
Hurricane News
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Talk to kids, but don't scare them

Long before the season begins, parents should begin explaining to children what hurricanes are, the dangers they pose and the safety measures to take against them.

Explain hurricanes

Explain to your children that a hurricane is a giant, rainy windstorm, destructive and dangerous, but survivable with preparation and precaution.

The more children know about the storm and safety procedures, the more confident they will be. But keep it simple; detailed information is useless if children can't digest it.

Younger children may have trouble understanding the idea of a hurricane. Talk to them instead about its effects. They need to know that a hurricane can destroy homes and leave families without food, water, and electricity.

Using a map, help older children name the states and cities where hurricanes are likely to strike. Have them mark where you live in the hurricane zone.

Ask children, whatever their age, to make a list of what they do during a typical day. Explain to them that those activities might change if a hurricane hits: School might close; they may not get to play outside; they may have to eat different foods.

Involve children in preparations

It's important for children to feel they are a part of the preparations. Allow children to help plan and pack safety kits, help check hurricane shutters, make preparations for their pets.

Children should be reminded of their hurricane lessons throughout the year; a crash course in hurricanes only hours before one arrives may cause children to panic.

What to pack

A child's supply kit should be equipped with the same items included for an overnight stay at grandma's. Here's a checklist:

  • Games
  • Toys
  • Blanket
  • Stuffed animal
  • Favorite books
  • Favorite food
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Rain gear
  • Paper, pencils
  • Coloring books
  • FlashlightBe calm as a storm approachesAs a storm approaches, children's fears can intensify. Grown-ups can help calm those fears with a common-sense, parent-to-kid talk.You should start talking with your children about the coming storm, and what you're going to do about it, 24 to 36 hours before it arrives.But, before you say anything, make sure you are not so stressed you will frighten them. Be sure to answer questions calmly, and remember that younger kids need less detailed explanations than older kids.Here are some other tips:Make sure children understand how important it is for them to listen to adults during the storm.Parents should explain again that a hurricane is a giant windstorm, destructive and dangerous, but survivable with the preparations you've all made.The more children know about the storm and safety procedures, the more confident they will be during the storm and recovery.At this stage, when the storm is threatening, it's more important than ever for children to feel they are a part of the preparations.Let them help gather and pack safety kits, which should include their toys and games for quiet play in small areas.At the grocery, when you're getting last-minute supplies, allow children to pick out some of their favorite foods.Ask your children to close their eyes and imagine pouring rain and the sounds of whipping wind. Tell them the wind might knock down trees and houses and overturn cars. Then tell them to imagine how dark it is when they sleep at night -- and tell them that if winds knock out power, that is what it will be like.Tell children the storm might be so strong that you will all have to leave home. You might have to go to a relative's home, a hotel or a shelter.If you're going to evacuate the area, let children bring a favorite game or toy. Make sure it's relatively quiet and doesn't take up much space.Wherever you stay, children should be firmly warned to stay away from windows and doors.Explain that the storm might grow quiet during the passing of the hurricane's eye, but that the rain and roar will begin again after the eye has passed.During the storm, children can listen to parents tell stories from their own lives or the lives of grandparents. Stories that call for participation, by clapping or repeating lines on cue, are best for relieving stress, especially for young children.Encourage children to tell their own stories, but don't force them. Sing songs, too; singing helps relieve stress.
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