It is important for your child to know what a disaster is and what types of disasters could occur in our region. This page will help you build a disaster kits with your child.
Reducing fear through education and empowerment is the primary goal when discussing disasters with youth.
Honesty is the best policy. Children are motivated learners when they feel confident, empowered and educated.
Below are THF tips and best practices to successfully prepare your family and help children cope with disasters.
What is a hurricane?
Hurricanes are large storms, normally developing from tropical storms that are created over warm ocean waters of 80°F or warmer.
Hurricanes form once its winds reach 74 mph – government officials can then estimate the path it will travel and how strong it could become.
Hurricanes consist of five categories; category five is the most dangerous.
Hurricanes are natural disasters that hurt people, places and land:
Emergencies like this have the potential to close roads, shut off water, gas and electricity lines.
Be sure to listen to local government officials about evacuation orders (e.g.): http://www.nola.gov/ready
Disaster preparedness is a year-round task. The spring brings flooding;
the summer has frequent storms and tornadoes and fall welcomes hurricanes.
Connect Preparedness and Wetland Restoration:
Our coastline and wetlands are our first line of defense against hurricanes.
Wetlands help reduce the strength of storms.
Wetlands, Levees and Individual Preparedness must all work together to protect people and communities.
How long is hurricane season?
Annually, it officially starts on June 1 and ends November 30.
On record, September (ranks first) and August (second) are the busiest months for major hurricane activity.
When is a good time to build our hurricane safety kit?… NOW!
You can build your kit gradually – contributing to your emergency fund once or twice a month throughout the year. Or you can take advantage of statewide tax free holidays:
Annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: May 26 and 27, 2012
Exempt from the 4% state sales tax, e.g. batteries, flashlights, cell-phone chargers, and coolers.
Don’t Delay. Prepare Today.
Hurricane Season is also a great time to reinforce lessons about financial literacy and develop skills to save money.
Prepare a survival kit and allow children to take leadership in this activity.
Skip salty and sugary foods that will increase thirst. Instead, assemble kits that help children stay calm, occupied and entertained.
Family Disaster Plan aka Comfort Backpack:
Water (3 to 5 day supply of 1 gallon per person per day);
Canned Food (3 to 5 day supply of nonperishable foods);
Medicine, First Aid Kits Supplies;
Two Emergency Contacts: local and distant;
Whistle to alert responders of your location;
Simple Tools: can opener, flashlight, radio, batteries;
Personal Hygiene, disinfectant, garbage bags;
Comfort Items: blankets, book, stuffed animal;
Identify Family Meet-up Location.
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