Preparing Your Child for a Hurricane

Hurricane season can be a stressful time for everyone. It is important for parents to educate themselves and prepare so they can provide a calm and safe environment for their children. Before a hurricane hits educate your child by explaining what a hurricane is and what some of the effects might be. If you need help try reading to them from The Magic School Bus Inside A Hurricane by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. This book might help answer some of their questions.

When putting together a family disaster kit it is good to pack a current photo of your child. In case you get split up in the storm or at a shelter you want to have something to show authorities.
There are some things parents can do to maintain some semblance of normalcy if evacuation does occur, and you find yourself in a shelter or other safe place.

Help your child feel safe with these tips:
• Pack your child’s favorite items to make them feel secure if you have to evacuate to a shelter or other safe place.
• Speak calmly. If you are calm then they will be as well.
• Keep a routine as normal as possible. If you read them a story every night at home, try to do that in your temporary housing.
• Maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
• Limit media exposure. You may want to stay in front of the television or radio, but limit how much time your child spends watching images of destruction.
• Make sure your child is eating healthy meals.
• Clearly define behavior rules. If your child couldn’t get away with something before the hurricane don’t let them get away with it now.
• Answer your child’s questions as honestly as you can. They have questions and it is important to make them feel like they are understanding what is going on.
• Provide emotional expression opportunities such as coloring or making an art project. This will help you know what they are really feeling.
• Provide physical reassurance with a lot of hugs. This makes them feel safe.
Most importantly, be available. If your child feels or knows they have lost their home they need to know they aren’t go