Consider other triggers for unpleasant memories and flashbacks, including:
- Places. The specific classroom where the tragedy occurred, the desk of a deceased student or the evacuation site may be painful reminders. Carefully consider how the building will be repaired and remodeled. If there was a violent act, you may not want to reuse the classroom where the incident occurred for some period of time — if ever.
- People. Classmates and teachers who experienced the tragedy together, relatives of victims and first responders can remind each other of the tragedy. Find ways for staff and students to process the event together and support each other.
- Sounds. Helicopters, fire alarms and ambulance sirens often reinforce memories of a crisis. Consider changing the sound of school alarms. Ask news media to keep helicopters away from school events.
- Similar events. A tragedy in another community brings back unwelcome memories. Make sure that mental health support is provided when a similar crisis occurs elsewhere.
- Know that ongoing news coverage of the event, especially showing dramatic scenes of the crisis, has the potential to retraumatize victims. Ask the media to focus on positive images rather than repeatedly replaying gruesome, upsetting footage.