This is starting out to be a very worrisome hurricane season and it is only July. Everyone should have a plan about what to do in face of another hurricane/flood. There is no certainty about when or how powerful the next one will be. The only absolute certainty is there will be another hurricane. The other absolute certainty is that it will be stressful, inconvenient, expensive, and potentially life threatening. Now is the time to review your family’s preparation for Beryl and what you might do better the next time.
One of the ways to make this certainty less stressful (and possibly lifesaving) is to have a plan and to be prepared. The media and newspapers have lots of material available to help preparation and to have your plans in place. They can help with decisions about staying in place or evacuating. It is important to follow the advice from authorities about evacuation. Some storms are just too dangerous for sheltering in place. Evacuate when public authorities tell you to. When in doubt, get out.
Children should be a part of the planning probably before there is a hurricane in the forecast. They can decide what objects they wish to take and can be told to pick an agreed number. For better or worse electronics are part of every family members’ life. Charging is critical and hard to do without electricity.
If you evacuate it is important not to return until it is safe. It is hard to take care of children when there is no drinking water or electricity, or when drains and sewage systems are not working. Hospitals, doctors’ offices and pharmacies may be closed or have very limited service. Gasoline stations, grocery stores and restaurants may be closed. Looking around after Beryl it is hard to take care of children and it was only a Category 1.
Make sure your home and neighborhood is safe for children. Downed wires, flood waters contaminated with sewage and hazardous chemicals, damaged structures with sharp edges, and over exposure to heat are real dangers. Another inconvenience is that the adults who usually help supervise children may not be available to help with safe childcare.
Healthychildren.org suggest that you explain to your children what is happening in simple terms appropriate for their age. Start by asking what they have heard and what questions they may have. For children of all ages do not provide too many details or graphic/emotional information. Limit media exposure.
Do not tell children they shouldn’t be worried. Help them learn how to cope whether than pretend these feeling do not or should not exist. Children depend on adults around them to feel secure and safe. If the caring adult is feeling anxious or angry the child may be more affected by their emotional state than by their words.
Each disastrous event is different but including children in the planning for and then the review of their plan will make things better for everyone. Remember practice makes perfect.
Sally Robinson, MD
Professor, UTMB Dept. of Pediatrics
Keeping Kids Healthy 7/2024