Community Guidelines
Our community is built on respect, empathy, and support. These guidelines help us maintain a safe space for everyone.
Core Principles
Be Compassionate
Remember that everyone here has been through difficult experiences. Treat others with the same kindness you'd want for yourself.
Respect Diversity
We welcome stories from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Different doesn't mean wrong.
Prioritize Safety
Don't share identifying information about others without consent. Protect yourself and others in the community.
No Judgment Zone
This is a space for healing, not debate. Don't criticize how others coped with their experiences.
What's Allowed
- ✓Sharing your personal experience with disasters, accidents, or traumatic events
- ✓Expressing emotions honestly - anger, sadness, hope, or anything in between
- ✓Asking for support or advice from the community
- ✓Sharing resources that helped you in your recovery journey
- ✓Offering encouragement and support to others
- ✓Anonymously sharing if you prefer not to use your real name
What's Not Allowed
- ✕Harassment or bullying of any kind
- ✕Hate speech targeting groups based on race, gender, religion, orientation, etc.
- ✕Promoting self-harm or suicide
- ✕Spreading misinformation about disasters or health crises
- ✕Sharing others' personal information without consent (doxing)
- ✕Commercial solicitation or spam
- ✕Grandiose claims about cures or treatments for trauma
How We Moderate Content
All stories submitted to DisasterStory go through a brief review process:
- AI-assisted initial screening for prohibited content
- Human review by trained moderators
- Authors notified of publication status within 24 hours
- Appeals process available for any removed content
Our moderators are trained in trauma-informed content moderation to balance community safety with the need for authentic expression.
Need Immediate Help?
If you're in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to these resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Questions about our guidelines? Want to report something?
Contact us or report an issue →