Post SHTF Stress Disorder and Injury

[thereisnospoon]

I just wanted to post a quasi PSA regarding Post SHTF Stress Disorder and Injuries. I hope it will start a discussion as well...

As most of you know, April 27, 2011 was a day of massive destruction in Alabama due to an outbreak of severe weather that set a new record for one event tornado stats. Loss of life was a staggering- 213 fatalities (5 in my community) and the property damage is immense.

http://brianmejia.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/site95.jpg?w=640&h=426

So, here's the reason for the post:
Since then, I know of several more deaths and 1 severe injury directly related to clean up efforts and the stress related to the after effects on the human psyche.

In one instance, a dozer operator was loading his dozer after another long day of helping-volunteering-to move piles of debris, etc from the worst hit part of our community. He has been operating a dozer since his early 20s, 30+ years of experience. Tired, he was loading the dozer and miscalculated the angle of the approach to the trailer. The dozer rolled-he jumped-and the dozer crushed him as it landed.

Another man was cutting a tree and decided to climb into the tree to limb it off. He fell-with a running chainsaw- and landed tumbled twice approximately 30 feet to the ground, hitting a large limb on the way down. He was life flighted to a local hospital. Thankfully, he only has a broken shoulder blade and 5 broken ribs, instead of breaking his neck.

Post shtf, the stress will be high, we will all have to plan accordingly and be prepared for the inevitable accident(s).

We have had a few close calls and one incident just clearing our homestead property over the last 24 months as well, even before the stress of the event.

Have a plan and have the necessary items and training to deal with emergencies you may face.

Best,
Spoon

[1Admin]

You all ended up o.k. from the storms Spoon?

[thereisnospoon]

We only had some minor roof damage and a few trees do at our home (our homestead was untouched-we are renting a ome about 15 miles from our homestead until we complete the home on the property. We are paying cash as we go and doing most of the work ourselves...takes time). We had an F2 come over our house at 6:30 am as my son was getting ready for school. Our rental doesn't have a storm shelter, but we hunkered in the hallway-my 10 yo son praying, literally, as we waited it out. I have to admit, I was even a might shaken by the ferocity of the wind of just an F2. Can't imagine being in a bigger storm.
Later that day, the northern part of our town was hit by an F5. Destroyed 2 trailer parks and killed 5 people from one family, including a 18 mo girl. We go to church with the family-they suffered real damage-shingles and trees can be replaced.
I responded to an emergency call for medical personnel as ourtown's resources were overwhelmed...it was not a fun day.

Here are some pics of our area. I didn't take pictures of the hardest hit area-just didn't seem right:
The F5 going by...you can see the wedge be the pool and garage...


our lifeline; 5 days on generator


neighbors house:


neighbors house. the tree is mine/in my yard...the gentleman fell from this tree and lifeflight landed in the yard you see


neighbor

end of the road...used to be a mobile home:


two vids:





IN all things, there is always irony...

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Sorry for your losses to you and your community, dont let it drag you down along with the stress. I found myself getting deressed during the cleanup effort here. I havent felt that overwhelming feeling and depression for many years and then it was in another country. Keep your head up and count the blessings!

[thereisnospoon]

Sorry for your losses to you and your community, dont let it drag you down along with the stress. I found myself getting deressed during the cleanup effort here. I havent felt that overwhelming feeling and depression for many years and then it was in another country. Keep your head up and count the blessings!

Very, very true. We struggled the most with why them and not us? This will also be a factor in Post SHTF type situation.

[rockriver]

thanks for a great post.
my job requires that i deal with people who have been involved with stressful events.
the nicest guy in town and go ballistic,
lash out and look for folks to blame.

the trigger on most folks nerves is a very light number.
in my area now, we've had little rain for a long time. we've had very hot days for a continuing basis.
general stress level is building. general patience and reason level is diminishing.

rr

[Matt In Oklahoma]

We struggled the most with why them and not us?

Because HE knew you would be needed and I quote "I responded to an emergency call for medical personnel as ourtown's resources were overwhelmed".
Post SHTF, we will be needed. Will I jepordize my familys food/supplies? No
This is somewhat of a SHTF event. There are different kinds and we must remain true to ourselves and help our neighbors as long as it doesnt negativly effect ours. We are good people and believe it or not we are and will be leaders. maybe not the president or mayor but the "go to" folks who may very well hold whats left together.
and just in case no one else thanked you. Thank you for being self suffecient and thanks for whatever extension to the community you gave.

[monkeybird]

FYI - last weekend there was an entire day of teaching safety and training for volunteer first responders to disaster. The Baptist Convention holds this training conference yearly at various locations. I did not go, but relatives did. Seems in Florida the biggest injury among volunteer workers is chain saw injury.

It's sad to think of the bull dozer operator dying to help others. Fatigue is indeed a killer.

Praying for your community, great pictures.