What to do to keep children calm during a storm

Being in a hurricane can be a scary thing. Not only for those concerned with the health and safety of their love ones, but also for the little ones, the children. Keeping the children calm helps everyone deal with the crisis better. Before the hurricane even approaches, find ways to keep busy. Keeping busy often keeps people calm.

Preparation is the key. Create a disaster kit before the storm. A kit should contain items such as flashlights, water, medical first aid, batteries, games, cards, snacks. Let the children get involved, let them make their own "fun" kits. Make sure it has their favorites toys, books, crayons, scissors, markers, paper and their favorite board games. Crafts make for great fun while also passing time.

To create a sense of security, the children should pack their favorite items, such as a security blanket, favorite pillow or that "never leave home without it" dolly or toy.

Photo albums are also great to pass the time. These are easily stuffed into a backpack or duffel bag.

If you pack enough batteries; video/game, mp3 players and other electronic devices are options. Make sure to fully charge all your devices before the storm, just in case the power goes out.

To keep the children involved, give them chores and let them take charge of some responsibilty, such as making the sandwiches, keeping the area neat and clean or to plan family fun activities.

If you do have to evacuate, do it before the weather gets too bad. It may be more dangerous to be on the road than to just stay at home and weather the storm. If you do leave your home, don't bring any expensive electronic devices. Don't bring anything that may get stolen or you can not afford to lose. Keep an open dialogue and explain your reasoning as to whether you stay or evacuate.

When the storm passes and all seems safe again, keep your children inside. Do not let them out till you have had a chance to survey the perimeter for dangerous downed lines or debris.

Explain to your children any damage that you may have to your home or to your neighbor's home. Let them ask questions and answer them truthfully. Keeping them calm after the storm is as important as keeping them calm during.

Try to resume as normal as possible a regular routine. This will ease any worries your children has, which in turn helps everyone involved.

What to do to protect your vehicles during or after a storm

The safest place to store your vehicle during a storm is to keep it in a covered garage or away from trees that may damage it.
Do not under any circumstance drive your vehicle through deep puddles of standing water.The reason is that the water in the intake system will get into the cylinders, but instead of the pistons compressing air, water causes pressure inside the engine to bend piston rods or even causing cracks in the engine block. Also, water can cause the gears in a transmission to slip.

Water can warp hot rotors on your brakes. And if water gets into your brake line, it can cause brake failure.

Water inside the vehicle can ruin carpets, upholstery and the foam in the seats. The water may also wreck havoc to computers and electronics installed in the floor board and/or under the seats.

What do you do if water has already damaged your vehicle? Don't start it up, leave it alone and call a mechanic. Then proceed to check with your insurance for flood coverage.

Sometimes, it isn't worthwhile to repair a severely water damaged vehicle. If that happens, weigh your options, from the cost to repair to the blue book value of the vehicle and it it isn't worth it, be prepared to walk away from it.

So you have a pool...what do you do?

You should never ever empty your pool. Sufficient water levels provide weight to hold a pool in place when heavy rains raise the local water table, according to the FLorida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA). Otherwise, the storm could cause the pool to pop out of the ground and crack tiles.

If anything, some experts recommend lowering the level by 1 to 2 ft.

At all possible, shut down the motor & pump then cover with plastic to protect them from the weather.

The FPSA recommends that you put extra cholrine in the pool. This can prevent impurities from building up.

Remove anything from the pool, from toys, floats and pool tools. Also remove any furniture around the pool. If you have a grill near the pool, store it away. Any objects can be used to damage the pool tiles or sides.

What to prepare when a storm threatens


  • Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days
  • Food: Mostly non-perishable packaged or canned foods for 3 to 7 days.
  • Blankets and pillows
  • Iems for infants or the elderly
  • Snacks and juices
  • Extra ice before storm hits
  • Nonelectric can opener
  • Cooking tools, fuel, sterno
  • Paper plates, plastic utensils
  • Clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Small pot and pan
  • First-aid kit, medicines, prescription drugs
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Toys, books and games
  • Toiletries
  • Hygiene items
  • Moisture wipes
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Radios:Battery-operated and NOAA weather radios
  • Keys
  • Cash: ATMs and banks may not be working when power is out
  • Important documents in a waterproff container
  • Insurance, medical records, social security cards, etc.
  • Videotape as much as you can
  • Tools: Keep a small set with you
  • Filled vehicle gas tank
  • Proper ID's
  • Ample food and water for pets
  • Carrier or cage; muzzle, leash
  • Medication for pets
  • Toys for pets
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