Hurricane Planning for Families with Children

When creating a plan consider the needs of each family member.

Planning for Families with Children

Preparing for a Hurricane: A Guide for Families with Children
Hurricanes can be particularly challenging for families with children, requiring careful planning to ensure the safety and well-being of all family members. This guide provides detailed information on how families with children can prepare for a hurricane, addressing the unique needs of infants, adolescents, and teenagers.

Why Preparation is Different for Families with Children
Families with children face specific challenges during a hurricane, such as:

Varying Needs: Infants, adolescents, and teenagers have different needs in terms of supplies, nutrition, and emotional support.
Mobility: Ensuring all family members can evacuate safely, including managing young children or infants who may require special transportation.
Emotional Impact: Children may experience higher levels of stress and anxiety during emergencies, necessitating additional emotional support and reassurance.
General Preparation Tips
Create a Family Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts. Practice the plan regularly with all family members.

Build an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit tailored to your family’s needs. Include:

Non-perishable food and water (at least three days’ supply for each family member)
Medications and medical supplies
Important documents (IDs, insurance papers, etc.)
Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
Flashlights and extra batteries
Personal hygiene items
Comfort items for children (toys, blankets, books)
First aid kit
Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications from local authorities. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as through TV, radio, and mobile apps.

Family Safety Plan

Include a plan for you and your family just in case of emergency.

Personal Preparation

Preparing for a hurricane will be different for different families. We have provided links to resources below.