Lifestyle

Lifestyle is the next principle for preparedness. Your current lifestyle can hinder or improve your survival and recovery in a disaster. Strive to create an environment that offers the least amount of  change given a disaster. This principle is really where we pave the way for later recovery. Here are some places to start:

—       Lower-tech time – there's a story (for which I am now kicking myself for not writing down the title) about a little boy and his reaction to a power outage. He can't watch TV, the batteries are dead on his game boy and his other toys; he losses it! At the end he finally learns how to play with out a battery operate toy or plug in and naturally that's when the power comes on. this book was such an eye opener for me. Do I want to deal with a tantrum over no TV now or when its simply not possible? I encourage everyone to create a home that reduces or eliminates electric withdrawal (yes it’s real).  By lower our children's dependence on electric devices and toys we also foster an ability for independent entertainment, self control, and regular positive interaction. These are things that are necessary after a disaster when stress is high. A child that knows how to initiate play and handle alone time is going to make everyone’s lives much easier.

—       Daily schedules – this is the actually the first step to recovery after a disaster – return to your usual schedule. Do you have one? Children define their worlds through paradigms, your schedule and returning to it signals stability and safety. It’s a normal day because those things they are used to are happening just as they were before. After a disaster you will need to return to it as close as possible. If you have a child with special needs this is of greater importance and you are probably already aware of their reactions to a botched schedule. However if you have no schedule before the disaster there is nothing to fall back on, no reference. these links are a great way to start getting your time organized, or you can simply create a basic spread sheet in excel. I prefer to color code mine. Be sure to include a copy in both your 72 hour kit and your information binder. This will naturally need to be updated a few times a year as extracurricular activities and summer occur. Post a copy in a prominent location in your home so the entire family knows what to expect when.

 http://www.lisawhelchel.com/meinmommy_charts.htm

http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/blog/2010/07/get-organized-mission-51-weekly-schedule-template/

—       Family traditions – typically we think of holiday’s when some one talks about traditions. However a tradition is something that happens regularly, whether daily or annually. Get in the habit of having a special family tradition or activity that you do regularly. Regular family meals, bedtime stories, family prayer, cuddle time, and game nights are all great traditions that not only foster a healthy family bond but foster a healthy psychological being in every one.

—       Regular family time – this is besides traditions. The importance of spending time together as a family is PARAMOUNT! A family who is always running around to extra curricular activities or friends and work rarely sees each other. What are you going to do when you suddenly get stuck together with no breaks in either a shelter or a shut in situation? Especially if your children fight a lot, they need to have time to practice being around each other and learning the skills needed to get along. It’s not the easy way but it will pay off, whether there is a disaster or not.

—       Self control and independence are big lifestyle skills that children and parents need in disaster situations. A child who can handle entertaining themselves, stay out of trouble and be obedient and helpful is one that will reduce stress on the family and help move towards recovery without constant supervision. Self controlling also encompasses self-regulation. Practicing in-door voices and behaviors, the importance of obedience (a shouting match in the path of a tornado or in the middle of a shelter is not a good thing). Help them understand obedience is a safety issue not just a do what I say issue. Answer they’re why’s and explain your requests, while stating that they can trust that your requests are going to be for their safety and well being. 

—       Work – working is something that kids need to do in order to foster the above skill but also to aid in their own recovery. One of the steps for coping after a disaster is … work. To help provide relief for the community is very therapeutic, and this doesn’t just apply to adults. It empowers them to take control of the situation, prove that they can change the situation and make a difference. Service is the biggest part of coping and in a disaster that service will be in the form of hard work. Do your kids know how to handle a shovel, clean a house, and pick up their own toys? Do they have the stamina to help in these efforts? Besides work is a great babysitter. If they are occupied working they are not creating trouble – the last thing that either of you need in a disaster.

—       Decrease fighting – fighting among siblings is a habit, do what ever you can to eliminate it!

—       Personal responsibility – chores teach this while fostering a good work ethic and ability. Besides a clean house is less fuel for a fire, fewer hazards to step on, and a quicker, safer escape. Practice putting things away where they belong (shoes coats, hats, toys) so they are there when you need them. An emergency is not the same thing as being late for church, you can’t be searching the house trying find juniors shoes. They can understand this.

—       Lessen dependence on material items – Children and adults often define themselves by their belongings - "I have..." This exterior focus can be devastating in a disaster since you've lost yourself not just your stuff. Focusing on the intrinsic value of self brings an understanding of who they really are. Regularly go through toys and clothes, give them away and throw away broken ones. Decrease material presents for holidays and birthdays. Lessening material dependency will in essence decrease the amount of perceived loss. Those things will have less meaning due to their regular dismissal. It also decreases clutter/fuel/debris is a disaster.

—       Decrease or quit bad habits– caffeine, smoking, alcohol and drugs! there won't be a Starbucks to run to, and these items will most likely sell out quickly if they're on the shelves. Quiting now is better than when you are under high stress and have to quit cold turkey! Withdrawals while trying to take care of your family’s survival is not the best time. Besides all of these things have an adverse effect on your ability to cope with trauma. Just think of all the food you can add to your food storage with the money you save!