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Storm
Preparation - Family
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Involve
the children in storm preparations
The
scariest thing about any potential danger is feeling
helpless. Teach your children what is happening
and how to prepare so they don't feel so helpless
and frightened. Here is an excellent website by
the Federal
Emergency Management Agency with games and
information especially for the kids. |
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Have each member of
the family pack an overnight bag in case
you have to evacuate at the last minute - or in case your home
is damaged during the storm and you have to leave afterwards.
If you ride it out safely then you just unpack - much better
than having to leave without your necessities!
Stack all your bags together
in readiness to throw them in the car and go. If they are all
together you can see how big a pile it makes (and if it will
all fit in the car) and it ensures that in the excitement of
evacuation nothing is left behind.
You may even want to pack
the car ahead of the storm while the family is calm and it isn't
raining and blowing.
Develop an emergency
communication plan - In case family members are separated
from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during
the day when adults are at work and children are at school),
have a plan for getting back together.
Have an out-of-state
relative or friend serve as the "family contact." - After
a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure
everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number
of the contact person.
Have cash on hand - If
the power goes out the ATM machines will not be working and the
banks will not be open.
Medication and First
Aid - Make sure each member of your family has any medication
they need. When you know that a hurricane is on the way, check
prescriptions to make sure you have enough to last throughout
a potential emergency. Also have a First Aid kit handy with
things like:
| Asprin/Tylenol |
Band-Aids |
Hydrogen
Peroxide |
| Ibuprofen/Alieve |
Bandages |
Antibacterial
ointment |
| Sinus
tablets |
Adhesive
tape |
Q-tips |
Toiletries - Soap,
shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, contact lens solutions,
etc. (If you are packing an evacuation kit, pick up sample sizes
of these items to save room.) Also pack your spare eyeglasses,
diapers, sanitary supplies and a roll of toilet paper. Toilet
paper doesn't seem important until you don't have any.
Clothes - Pack 2
changes of clothes - sturdy, comfortable clothes like jeans and
t-shirts and sneakers - and pajamas, socks, and underwear.
Bedding - If you
are going to an emergency shelter there may very well be a shortage
of blankets and pillows. To save room and to comfort a small
child, encourage them to use a favorite stuffed animal as their
pillow. Sleeping bags are very handy.
Even if you are riding
it out you may want to move the family into an inner hallway
or the bathroom for additional protection.
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