Reactions commonly noticed in adults include:

• Being hyperaware-- looking behind them to the direction of the tornado
• Avoiding the area in which they were when the tornado hit
• Onset of tears and remorse, which tend to intensify in the anniversary date
• Tendency to overeat or eat less
• Feeling angry, fearful, anxious, panicky, sad and blue

• Help children re-establish a sense of security
• Listen to your kids, reassure them and share your own fears to validate children's emotions
• Provide lots of hugging, cuddling, and holding
• Allow children to talk about their experiences and fears without judgement
• Give them crayons to express themselves. The Red Cross coloring book After The Tornado is available at the Greater Salt Lake Area chapter (465 S. 400 East; 801-323-7000).

Coping Strategies for adults:

• Talking is probably the best therapy, but is only helpful if done with someone nonjudgemental who accepts feelings as they are. By expressing feelings and articulating thoughts, fears and emotions become less mystical and more concrete.
• Write down fears
• Make two lists: that was then, this is now
• Try to find some good that came out of the disaster
• If a person lost a friend, relative, or pet, writing a last letter expressing their feelings, looking at the contribution made to their lives frequently helps
• Put the tornado disaster in perspective
• During the recovery phase, leave time to do pleasant things-- those that brought you pleasure in the past
• Return to those normal behaviors that characterized your life prior to the disaster
• Eat well and get adequate rest
• Do not overdo sedatives, alcohol, tobacco or food consumption
• Exercise