Preparing Children for a Hurricane

As the 2007 hurricane season begins, there are millions of residents along both seaboards and in the Gulf region who are already getting their candles out, stockpiling non-perishable food as well as drinking water, and loading up on hammers, nails and plywood in preparation for a possible encounter.

But there are many other, and perhaps overlooked, plans that have to be made as well, especially when it comes to children. These points were discovered by the author when he faced the wrath of Hurricane Hugo with two young sons in tow:

If you have young children and know that you're in the path of an imminent hurricane, it's essential to sit the kids down and, in reassuring words they'll understand, explain to them what may soon occur. The word "reassuring" can't be stressed enough at this point; they look to you for safety and peace-of-mind. It's important that you convey that feeling to them!

Obviously, you'll need to gather or shop for the necessities to get you through an extended power outage at your house (the canned or boxed food, bottled water, blankets, and candles). Make this a trip in which the kids can participate. Not only will it get their minds into a more positive frame, but it also gives them a sense of accomplishment; they helped mommy and daddy get ready for the storm! Of course, they can also help you save time in shopping for these items.

When you return home with the goods, be sure to have a manual can-opener available. As trite as that may sound, it'll be necessary in the event the power goes off. If you're a new mother, you'll want to pre-sterilize a number of bottles and save them in a special container for use during an outage.

A battery-operated radio is essential, because you'll want to keep up with weather reports during the storm. If your radio already has batteries in it, go ahead and replace them; don't take any chances with ones that could possibly go out at any time during the storm.

While you're at it, replace the batteries in your flashlights (if you only have one, consider buying another couple. These will be needed for trips to the bathroom in the dark, helping the kids to bed, etc.). You'll want to use these in reading to your children, as they're safer than candles.

Stockpiling a number of books or games for the children to play is important, because, being inside with the power off can make them bored as well as skittish. Also, remember that Linus (a character in the comic strip Peanuts) was right: "Happiness is a warm blanket." Keep one or more available for the kids to relax on or cuddle up with. It can give them a greater sense of security.

Once again, the word "security," to a small child, is all-important. He or she needs to know that you're there for them and, for that reason, everything is going to be okay. Even if there's the slightest feeling of panic rising within you, don't make that evident to the children. Reassure them that you'll all make it through the hurricane, and show them the confidence they need to see in you at this time. If they have questions or concerns, it's also an important time to listen -- and answer truthfully and with a heart full of love.

Finally, be absolutely certain that every candle you light during this time is kept away from anything flammable. Place them where they can project the most light without being near curtains, walls, papers or other material. This one preparation is obvious.

When the storm passes, the kids will, undoubtedly, want to go outside to see what's happened. At this point, it is extremely vital that you go out first in order to check the area. If there are any downed power lines, partly-downed trees, broken windows with glass shards nearby, standing water or excessive debris, you don't want them to come out until the area is clean and secured.

Hopefully, this will be a season that will see few hurricanes and fewer casualties. But we can be ready for whatever wrath nature throws in our path if we just remain calm, make advance preparations just-in-case, and, especially, watch for the safety and security of our little ones. After all, they're counting on us.