Storm Action Plan

Hurricane season is officially here until November. You may have survived several seasons and know what to do in the event of a hurricane. But, your children may be clueless.

By preparing your children for a hurricane, you not only give them tools to ensure their safety but will help to ease their possible anxiety about storms.

Prepare Kids for a Hurricane

Hold a family meeting

Everyone should be together when discussing your family’s storm action plan. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour without any distractions. Set up your meeting agenda by answering the following questions:

What are hurricanes? You can obtain information online or from your local news station, equipped with a hurricane tracking chart.

How do we prepare for a hurricane? Discuss boarding the windows, getting sandbags, hurricane kits, food and water. Consider getting these items ready to survive for 3-7 days to have ready instead of scrambling at the last minute.

How do we stay in touch? Each family should have their one point of contact, with texting as little as possible to conserve cell’s batteries; and having a freshly charged wireless charger prepared when the electricity goes out.

What do we do in the event of tornadoes? Hurricanes come with hail and tornadoes and your kids should know the safety precautions in the event of those. Decide what part is the safest place in the home and how to protect oneself. Practice the routine twice a year.

You can relay stories of your own hurricane experiences and allow your children to ask questions. As long as you are confident in your plan, they will feel more at ease knowing the family is prepared.

Hurricane Survival Kit

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 10 days.

Food (non-perishable/canned)- at least enough for 3 to 7 days— non-electric can opener
cooking tools / fuel/paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups

trash bags and duct tape - useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency

An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house - or other uses 
Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites

Sunscreen & Lotion

Tarp to cover holes if needed.

Bleach

Water purification tablets

Waterless soap saves water for drinking

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Battery operated television, with extra batteries.

Cash

Keys to house, cars, boats etc

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.   Tools - keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items