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  • Introduction
  • Modules
    • Module 1: Preparing To Be An ESS Responder
    • Module 2: ESS Overview
    • Module 3: ESS Responder Functions
    • Module 4: Scenario
  • Resources

Effects of Disasters on People

Disasters affect people in different ways. In some disaster situations it may mean loss of loved ones, including relatives, friends, neighbours, or family pets. In others, it means loss of home and property, furnishings, and important or cherished belongings. Sometimes it means starting over with a new home or business. The emotional effects of loss and disruption may show up immediately or appear many months later.

It is very important to understand that there is a natural grieving process following any loss and that a disaster of any size will cause unusual and unwanted stress in those attempting to reconstruct their lives. These stresses may cause a series of common reactions as noted on the following pages.

Module Menu

  • Module 1: Preparing To Be An ESS Responder
    • Introduction
    • Definition of ESS
    • Effects of Disasters on People
      • Factors Affecting Reaction to Loss
      • Common Reactions
    • Worker Care
      • Sources of Stress for ESS Responders
      • Signs of Stress in Responders
      • Looking After Yourself
    • Family Emergency Plan
    • Before Your Assignment
    • During Your Assignment
    • After Your Assignment

About

  • About Us
  • Acknowledgements

Partners

  • JIBC Emergency Management Division
  • Emergency Management BC
Creative Commons License

Introduction to Reception Centres by Emergency Management BC (EMBC), in partnership with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at https://www.jibc.ca/ess/