During a disaster, children's fears can intensify. Long before hurricane season begins, parents should begin explaining to children what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them. Here are some things parents can do now.
Preparing Them Before The Storm
Children's Supplies - The Pillowcase Project
As The Storm Approaches
Before The Storm
* Explain what a hurricane is. Explain to your children that a hurricane is a giant, rainy windstorm. It can be dangerous and destructive but with preparation, no one will be hurt. Keep it simple. The more they know, the safer they will be.
* Make sure they understand it is important to listen. They should know that adults will be trying to help them & they should listen.
* Use a map. Give your child his or her own hurricane tracking chart and let them plot the course of the storm. Help them name states that will be affected. Help them mark your current location, and your hurricane evacuation plan.
* Show them where your "safe place" is. Before the storm, you should have designated a safe place in your home for your family. Go to the safe place with your children as practice.
* Use this Sesame Street guide to talking to children about natural disasters.
Children Supply List - The Pillowcase Project
Children can become frightened and can get stressed out during a hurricane evacuation. Our local Red Cross has been working with children to ease their fears through the Pillowcase Project. All you need is to grab a pillowcase and fill it with their favorite things to provide comfort during an evacuation.
*Clothes & shoes, along with the usual body care items - soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
* A favorite blanket and / or stuffed animal.
* Comfort food. Your child's favorite food or snack can go into their supply kit, along with some healthy alternative snacks.
* Baby supplies such as ready-made formula, medicines, diapers, extra bottles, etc.
* Toothbrush & toothpaste.
* Rain gear.
* Paper, pencils, coloring books & crayons.
* Flashlight & batteries.
* MP3 player, like an iPod.
* Hand held video game device, like a NintendoDS.
* Portable DVD player.
* Extra batteries!
* Pictures of friends and / or family members.
* Printed out emails from friends (or letters).
* Addresses of friends & family so you can write letters while you're gone (and may not have access to email).
* Paper & pens / pencils.
* Coloring book with crayons.
* Playing cards.
* Magazines or other reading material.
* Games that are easy to pack.
* Trophies or certificates that are special.
* First aid kit.
As the storm approaches
At this point, it is very important for children to feel they are a part of the preparations.
* Remember: if you are stressed, your kids will be stressed!
* When getting last minute supplies, allow children to help pick out groceries you may need and things that they like.
* Let them help pack supplies.
* Let them help check hurricane shutters.
* They can also help prepare pets for the coming storm.
* Warn children to stay away from windows & doors. Make sure they know about the strong winds and what could happen near windows or doors.
* During the storm, tell stories. Telling your children stories or singing to them can keep them calm. Stories or songs that involve participation such as, clapping or repeating lines will keep them occupied.
For more information on teaching children about disasters, click here to go to the FEMA for Kids website.
Preparing Them Before The Storm
Children's Supplies - The Pillowcase Project
As The Storm Approaches
Before The Storm
* Explain what a hurricane is. Explain to your children that a hurricane is a giant, rainy windstorm. It can be dangerous and destructive but with preparation, no one will be hurt. Keep it simple. The more they know, the safer they will be.
* Make sure they understand it is important to listen. They should know that adults will be trying to help them & they should listen.
* Use a map. Give your child his or her own hurricane tracking chart and let them plot the course of the storm. Help them name states that will be affected. Help them mark your current location, and your hurricane evacuation plan.
* Show them where your "safe place" is. Before the storm, you should have designated a safe place in your home for your family. Go to the safe place with your children as practice.
* Use this Sesame Street guide to talking to children about natural disasters.
Children Supply List - The Pillowcase Project
Children can become frightened and can get stressed out during a hurricane evacuation. Our local Red Cross has been working with children to ease their fears through the Pillowcase Project. All you need is to grab a pillowcase and fill it with their favorite things to provide comfort during an evacuation.
*Clothes & shoes, along with the usual body care items - soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
* A favorite blanket and / or stuffed animal.
* Comfort food. Your child's favorite food or snack can go into their supply kit, along with some healthy alternative snacks.
* Baby supplies such as ready-made formula, medicines, diapers, extra bottles, etc.
* Toothbrush & toothpaste.
* Rain gear.
* Paper, pencils, coloring books & crayons.
* Flashlight & batteries.
* MP3 player, like an iPod.
* Hand held video game device, like a NintendoDS.
* Portable DVD player.
* Extra batteries!
* Pictures of friends and / or family members.
* Printed out emails from friends (or letters).
* Addresses of friends & family so you can write letters while you're gone (and may not have access to email).
* Paper & pens / pencils.
* Coloring book with crayons.
* Playing cards.
* Magazines or other reading material.
* Games that are easy to pack.
* Trophies or certificates that are special.
* First aid kit.
As the storm approaches
At this point, it is very important for children to feel they are a part of the preparations.
* Remember: if you are stressed, your kids will be stressed!
* When getting last minute supplies, allow children to help pick out groceries you may need and things that they like.
* Let them help pack supplies.
* Let them help check hurricane shutters.
* They can also help prepare pets for the coming storm.
* Warn children to stay away from windows & doors. Make sure they know about the strong winds and what could happen near windows or doors.
* During the storm, tell stories. Telling your children stories or singing to them can keep them calm. Stories or songs that involve participation such as, clapping or repeating lines will keep them occupied.
For more information on teaching children about disasters, click here to go to the FEMA for Kids website.
