Preparing Children for a Hurricane
Helping children cope with disasters, including hurricanes, can be a challenging task. Here are some tips that may help:
Before A Disaster
- Teach your child how to recognize danger signals. Make sure your child knows what smoke detectors, fire alarms and local community warning systems sound like.
- Teach your child when and how to use the telephone to call for help.
- Help your child memorize the family name, address and telephone number. Children also should know where to meet in case of emergency. Children not old enough to memorize information can carry a small index card that has all the emergency information.
After A Disaster
- Keep the family together. Instead of leaving your children with relatives or friends as you look for housing or assistance, take them with you. Children get anxious and they'll worry parents won't return.
- Calmly tell children what you know about the disaster. Explain what will happen next. For example, say, "Tonight, we will all stay together at the shelter."
- Develop and practice a family disaster plan.
- Include children in recovery activities. Give them chores that are their responsibility. Having a task can help them understand everything will be all right.
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