Newswise — It's summertime, and the living is breezy. But this year for many people in New Orleans and other areas hit hard by hurricanes in the past, the warm winds of summer may feel unusually threatening, as hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Feeling twitchy? Thoughtful planning is the key to staying calm, says Tulane psychiatrist and post-traumatic stress disorder expert Jan Johnson.
"I think everyone's tolerance for hurricanes this year is going to be much lower," says Johnson. "I think it is time to prepare and not wait, because there is no doubt that we are going to have some scares."
Although June and July are traditionally slow months for hurricanes, Johnson advises getting a hurricane kit ready now.
Johnson advises sitting down with family and friends to make plans for securing residences, identify evacuation destinations and determine what weather conditions will require evacuation.
"Know your own personal threshold for when you are going to leave and how many days ahead will you leave," says Johnson. "Part of trauma is feeling helpless and out of control, and having everything around you be disturbed and unfamiliar. Planning helps give people a sense of control."
No one can control the weather, but solid planning helps people regain a sense of control that can help reduce anxiety.
"If you have children, let them participate in the planning discussions and make their own little hurricane kit that includes their favorite toy," says Johnson. "That will help a lot with children's anxieties and fears by giving them a sense of control."
Johnson also advises that while it is important to stay informed about the weather, staying glued to the news or weather channels all day long merely heightens stress.
"This is advice we give to people who have survived all kinds of disasters," she says. "Watching repeated coverage of that disaster, or similar situations, is not healthy, doesn't help you cope and can actually desensitize people."
Johnson advises that residents with chronic physical or mental illnesses pack enough medicine to last through an extended evacuation. If possible, they or their caretakers should plan ahead and know where to find doctors in the place to which they intend to evacuate.
"It's going to be an anxiety-provoking summer," says Johnson. " I would hope that people will try to use common sense and not to overreact at every hint of bad weather."
Johnson stresses maintaining social networks and routines will be important sources of comfort during the upcoming season.
"Take care of yourselves physically. Get enough rest and nutrition, and talk about your concerns and fears with people in your support network," says Johnson.
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