Waiting for disaster relief can be stressful, but engaging in fun activities can help greatly pass the time and lift spirits. Here are ten activities to consider:
1. Storytelling and Sharing Experiences
Gather with others and share stories or experiences. This can be a great way to bond and support each other emotionally. Laugh as much as possible together, and express yourselves during this traumatic time so you can support eachother. You may also consider online therapy if you have phone service or internet connection after a natural disaster. Here are 8 of the best online therapy companies that therapists work through to provide online services as reviewed by Steven Gans, MD and mental health expert Katelynn Rigano.
2. Board Games and Card Games
If you have access to board games or a deck of cards, these can provide hours of entertainment and distraction. Portable gaming is certainly an option, but if you're limited on power... it may need to wait. Create a game, toss a ball in a basket from a distance if that's all you have and have teams so that you can have some fun competition!
3. Reading
Bring along books, magazines, or e-readers. Reading can be a great way to escape and relax.
4. Crafting or Gardening
Engage in simple crafts like drawing, painting, knitting, making friendship bracelets, or gardening. These activities can be calming and productive, especially with the results being cool creations and even food!
5. Listening to Music or Podcasts
If you have a charged device, listen to your favorite music or podcasts. This can be both entertaining and soothing. Also consider drum circles while grilling outside if you don't have music!
6. Exercise and Stretching
Do some light exercises solo as a group or stretching to keep your body active and reduce stress. Simple activities like walking, yoga, or even dancing can be beneficial.
7. Playing with Pets
If you have pets with you, spend time playing and caring for them. Pets can provide comfort and companionship.
8. Cooking or Baking
If you have access to a kitchen, try cooking or baking something simple. This can be a fun and rewarding activity.
9. Meditation and Deep Breathing
Practice meditation or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. There are many guided meditation apps available if you have a smartphone and the ability to charge it.
10. Organizing and Planning
Use the time to organize your belongings or plan for the future. This can give you a sense of control and purpose. Make a list of items you could have benefitted from today, like a pocket solar charger to charge your phone. My first one was given to me by Intel, it had various charger types to work with the older cellphones back in the day (before smart phones were a thing). It came in handy on more than a few occassions.
These activities can help make the waiting period more bearable and provide some much-needed relief from stress.
To go a bit deeper beyond the activities, it's awesome that people are donating to organizations... but I also love seeing more people beginning to work with friends, family, and other members of their community based on needs. It's a beautiful alternative to simply waiting for relief, but... take precautions in disaster areas!
Make or buy a supply bag with the right supplies. Medical supplies and surival tools is what we recommend with dry food rations. In my opinion, there isn't time to order these items online but you're welcome to try. It might be better to see what you can gather at the store if your city doesn't provide certain supplies.
Pay attention to the updates/instructions from the local & national authorities because... they may know something you don't know. It's easier to move with official clearance, but we understand when you have to do what you have to do.
Avoid floodwaters, driving through might not be a good idea because your vehicle might stall or become a boat or sink unexpectedly. Not everyone will have a life jacket or waterproof boots, so beware!
Before you stand step into a damaged home to possibly help a neighbor, you have to be cautious and make sure whatever hurt them won't hurt you. If the ceiling caved it, there's a risk that more might come down and you don't want it to come down on you. Try to inspect it to the best of your ability and if aid is on the way, don't make more work for them if it's too dangerous. I get it, but... beware and try to complete your objectives in the daytime.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by using generators, natural gas, propane, charcoal end any other potentially dangerous product safely. Follow the instructions and make sure they're at least 20 feet away from your windows, doors, and vents. Play it safe!
Watch out for electrical hazards like downed power lines. And if flooding is in an area or a home, turn off the main breaker to avoid being electrocuted. Other hazards to avoid are contaminated water. Fill your tub ahead of a hurricane if you have one, and if you have empty bottles, fill them with water. Avoid using tap water until it has been declared safe, unless you know how to properly filter water. If you're running low on water, take this gift from the Water Quality Association. It's the "Water Treatment for Dummies: Second Edition" downloadable absolutely free! There is also an article from a member of the WQA on how to filter water.
Wear the proper clothing to help with the mosquitoes and other bugs, and if you don't want to use certain repellent, peppermint oil drives bugs and pests crazy. It's really strong and they hate it.
Don't go at it alone, work with others, and let your whereabouts be known just incase. Stay safe, take care, and... game on!
