Hurricanes are scientifically useful in moving heat from tropical areas to cool zones. That said, a hurricane will often leave a trail of destruction along the way.
Thousands of families have lost their homes, cars, and precious belongings to the destructive nature of hurricanes. It is also not uncommon for people to lose their lives in a violent hurricane or a storm surge. We cannot forget to mention the emotional impact on individuals who live in hurricane-prone areas. There is also the emotional impact of losing literally everything. You could develop PTSD, anxiety, and other stress-related symptoms following such a traumatic event. That said, there is still life ahead and you can rebuild after a hurricane. Here are some of the ways to cope and recover from a costly hurricane.
Seek social support
Chances are someone else in your family or social circle has survived a severe hurricane before. These survivors are better positioned to console you and show empathy during these trying times. You could also allow other people who were not affected by the hurricane to support you by giving you a place to stay before you fix your home. Please don’t be afraid to let those around you know what kind of assistance you need.
Allow yourself to grieve
Life after a hurricane can become significantly difficult, especially if you have lost many of your belongings and have to start from scratch. First and foremost, it would help to allow yourself to feel grief over the loss of the material items that made life easier. For instance, the loss of a car during a hurricane can render a huge blow to you. Try to be patient with your emotions and wait until they stabilize.
Incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle
You are more likely to develop anxiety and depression after a severe hurricane. You might also be prone to sleeping disorders such as insomnia due to frequent nightmares. We suggest engaging in positive habits that will help boost your mental health such as regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet. You could also try certain breathing and relaxation exercise to help calm your nerves. It would be wise to avoid alcohol or any kind of drug that will give you a false sense of confidence. Once the high wears off, all your anxieties and fears will come crashing down on you, causing a delay in the healing process.
Hire a property damage lawyer
After a severe hurricane, it is only normal to turn to your insurance provider to provide the necessary funds to spearhead home repairs. Unfortunately, most insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart and are looking out for themselves. It would be wise to hire a property damage lawyer to ensure you receive the maximum payout. You could search hurricane insurance claims lawyer near me and find one with a track record in handling these types of incidents. Ensure you take your time to vet a lawyer to boost your odds of getting the compensation that will help you build back.
Create a healthy outlet for your emotions
Withholding your feelings following a traumatic experience such as a hurricane isn’t good for your mental health or emotional well-being. It would help to let your emotions out before they become too much to handle. We suggest communicating your feelings to a trusted family member or friend. If you have nobody to talk to, you could try journaling or learn a new hobby to keep your mind off of the traumatic event.
Start preparing for future storms
Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, you have no way of knowing when they might strike. The moment you experience a hurricane for the first time, it would help to start preparing your home for a similar occurrence in the future. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you can make certain renovations to your home such as a storm cellar or building a stronger roof. However, you should not attempt to rebuild your home before the storm passes.
Put safety first while cleaning your home
After the hurricane has passed, you will have your work cut out for you when it comes to restoring your house to a presentable state. However, your safety is more important than the condition of your house. Only attempt to clean up your home after you are certain the storm is over. You should also avoid drinking any tap water until you have confirmed it is uncontaminated. Discard any food that has stayed in the fridge longer than two hours in temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final remarks
In a nutshell, you should try to be resilient to recover from the traumatic event of a natural calamity. That said, go easy on yourself as the healing process is not an overnight affair. Don’t bottle all your feelings within yourself lest they cause you to implode. Seek help from loved ones, the government and a lawyer who can help fight for compensation to recover from the hurricane.
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