Nine years ago today Hurricane Katrina left a trail of destruction and despair totaling $108 billion. New research from LSU suggests mental preparation for a storm is just as important as having supplies like radios, flashlights, and batteries.
Hurricanes like Katrina can cause trauma leading to PTSD, LSU psychology professor Mary Lou Kelley said.
Research by LSU doctoral student Mark Schexnaildre shows that recovery can take years, especially in minority communities where the majority of families live below the poverty line. These communities lack the resources to rebuild and are left with abandoned storm damaged buildings littering their neighborhoods.
These blighted properties are a constant reminder of Katrina and can trigger PTSD.  Mark says the best way to avoid PTSD is to be prepared.
“Have a plan of what to do when you know a hurricane is coming…have and evacuation plan and proper supplies,” Schexnaildre said.
After Katrina, New Orleans started the “Find Your Way Home” program to help citizens re-establish their communities. However, re-establishing the spirit was, and still is for some, the greatest challenge.