Hurricane Safety Tips For Families

Keep Reading ↓

With Hurricane Irma making it’s way down on South Florida, weekend plans are all up in the air, and no-school days are probably a certainly ahead for students throughout the region.

If they haven’t done so already, parents should have a conversation with their children about the family hurricane plan. Allow the kids to ask questions and discuss different scenarios to relieve their fears.

Helpful Tips For Parents On weathering A Devastating Storm

Every family should have a plan of action for natural disasters and it should include points that the whole family needs to know before, during and after a storm.

The entire family can get involved in hurricane preparations. On the internet, you will find downloadable lists of what you need in a hurricane preparation kit which, include water, flashlights, batteries, medication, pet food and more. Make sure to include a cell phone charger, especially if you have a solar-powered model.

Hurricane preperation: Things you need to buy at the grocery store

Families who have little babies should have formula on hand that does not require refrigeration, as well as sterile water to allow for mixing and extra disposable bottles, because sterilizing bottles will be difficult if water and power supplies are disrupted.

You should stock up on diapers and baby wipes as well; supplies won’t be easy to replenish if power outages keep stores closed during and after the storm.

If you have a stockpile of frozen breastmilk, remember that it has to be used within 24 hours if it thaws, and it should not be re-frozen so consider getting a generator to keep your pumped milk supply safely frozen after the storm.

Have a plan to keep your pets safe
Don’t forget to include the things your pets will need when the power goes out.

News coverage of the disaster can be scary as images of flying debris and flood waters play continuously across TV screens, so try to interest the kids in storm tracking instead.Tracking maps can also be downloaded online from several sites, including the National Hurricane Center and Publix.

Educational opportunities are available online, where children can research the differences between tropical storms and hurricanes, the categories of storms, the science of forecasting, hurricane hunters and more.

However, online diversions only last as long as the power does. Remember to stock up on kid-friendly entertainment, such as coloring books, cards, board games, modeling clay, bubbles, books and more, especially if your family is riding out the storm outside the home.

Take shelter
As Hurricane Irma nears, counties will need to open hurricane shelters for residents, including sites that will accommodate for special needs and pets. Check your county’s website for shelter locations and registration information.

Extra care for pregnant women
Moms-to-be who are 38 or more weeks pregnant or who have high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctors about riding out the storm at the hospital, because the drop in pressure before a storm often kick-starts labor.

Many hospitals require pre-registration and a physician’s orders, so do make arrangements if you fall into an at-risk category.

Preparation and caution are vital during the next couple of days so please heed all warnings and emergency orders, and keep your family safe!