Hurricane Gustav Psyc Impact

Liddle Noodnik · Aug 29, 2008

Latest storm track has Hurricane Gustav, cat 3+, aiming right at New Orleans.
Our family got clobbered 3 years ago by Katrina and now it looks like the same thing all over again. They live in Slidell.
The family consists of Father and Mother in their 50's, two granddaughters in their 20's in nurses training, and 3 great grandchildren 5 and under.
They are all headed our way here in Texas to safety.
Any suggestions as to help them with the stress would be most appreciated--especially for the babies.
Help Please.
Bo

Dear Bo, I would ask everyone you can reach to pray for them and others in the storm's path. I was just about to start a thread but found yours before I did.

I just picked up pencil box sets for my nieces and nephews for a family party, cuz you know what kids do at parties. They get into mischief, get bored, and beg to go home

I filled the pencil boxes with a small note book, pen, washable markers, post-it notes, ruler, pencils, eraser, etc... and a little scripture plaque, all in a plastic box. You can make it age-appropriate: stickers, coloring books, etc., whatever you want. I'm going to let them write their names (or some reasonable facsimile lol) on them w/ permanent marker.

(((((((((((Bo's family ))))))))))

CHALMETTE, La., Aug. 28 -- Determined to avoid the mistakes made when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, federal and state officials began preparations for massive evacuations if it becomes clear that Tropical Storm Gustav will sweep over the region with the same force as Katrina.

for more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/28/AR2008082800311.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Bo Shoi Ming · Aug 29, 2008

Mahalo (thanks) as they say in Hawaii: Off to Wal Mart this evening to get some suitable things for children thanks to your great suggestions.

We've got 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 kittens to also keep them occupied.

Tough on the whole family because 3 years ago today Katrina hit and flooded our home also. We got it repaired and sold and moved to high ground in Texas, 950 feet.

In a way, the hurricane may have less psychological impact on the kids than the adults. This will be the third time for my son.

I avoided watching any tv about Katrina for a long time.

Again, many thanks.

Bo

:redbeathe

Liddle Noodnik · Aug 30, 2008

Mahalo (thanks) as they say in Hawaii: Off to Wal Mart this evening to get some suitable things for children thanks to your great suggestions.
We've got 2 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 kittens to also keep them occupied.
Tough on the whole family because 3 years ago today Katrina hit and flooded our home also. We got it repaired and sold and moved to high ground in Texas, 950 feet.
In a way, the hurricane may have less psychological impact on the kids than the adults. This will be the third time for my son.
I avoided watching any tv about Katrina for a long time.
Again, many thanks.
Bo
:redbeathe

Take care hon and please keep in touch w/ us so we won't worry!

I pray that there is no damage to your family's home and property! Thank God that they are not down there and are playing it safe!!

xo

grandee3 · Aug 31, 2008

Hi, I am in slidell also, leaving for Birmingham in the early morning. Glad to hear your folks are leaving. I worked last night getting our pts to higher ground so that is why I have not left yet. I also live on a Bayou so I cannot stay here.

Lost my house in Katrina, I am renting now and in the process of buying this house.

Please pray for us.

Things seem to be moving along well so far. Local and state gov have been working hard to get people out of harms way.

This storm is huge, and if it does not impact us directly, somewhere out there it will hit others. Someone is going to suffer severe damage. My heart goes out to everyone who may be affected. I am praying for them also.

This site has been a comfort to me since Katrina and I know I can count on everyone here to keep us in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all who offered support over the last 3 years. Love ya'll!

Liddle Noodnik · Aug 31, 2008

I am renting now and in the process of buying this house.

So if something happened you would not lose anything on the house? (besides the contents)

I am glad you checked in - praying real hard for all you folks from Cuba on up!

grandee3 · Aug 31, 2008

That's correct, I am living in the house (actually it's a camp on pillings) with the Bayou on both sides of me. My contents are insured. I am packing right now, trying to take all my pics, antiques and heirlooms. I already have my pics and things in plastic containers, so all I have to do is put them in my van and my car. Down here, we kinda stay packed with things we need to grab in a hurry.

Thank you for your prayers, will keep in touch.

Liddle Noodnik · Aug 31, 2008

That's correct, I am living in the house (actually it's a camp on pillings) with the Bayou on both sides of me. My contents are insured. I am packing right now, trying to take all my pics, antiques and heirlooms. I already have my pics and things in plastic containers, so all I have to do is put them in my van and my car. Down here, we kinda stay packed with things we need to grab in a hurry.
Thank you for your prayers, will keep in touch.

THANK YOU. I am going to keep praying.

You will have to explain bayou when you return. I am glad you are nearly ready to go!

addendum: I started a prayer/thoughts/check in thread in the break room for you guys. Maybe you can't all post but you can read.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f98/prayers-thoughts-check-ins-re-gustav-330034.html#post3079483

Bo Shoi Ming · Aug 31, 2008

Got an email dated 2am Sunday morning. Slidell has mandatory evacuation so all 10 of the family, 4 dogs, 2 cats are getting out of Dodge.

Takes me back to 3 years ago with Katrina, memories I wish I could erase.

We're praying for you and so is our church. "His eye is on the sparrow" and you too.

Bo

THANK YOU. I am going to keep praying.
You will have to explain bayou when you return. I am glad you are nearly ready to go!
addendum: I started a prayer/thoughts/check in thread in the break room for you guys. Maybe you can't all post but you can read.
https://allnurses.com/forums/f98/prayers-thoughts-check-ins-re-gustav-330034.html#post3079483

MBARN · Aug 31, 2008

I live in Houston so I feel your pain! Just stocking up on food, water, gas and supplies and hope we don't get too much flooding! Fall semester nursing school starts Tuesday, what a way to being the semester!

Bo Shoi Ming · Sep 1, 2008

I live in Houston so I feel your pain! Just stocking up on food, water, gas and supplies and hope we don't get too much flooding! Fall semester nursing school starts Tuesday, what a way to being the semester!

Granddaughter in NOLA is in nursing school also and has some OBGYN sessions that wil have to be made up. Only impact in Austin is gas prices are up 10 cents in the last week. Concern over their house in Slidell since it looks like it will be in the NE quadrant of Gustav--the worst of all. Looks like it probably won't be a direct hit on Houston, fortunately for you.

National Guard flew in 2000 critically ill people from NOLA this afternoon to Austin. They are setting up triage, a MASH unit right in the Austin convention center. Everyone on this evacuation has a bar coded wrist band to help authorities keep track of folks and critters.

This is too much like re-living Katrina 3 years ago. Spooky and stressful with nighmares.

We got out of Slidell a year after Katrina.

Liddle Noodnik · Sep 1, 2008

Keeping you guys in prayer - I wonder if the fear of things happening all over again, and the PTSD effects that must go thru your minds, must be the worst of all. Glad you have each other!!! and that there is a better plan.

Take care and God bless you!