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Safe School Plan ContinuedHow to HelpReassurance is the key to helping children through a traumatic time. Very young children need alot of cuddling, as well as verbal support. Answer questions about the disaster honestly, but don’tdwell on frightening details or allow the subject to dominate family or classroom time indefinitely.Encourage children of all ages to express emotions through conversation, drawing, or painting andto find a way to help others who were affected by the disaster.Try to maintain a normal household or classroom routine and encourage children to participate inrecreational activity. Reduce your expectations temporarily about performance in school or athome, perhaps by substituting less demanding responsibilities for normal chores.Finally, acknowledge that you, too, may have reactions associated with the traumatic event, andtake steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing.Revised 10/02Responders in a Crisis/EmergencyNo one who sees or hears about a tragedy of this kind is untouched by it - and in an era of instantmass communications, the numbers of people exposed to such violence in one way or another issignificant. Most of us will experience some related anxiety and stress that will fade over time.For some, however, such feelings may not go away on their own. We need to recognize thedifference and understand that, if needed, help is available and effective.What are Common Reactions?Mass tragedies can affect us in many ways: physically, emotionally and mentally. They can makepeople feel angry, enraged, confused, sad, or even guilty. When those feelings don't go away overa few weeks, or when they seem to get worse, it may be appropriate to seek help for yourself orthe person in your life who is experiencing these difficulties. Among the signs to look for overtime are: Feeling tense and nervous Being tired all the time Having sleep problems Crying often or easily Wanting to be alone most of the time Drinking alcohol or taking drugs more often or excessively Feeling numb Being angry or irritable Having problems concentrating and remembering things56