Physical toll in a disaster
I have shared my thoughts about disasters and now I want to focus on the physical toll it takes. This may be more than meets the eye, so these are just a few thoughts.
One area where it affects people is in their eating patterns. For some people they cant eat. For others they cant stop eating. It also affects their sleeping patterns as many people lay awake at night, unable to sleep because they are rehashing over and over in their minds what they could have done differently. They may also be thinking about all that they have lost or what it might take to rebuild.
Another physical challenge is in getting all of your furniture and carpets and belongings and clothing and... out to the curb so some truck can come by and take all you own away. Just to be able to carry all of your water soaked belongings outdoors, up and down flights of stairs, is alot to expect. Your neighbours can't really help you because they are going through the same problems.
Then the homeowner needs to strip out all of the sheetrock up to at least 2 feet above the water line. Once all the sheetrock and insulation is removed, then it is time to remove all the nails and screws and electrical boxes so that the studs are exposed. Once that is finished then it is time to spray all of the walls and floors in order to kill all the mold. Imagine how exhausting all of this must be for so many, especially for seniors and those who are faced with physical challenges.
On top of all this the homeowner must go from place to place to determine what they can or cannot do with their homes, meet with insurance agents, meet with engineers and others who determine whether or not you can rebuild. As you can tell this is overwhelming.
Many people need our help. The Good Samaritan story in the Bible tells us to get involved and make a difference. Will it cost us something? Yes!!! Is it worth it? Yes!!! Can you go? I do not know. Can you give? Yes you can!!!
One area where it affects people is in their eating patterns. For some people they cant eat. For others they cant stop eating. It also affects their sleeping patterns as many people lay awake at night, unable to sleep because they are rehashing over and over in their minds what they could have done differently. They may also be thinking about all that they have lost or what it might take to rebuild.
Another physical challenge is in getting all of your furniture and carpets and belongings and clothing and... out to the curb so some truck can come by and take all you own away. Just to be able to carry all of your water soaked belongings outdoors, up and down flights of stairs, is alot to expect. Your neighbours can't really help you because they are going through the same problems.
Then the homeowner needs to strip out all of the sheetrock up to at least 2 feet above the water line. Once all the sheetrock and insulation is removed, then it is time to remove all the nails and screws and electrical boxes so that the studs are exposed. Once that is finished then it is time to spray all of the walls and floors in order to kill all the mold. Imagine how exhausting all of this must be for so many, especially for seniors and those who are faced with physical challenges.
On top of all this the homeowner must go from place to place to determine what they can or cannot do with their homes, meet with insurance agents, meet with engineers and others who determine whether or not you can rebuild. As you can tell this is overwhelming.
Many people need our help. The Good Samaritan story in the Bible tells us to get involved and make a difference. Will it cost us something? Yes!!! Is it worth it? Yes!!! Can you go? I do not know. Can you give? Yes you can!!!
posted by s.d.w. at 5:03 PM
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