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.

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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