Red Cross Provides Coping Tips After Lower Manhattan Tragedy

November 01, 2017

The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the entire American Red Cross family are with all those affected by yesterday’s tragedy in Lower Manhattan. The Red Cross is working in coordination with emergency officials to provide emotional support as needed.

COPING TIPS

This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. The Red Cross offers the following tips to help people stay strong:

Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows what could potentially happen next. Remember that it's okay to feel nervous.

Stay informed but limit media exposure of the events, especially for children. Children are especially vulnerable to stress reactions related to media.

Parents should let children talk about their fears and then reassure them about their safety. Talk with them in ways that they can easily understand. Let them guide the conversation; share details only when they ask about them.

Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as anger, frustration and anxiety.

Spend more time with family and friends and offer your support. Hug one another and listen.

Watch for signs of stress in your family, friends and children. Get help from others if needed.

Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746

Additional coping resources available at www.redcross.org.

PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES

In emergencies like these, as first responders rush in to help, initial care to the injured is often provided by people nearby. Register for a First Aid and CPR/AED course so that you can be better prepared to help in future emergencies. People can also download the FREE Red Cross First Aid App that puts free and simple lifesaving information in the hands of smartphone and tablet users. The app is available in app stores by searching for American Red Cross. Additional preparedness resources available at www.redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY.