Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the experiences of children following Hurricane Floyd and its ensuing flood. Narratives from 97 children ages 7-12 were gathered using an open-ended question included in the PTSD Child Interview (Fletcher, 1996). Qualitative analysis, guided by a phenomenological design, was conducted on the data. Six themes representing the children's perspectives of the hurricane experience emerged from the analysis: (a) escaping the flood, (b) destruction and damage to property, (c) inconvenience and restoration, (d) concern for self and other's safety, (e) recollection of place, time, and event, and (f) thankfulness. This study helps researchers and clinicians understand the merits of gathering children's perspectives useful toward supporting them and their families following a hurricane and/or flood event.