Family 3min Read

Five Ways to Prepare Kids for Hurricanes

Preparing kids for hurricanes requires more than stocking up on supplies—it’s about helping them feel safe and reassured when everything around them feels uncertain. Children bring unique challenges to storm planning, but with the right approach, you can ease their fears and keep them protected. In this guide, we’ll share five practical ways to prepare kids for hurricanes, tips for keeping them calm during the storm, and essential items to pack if your family needs to evacuate.

1. Make sure to include them in evacuation plans.

Hurricane season means it is once again time to make and review plans in case of any upcoming storms. Allow your children to be a part of those preparations. If they feel involved, then they will feel like the situation is under control. Allow them to decide what items they would like to bring if evacuation is necessary and what snacks they would want to eat.

They should also be aware of what an evacuation would entail for them. Where would they go? What would they be doing? Including your children in these discussions is one of the easiest ways to help prepare kids for hurricanes while giving them a sense of security.

2. Talk to your kids about hurricanes.

Using age-appropriate language lets your kids know and prepare themselves for hurricanes. Inform them of possible outcomes if and when they have to leave their home. It is important to warn children about hurricanes. Explain to them that a hurricane is something that could injure people or cause damage.

Talk about the possible things that could be affected by the storm, like the fact that you may have phone and power outages. Inform your kids of the many people who can help them during a disaster, and to not be afraid of firemen, policemen, paramedics, or other emergency officials.

Kids can sense if you are worried or scared. By keeping calm, you will reassure your children that everything is under control. By being more prepared, you will make your kids feel more comfortable. Hurricanes are unpredictable, so having more than one plan in place is important. Talking openly is one of the best ways to prepare kids for hurricanes and reduce anxiety.

(For age-appropriate resources, visit FEMA’s Ready Kids – Hurricanes.)

3. Monitor the news.

Before a hurricane hits, news stations may display images from previous storms, which can cause unwarranted fear and worry. Although you need to stay up to date, be aware that the content displayed may cause your child to become overly anxious. Monitor the news to ensure that they will be comfortable with what they are seeing and hearing, so it doesn’t cause unnecessary angst.

4. Bring comfort items.

Comfort items could be anything from a favorite blanket, favorite toys, and/or favorite games. Make sure that your child packs many of their favorite toys or items that will bring them comfort in case of evacuation. Additionally, you may spend a significant amount of time on the road, so be sure to pack items that keep your children entertained during travel.

Even if you are staying at home, make sure those treasures are readily available so they feel more at ease during the storm. Packing comfort items is another simple way to prepare kids for hurricanes and keep their stress levels low.

5. Try to keep to their schedule.

Maintain a regular schedule and routine as much as possible. Children feel more comfortable when they keep to a schedule. It can be quite tricky to stick to business as usual, but kids should feel as much normalcy as possible in an unusual situation.

What to Pack in Case of an Evacuation

Here’s a quick checklist to help prepare kids for hurricanes in case your family needs to evacuate:

Books to read
Crayons, markers, colored pencils, along with paper or coloring books
Board games, a deck of cards, and puzzles
Non-electronic games
Handheld electronic games, battery-operated DVD players
Blankets and pillows
Battery-operated fans
Pictures of family, pets, and/or friends
Any prized items or little treasures that they may have
At least a three-day supply of favorite snacks and nonperishable food items. One gallon of water per person per day.
Enough clothes for at least three days. Make sure to pack extra clothes just in case.
Disposable wipes
If applicable, diapers, powdered formula, and clean bottles. Make sure to bring at least a full box of diapers and some disposable bags.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap
First Aid Kit
Flashlights
Battery-powered phone chargers
Batteries
Plastic utensils, paper plates, and cups
Can opener and plastic bags