The devastation of the floods that struck southeast Saskatchewan just recently has far-reaching effects.
Those who have been directly hit not only have to contend with destruction and mould but also must retain their sanity and regain the spirit that will get them through months of recovery.
Dr. Shauna Hudson, chief of medical staff for the Sun Country Health Region, advises flood victims to contact their local health inspector and/or the local recovery centre (in the Civic Auditorium in Estevan) to ask the questions and receive the direct answers regarding the physical tasks of cleaning up the messes that are left in the wake of the flood waters.
"Pick up the kit, get the masks on and make use of the resources that are provided by public health, occupational health and the city," Hudson said.
"There are so many different precautions to take depending on circumstances. We expect that about two weeks from now, there will be a big demand for assistance. Mould cleanup differs from one situation to another. Where there is a need to clean up sewage, well that will be different from cleaning up from straight flood waters. The kinds of losses experienced will differ and some people will be under a great deal of stress and again, the recovery centres can help. But for sure, we urge those doing the cleanup to take all precautions because the clean-up process could lead to some serious illnesses and the mould is just an indicator of ongoing problems," Hudson said.
On the stress front, the problems are no less severe. People's lives and routines have been upended. In some instances homes have been lost or properties have received major damages. In some instances the source of income has been disrupted.
The victims can expect to run the whole gambit of emotions during these trying times including those of panic, anxiety, fear, anger, disbelief, helplessness and despair.
Those can be counteracted within the community with acts of generosity, co-operation, teamwork, inspiration and the strength that they'll find in connecting with others who are going through similar circumstances.
Physically, the victims will probably experience bouts of sleeplessness, inability to concentrate for extended periods, along with feelings of frustration and, on occasion, even loneliness if they feel they are being left alone or ignored during the recovery phase, especially if they have no immediate family on whom to call for instant support.
Making sure that personal medications are secured and available is another key component to address on the physical well-being side of the equation.
"Talk to others about the flood, about their feelings and take regular breaks from the clean-up work, go have a visit with someone else. It will help you," said one missive that was released by the Sun Country Health Region following the disastrous floods that took over the southeast sector of the province this spring and early summer.
"Self awareness is important," the Sun Country release stated. "You can monitor your moods and attitudes, so check in with yourself and make sure you are doing the things that support a healthy body, mind and spirit. Stay on top of current news but don't spend the whole day tuned into local media. Keep as close to your normal daily routine as possible and just check the news occasionally unless there is an immediate threat," said the Sun Country team.
There are spiritual advisers and other professionals who are always willing to assist those who feel overwhelmed by the odds and ill fortune brought about by the floods, they said.
The psychological first aid desk at the Civic Auditorium in Estevan, where the recovery centre will be located after the services shift from the leisure centre, will provide assistance to those who require it on the well-being front heading into what will probably be a long-term recovery phase.
