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Hurricane Rita Evacuation - Teens Can Help
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Your Guide, Denise WitmerFrom Denise Witmer,
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September 21, 2005

Hurricane Rita Evacuation - Teens Can Help
After seeing all of the news reports and the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left behind, teens living in the path of Hurricane Rita are likely to be feeling scared and helpless. They’re nervous about loosing their home, their friends, their school, etc. Here are five simple things you can do to help them feel empowered during the evacuation time:

  • Communicate clearly to your teen that their safety and the safety of your family is first and foremost. Tell him/her that you will keep your family safe and secure through this ordeal. End that tidbit of information with a huge hug.
  • Come up with a plan for if the worst happens. If the school gets flattened, we'll get to a computer and you can send an email to your friends. While the important thing right now is to be safe, your teenager will be better able to concentrate on the here and now with a few of these reassurances.
  • Your teen will feel better if they are spending their time helping with their younger siblings. Teenagers thrive when they have clear responsibilities. If their responsibility is to reassure their younger siblings, they will in turn be reassuring themselves.
  • Put them in charge of something. Tracking the storm by watching the news or packing up valuables are things teens are capable of doing. Contrary to popular belief, teenagers like to think and be the one 'in charge' of something.
  • Let your teen bring a journal and a pen. Journaling what is happening not only gives him/her something to do, but is therapeutic.

    For those families who are reading this information and are in the path of Hurricane Rita, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Be safe.

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