Tropical Storm Safety and Activities for Children

Tropical Storm Safety Tips for Children

The most important thing you can do to keep your children safe (and entertained!) during a severe storm is to be prepared. Planning is essential, and is more than just knowing the location of your nearest shelter or stocking up on a few gallons of water.  The first step you should take is to create a hurricane preparedness kit. Be sure to get your children involved in the process – it is a great way to educate them as they ask questions about the contents of the kit. Try to come up with learning opportunities as well. For instance, you could have them create an inventory of items and catalogue them, building math, spelling, and organization skills, all while having fun.

Creating a kid-friendly hurricane preparedness kit is also a great way to bond with your child and give them a sense of "responsibility".
 

Child-Friendly Tropical Storm Kit Contents

The ideal tropical storm or hurricane kit will have supplies that last anywhere from 3-7 days. If a bigger storm is headed your way, a two-week supply is even better. When creating your kit, remember to include essentials, as well as things to keep your children occupied. Keeping their mind off the stressful aftermath of a storm is important and the best way to do that is by including something fun in the kit. Better yet, let them pick a few items they would specifically want in the event of a power outage.

Your tropical storm kit should include the following:

• 3-7 day supply of water (One Gallon of water per person, per day)

• 3-7 day supply of canned or dry food (non-perishable)

• Manual can opener

• Flashlights or electric lanterns with extra batteries

• First-aid kit (check the contents to make sure you have a full supply)

• Prescription medications - make sure the expiration date is not past due. Don't 

forget any pet medications if you have them!

• Pet supplies (including water, food, and any special needs items)

• Tool-set (you never know when you may need a tool to repair something)

• Plasticware and utensils, as well as trash bags

• Personal hygiene items: toothpaste, moist towelettes, and so forth

• Emergency cash (get a mix of small bills and coins)

• Hand-crank radio or battery powered radio

• Mobile phone chargers

• List of emergency contacts

• Travel board games, reading material, coloring or activity books (don't forget 

pens and crayons!)

• Security items, such as a favorite wooby or blanket, stuffed animal, or 

other "comfort" item

• Diapers and other tot-centered toiletries

• Dry snacks such as cereal, animal crackers, or chips