This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

Date:  April 20, 1995
Contact:   Bill Grigg, PHS (202) 690-6867
           Craig Packer, CMHS (301) 443-2792 
           Marcia Corbett, NIMH (301) 443-3600

"Tell them," the Secretary said, "that what happened in Oklahoma City does not endanger them and their families, and that you will protect them -- and tell them, if they want to help, that a note or drawing or the gift of a small toy might be a way to express sympathy."

Secretary Shalala said experts she had consulted said that smaller children -- unlike teens who typically think they are invincible -- may be anxious about their own safety following a disaster. They may cling and act more childish. "Children under 10 have little ability to assess risks or calculate odds and thus need straight-forward reassurances of the safety of their home, neighborhood and country."

She said experts in HHS' Public Health Service suggested telling children:

"You are safe here in your home and neighborhood.

"The police will find the bad people and put them in jail.

"You can help by sending a note or small gift, or collecting clothing or money that can be sent through the Red Cross or other agency."

Secretary Shalala said in a message to HHS employees that the Public Health Service "has activated disaster medical assistance teams to provide emergency medical care in Oklahoma City.

"Many of you have asked if there is anything the rest of us can do to demonstrate support for the people affected by this tragedy. I can think of no better response than contacting your local blood donor organization to give 'the gift of life.'"

Dr. Jensen said that small children may not be reassured by subtle statements. Telling them the risk is one in a million may confirm to a child that he or she is in danger, he said. Thus, it is better to stretch reality a bit to provide the flat reassurance of safety a child needs.

Brian W. Flynn, chief of the Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services provided these pointers:

• Encourage children to talk about what they are seeing and to ask questions.

• Don't be afraid to admit that you can't answer all their questions.

• Answer questions at a level the child can understand.

• Provide ongoing opportunities for children to talk. They will probably have more and new questions as time goes on.

• Use this as an opportunity to establish a family emergency plan. Feeling that there is something you can do can be very comforting to both children and adults.

• This experience may provide an opportunity for children to discuss other fears and concerns about other unrelated issues. This is a good opportunity to explore these issues also.

• Monitor children's television watching. Some parents may wish to limit their child's exposure to graphic or troubling scenes. To the extent possible, watch reports of the bombing with children. It is at these times that questions might arise.

• Help children understand that there are no bad emotions and that a wide range of emotions is normal. It is important to encourage children to express emotions to adults (including teachers and parents) who can help them understand these sometimes strong and troubling emotions.

• Try not to focus on blame.

• In addition to the tragic things children will see, help them identify good things they'd seen like very heroic actions, families who are grateful for being reunited, and the way people around the country and the world are offering help.