This need is often overlooked. Emotional needs after a disaster are sometimes as important as the physical needs. Everyone from victims to volunteers have emotional feelings in times of crisis. The first thing is to become prepared and educated. A key point to remember in disaster preparedness, and the psychological factors included, is that the more planning that can be done beforehand, the better the family the family will be equipped to deal with the disaster.
Planning can also provide peace of mind.
Books on first aid are also a good idea. Reading materials, paper, pencils, crafts and games are important too. One request from victims of Hurricane Andrew was for more Bibles. Sometimes being able to focus on something other than the disaster at hand helps. Crockett suggests three factors for dealing emotionally with a crisis, either your own or that of family or friends.