An approaching hurricane can be a stressful event for children. Storm tracks are in the media 24/7, and most kids are keenly aware of how the adults around them are responding to the forecast. Involving your children in the preparation process can help alleviate anxiety by giving them a sense of control rather than one of helplessness. https://kidshealth.org/
Create the Family Plan
Before hurricane season arrives is the best time to make a family plan. With no storm brewing, there is no sense of urgency or concern of stores running out of needed supplies. Talk about how you will prepare and where you will go if evacuation is necessary. One of the easiest ways to get prepared is at the grocery store. Take your kids along to help choose healthy non-perishable foods and snacks. Discuss why you might need extra water and batteries and how having these things on hand means it won’t be a problem if the utilities are down for hours (or days). When my children were young, they almost looked forward to a storm so they could eat the snacks that we saved for that purpose!
Assign some Tasks
At home, have your child pack items that will make them feel safe and entertained during the storm. A flashlight, batteries, and battery back-up for electronics are practical items to include. Board games, puzzles, books, and coloring supplies are helpful to keep boredom at bay without power. Make it a goal to fit everything they need in a backpack. If you need to evacuate, it will be easy to grab and go. When a storm is on the way, assign children home preparation duties such as cleaning up the yard or ensuring pets are set up to weather the storm indoors. https://www.fema.gov/
The key to helping your children remain stress free is to create your plan in advance. When the inevitable storm is forecast, you can calmly remind them that your family is ready.
The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program provides opportunities for all youth ages 5-18. For more information about specific programs in Orange County, please visit us at 4-H Youth Development – Orange County – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS or email orange4H@ifas.ufl.edu.
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