthening your resilience, you will be
better able to persevere through the challenges posed by flooding of your home and
community.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
 Make connections. It's easy to feel alone in your worries and other reactions.
Connecting with close family members, friends and neighbors can be a source of
strength and support. By discussing some of the challenges you are experiencing, you
may discover you are not alone. You may learn how others are managing similar
experiences and incorporate some of those strategies. Sometimes after disasters, local
support groups are offered by appropriately trained and experienced professionals.
People can feel a sense of relief and comfort by connecting with other flood survivors
who have had similar reactions and emotions. Another way to make connections is to
reach out and help others who are also managing flood-related challenges. Helping
others can give you a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
 Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't stop the flood waters, but
you can change how you interpret and respond to them. Try to see beyond the current
crisis to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which
you might already feel better as you make progress containing water damage or cleaning
up following the flood.
 Take a news break. Watching replays of flood footage can increase your distress.
Often, the media tries to interest viewers by presenting worst-case scenarios. These may
or may not be representative of what’s happening to your home or community.
 Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable
because of your home and community being flooded. Accepting circumstances that
cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can change.

8
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
  Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly —
even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your
goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one
thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"
 Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive
actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they
would just go away. Although floods can uproot people from their normal routines,
establish new routines as soon as you can, even if they may have to change again once
the flood and clean-up are over.
 Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about
themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their
struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have
reported better relationships, greater sense of strength, increased sense of self-worth, a
more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
 Nurture a positive view of yourself. You are persevering through difficult
circumstances. That’s an accomplishment. Developing confidence in your ability to
solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.
 Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good
things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying
about what you fear. Even when facing significant water damage and a long flood clean-
up, try to consider these stressful circumstances in a broader context and keep a long-
term perspective. You've tackled past hardships that may have felt overwhelming at the
time. Tap into those successful skills to get through current challenges.
 Take care of yourself. Engage in healthy behaviors that will enhance your ability to
cope with excessive stress. Be patient in the midst of the chaos. You may not feel like it,
but eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience difficulties
sleeping, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Avoid
alcohol and drugs since these can increase feelings of sadness or distress and hamper
your progress in successfully managing current circumstances.

9
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
 RESPONDING TO A TORNADO:
The effects of tornadoes can be long-lasting and the resulting trauma can reverberate
even with those not directly affected by the disaster.
It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong
emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid
you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors, and help you along
the path to recovery.
How should I help myself and my family?
Many people already possess the skills of resilience and will bounce back on their own,
given time. There also are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well
being and a sense of control following a natural disaster, including the following:
 Give yourself time to adjust. Anticipate that this will be a difficult time in your life. Allow
yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced. Try to be patient with changes in
your emotional state.
 Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize
with your situation. But keep in mind that your typical support system may be
weakened if those who are close to you also have experienced or witnessed the trauma.
 Communicate your experience. In whatever ways feel comfortable to you, such as by
talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary.
 Find out about local support groups that often are available such as for those who
have suffered from natural disasters. These can be especially helpful for people with
limited personal support systems. Try to find groups led by appropriately trained and
experienced professionals such as psychologists. Group discussion can help people
realize that other individuals in the same circumstances often have similar reactions and
emotions.
 Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive
stress. Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing
difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques.
Avoid alcohol and drugs because they can suppress your feelings rather than help you to
manage and lessen your distress. In addition, alcohol and drugs may intensify your
emotional or physical pain.
 Establish or reestablish routines such as eating meals at regular times and
following an exercise program. This can be especially important when the normal
routines of daily life are disrupted. Even if you are in a shelter and unable to return home,
establish routines that can bring comfort. Take some time off from the demands of daily
life by pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities.
 Help those you can. Helping others, even during your own time of distress, can give you
a sense of control and can make you feel better about yourself.
 Avoid major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs if possible. These
activities tend to be highly stressful.

10
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
RESPONDING TO EARTHQUAKES:
After an earthquake:

 Go to your predetermined outdoor meeting location. Check for injuries to others and
provide assistance as needed.
 Check for and extinguish small fires. Clean up any spilled flammable liquids
immediately.
 If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and quickly leave the building.
Shut off the main gas valve only if you suspect a gas leak. Return home only when it is
declared safe. Once gas lines are turned off, service should be restored only by your
service provider.
 Check appliances and electric lines for damage. Unplug any damaged appliances or light
fixtures, and shut off power at the main fuse box if there are sparks, frayed wires, or if
you smell something burning.
 Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilet
until you call a plumber.
 Watch out for items that may have shifted in cabinets or closets that can cause further
damage or injury upon opening the doors.
 If you are trapped under debris, do not light a match or move about. Cover your mouth
with clothing and tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Only shout as a last
resort, as it can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
 If you are driving, watch out for road hazards, including fallen trees, power lines, and
damaged bridges and roads. If a power line fell onto your car during the earthquake, stay
inside until trained personnel remove the wire.
 Use the telephone only for emergencies. 911 systems will be overloaded after an
earthquake. Keep the phone lines clear for emergency calls to get through.
 Listen to the radio for important information.
 Inspect your home for signs of structural damage, particularly to the foundation and
chimney. Damage to these areas can pose serious safety hazards in the months after an
earthquake. Do not enter a structurally compromised structure. Call a certified home
inspector if you are unsure of your home’s structural stability.
 Be prepared for aftershocks! Aftershocks can occur minutes, days, or months after an
earthquake. Drop, Cover, and Hold on each time shaking occurs.

11
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
For people with friends and family living in areas affected by the tragic earthquake, watching
news coverage of the devastation can be very distressing, particularly if there is no information
about the safety and well-being of friends and family.

WHAT YOU CAN DO?

 Take a news break. Watching endless replays of footage from the disaster can
exacerbate stress. Although you will want to keep informed — especially if you have
loved ones in earthquake-affected areas — taking a break from watching the news can
lessen your distress.
 Control what you can. There are routines in your life that you can continue such as
going to work or school and making meals. It is helpful to maintain these routines and
schedules to give yourself a break from constantly thinking about the earthquake.
 Engage in healthy behaviors. Eat well-balanced meals, engage in regular exercise like
going for a long walk and get plenty of rest. Bolstering your physical well-being is good
for your emotional health and can enhance your ability to cope.
 Keep things in perspective. While an earthquake can bring tremendous hardship and
loss, try to find and focus on something positive. Persevere and trust in your ability to
get through the challenging days ahead.
 Find a productive way to help if you can. Many organizations are set up to provide
various forms of aid to survivors. Contributing or volunteering is a positive action that
can help you to make a difference.
 Remain hopeful. Many people who have experienced tragedy find that they grow in
some respect as a result of persevering through the hardship. Over time, people can
discover personal strengths and develop a greater appreciation for life.

12
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved
RESPONDING TO RESIDENTIAL FIRES:
Residential fires can lead to significant emotional distress in addition to possible physical
injuries. Losing your home in a fire involves not only the loss of your residence, but also many
other things of value such as photo albums, important documents, and treasured objects. Most
importantly, though, the home is your place of security, comfort, and safety. After a fire, this
sense of security can also be lost and can significantly disrupt the normality of daily life.
Below is a description of some emotions you may experience and steps you can take to
recover.
COMMON EMOTIONAL REACTIONS:
Losing a home can cause significant emotional distress. You should not underestimate the
challenge of evacuation, relocation, and rebuilding after a fire.
It is common for people to experience several stages of adjustment including shock, anger,
depression, and hopelessness. Ultimately, however, people can reach a stage of acceptance and
become able to move beyond disbelief, bitterness, and sadness. Positive feelings can begin to
re-emerge as the focus shifts towards the future. Safety, security, and comfort are regained, and
life moves forward once again.
RECOVERY AND COPING:
 In the middle of a crisis, it can become difficult to take care of yourself with so many
other worries preoccupying your mind. However, this is a good time to think about your
personal resiliency, healing and a sense of normality. Some self-care strategies you may
want to consider are:
 Practicing proven stress-reduction techniques, such as regular exercises, meditation, and
deep breathing.
 Allowing yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner.
 Giving yourself permission to feel good. You can have periods of joy even when coping
with loss.
 Making small decisions daily in order to feel in control of your life once more.
 Putting off major life decisions, such as switching jobs, if possible.
 Lowering your expectations of what you “should be doing.”
 Not isolating yourself too much. Spending some time with people is healthy in recovery.
 Talking about your ordeal with friends and family.
 Taking advantage of community support.
 Focusing on what you are thankful for in spite of your loss.
 Staying away from un prescribed mood-altering substances, such as alcohol and other
drugs.
 Getting plenty of rest when possible and maintain a normal sleep/wake cycle.
 Eating well-balanced meals.

13
Document Name
Your Company Name (C) Copyright (Print Date) All Rights Reserved