With Tropical Storm Isaac knocking at our door.... It may be time to prepare for a hurricane. Here are some great tips from www.news-press.com that can help to prepare first time parents for a hurricane and our kids that may have never been a part of a hurricane or an evacuation from their home. I hope this helps and I hope that everyone stays safe. Much Love, Bridget!
Preparing Kids for a Hurricane
Getting a family ready for a hurricane is very similar to the preparations anyone makes, but when you're responsible for the physical and mental well-being of children, there are a few extra steps to take. Here are some tips to help families prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac.
Make a Kit
Everyone needs a grab-and-go preparedness kit on the ready in case you need to evacuate. The kit should have three days worth of supplies. The American Red Cross recommends the following items be in the kit: toothbrushes, first-aid kit, clothing, shoes or slippers, family photo, photo with your pet, flashlight, battery-operated radio, games or books, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, emergency contact information.
Make a plan
Have your child put together a hurricane activity kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says the following items are good for keeping kids entertained in a shelter situation without taking up a lot of space: a few favorite books, crayons, pencils or pens, plenty of paper, scissors and glue, two favorite toys such as a doll or action figure, one or two travel-size board games, a deck of cards, a puzzle (one with lots of pieces so it takes a long time to complete), small figures or vehicles so kids can act out what's happening around them, favorite stuffed animal or pillow, photos of family and pets and a "keep safe" box with a few treasures that make your child feel special.
If you don't already have a plan, make one now. Be informed
Talk about where you'll go if you need to evacuate. Map your route. If you have pets, find out which hotels allow them and locate animal shelters along your evacuation route. The American Red Cross recommends letting neighbors know what your plans are and exchange contact information.
Determine how you will get information during and after the storm. A battery-operated weather radio, or crank-powered radio, is helpful when the electricity goes out. (Make sure you have plenty of batteries.)
You can also download the Hurricane Hub application for iPhone and Android phones to stay alert to updates and share information on specific neighborhoods. Talking with your kids
Download the free Hurricane Hub app
You don't want to scare the kids, but you also need to keep them informed and involved in preparations.
Explain that a hurricane is a giant, rainy windstorm and that it can be destructive and dangerous. But also explain the safety measures you will take to keep them safe. Involving them in preparations will also help put them at ease.
Karen Slater, M.D., a child psychiatrist in Estero, recommended in a P&C file story to start the discussion with your child by asking what they have heard about the storm. Then ask what do they think about this news and what do they imagine it will be like. Ask if they have any fears about it. If they do, then ask them what do they think the family should do. The goal is to find out what they're thinking first. Slater says another way to find out what they're thinking is to have them draw pictures of what they think the storm will be like. She also recommends reading books with them about storms or emergencies. The main point, she says, is to give the child some sense of control so they won't feel helpless, so they are prepared, so the storm is not a complete shock to them.
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