How to Respond to a Natural Disaster

Written by Sherra Still

When recovering from a disaster like Hurricane Katrina, whether you're personally affected or not, you experience many things. Survivors are left with physical and psychological trauma. Individuals not directly involved are left with a myriad of emotions, wondering what we can do to help.

You can provide tangible help during these type of disasters:

If you don't live where the disaster occurred ...

• Join a disaster relief team and go to the site of the disaster.
  Visit namb.net/dr for information about the North American Mission Board Disaster Relief.
• Ask your church about disaster funds.
  If you can't donate your time, financial gifts are also a way to show concern and support. For instance, Baptist state missions offerings fund disaster relief efforts, and those offerings are already established. Check with your church or local church association about funds set up for crisis situations. Information is also available on the North American Mission Board Web site.

Note: The North American Mission Board is the third largest disaster relief agency behind Red Cross and Salvation Army.

If you do live where the disaster occurred but do not have personal damage ...

• Check with local officials to find out exactly how you can help, being careful not to obstruct current rescue efforts in any way.
• If you know people involved in the events, offer a helping hand directly to them. Wash clothes, cook meals, provide child care and pray for those affected by the disaster.
• Pray for your government leaders, ministerial staff and chaplains, the families of those hurt or injured and all Americans.

When you know someone who was involved in the disaster ...

Be aware that people on whom these tragedies have made an impact are likely to need more than just physical assistance. Watch out for their emotional, spiritual and mental health. All of us are reeling to some degree after watching catastrophic events unfold. We all need time to process, and those directly involved will need additional help in this area.

Specifically, it is important to look for signs of depression in both adults and children after a disaster. Common signs include melancholy, fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities and sudden weight gain or loss. When you find these symptoms surfacing, offer your companionship and support during these times of trial, but remember that cases of trauma and depression will best be handled by a professional counselor, doctor, pastor, etc. Many difficult questions will come up during this time, particularly from children.

Divine Intervention

The one hope we have in the midst of natural disasters is that God is still with us. You may know several Bible verses that can bring comfort during trial, such as Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you” - this is the Lord’s declaration  - “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (HCSB) Although it is still hard to see past the devastation and loss of precious lives, we must remember that our "hope and future" is still present among the destruction.

By reaching out to those touched by disaster, you can provide that hope for those who may not know Christ or who are struggling with God over answers during this time. You can rally around those who need support and offer them financial, physical and spiritual assistance when they need it. Be sensitive to needs and pray for a willing heart. God will use you when disaster strikes if you will make yourself available.

Sherra Still is a pastor's wife, the mother of five children and a writer. She will always be grateful for the love shown to her family during their personal experience with disaster in 1999, when Hurricane Floyd flooded their house in Rocky Mount, N.C. This article is adapted from an article in ParentLife Magazine.