How to Evacuate for a Hurricane With Children

Evacuating for a hurricane or natural disaster is no easy task. Factor in children, and you have another disaster in the making. Children are extremely sensitive to stress. Leaving home due to a pending storm can be a very scary experience for a little child just as much as for your teenager.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MP3 player
• Contact information for your child's friends
• Games and toys
• School books
• Medical records
• School report cards and/or records
• Comfort items- blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, etc

1. 
   Children get misinformation about pending storms from their peers.

   Hurricanes usually happen once kids get back in school. This leads to a lot of talk and gossip, some misinformation, and a lot of concerns for children. During a hurricane watch, let your child know there is a small concern, but that doesn't mean the storm will hit your area. Allow her to ask questions. Reassure her that no matter what happens, your family will be safe and will stay together. Let her make a list of things she would like to take.

2. 
   Be sure to keep a folder with important papers- take this folder with you when you evacuate!

   As a parent, you should keep a collapsible file folder that contains records of your child's academic progress (report cards, academic assessments, etc), medical records (current prescriptions, previous medical tests, etc) and her social security card. Make sure this is up-to-date with current immunization records.

3. 
   Toys, MP3 players, and snacks are must-haves for the road

   During a storm watch, take a quick trip to the dollar store or toy store. Allow your child to pick out a new box of colored pencils, an activity book, a few things to occupy time during traffic, and something new to play with in the hotel or your destination. Be sure that any toys are self-contained, quiet, and easily stored. Books are another good option.

4. Once the watch turns into a warning, help your child pick out some clothes, under things, comfort items (a special blankie, pillow, stuffed animal), and shoes. Space might be limited, but take at least a week's worth of clothes. You may also want to pack a swimsuit and beach towel in case the hotel has a pool. Don't forget to take school books. If your house floods, you don't want to be responsible for the books. It's also helpful if you're evacuated for more than a week or two- many families enrolled their children in school during their evacuation but others decided to hotel-school.

5. Help your child move items of value off the ground. Be sure her room is picked up (in case of flooding). If you have a pet, allow her to help you gather the pet items. Many children fear having to leave a beloved pet behind, so be sure that your hotel allows pets (many non-pet hotels make exceptions during disasters such as hurricanes, but don't count on that or plan to sneak a pet in- CONFIRM before you make the reservations).

6. Be sure to take snacks and drinks for the car. Fast food places are not always open during an evacuation, and those that are opened, are usually quite packed. Try to make the backseat as comfy as possible. It is likely to take at least twice the amount of time to reach your destination as it would under normal circumstances. Don't give all of her new goodies right off. Introduce them slowly as she grows bored or fussy.

Tips & Warnings

• Gather contact information (phone numbers and emails) of her friends. It will help her emotionally if she is able to stay in contact with her peers.
• Remind your child that your house and the items in it are replaceable. The most important and irreplaceable components are all in the car with you.
• Do NOT plan on leaving your pet behind. This will add tremendous stress and trauma to your child. If you have a pet, make a plan. If the hotel or evacuation center won't accept pets, plan to board it in the city you evacuate to.
• Don't let your child sit and watch the drama unfold during the evacuation. Keep her occupied. Go visit a park, swim in the hotel pool, find out if there are any good attractions (many attractions provide discounts or free passes to evacuees with children).
• Your child may be irritable. She may be more likely to cry or act out. Comfort her. Don't reprimand her for being afraid.