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Storm Planning With Kids | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to help you recover.
When a storm blows in, it can create a chaotic scene. Anxiety can get high as your dogs begin to pace around or hide, your kids are starting to panic and you aren’t sure if you should tuck everyone into bed or into the safest spot of your home.
With the threat of tornadoes, strong thunderstorms and floods not uncommon for our area, it’s important to make sure your household is prepared for anything—especially your young kiddos.
Make storm safety planning a family affair. You can ease everyone’s nerves and ensure that your whole family will respond quickly and safely any time a storm moves in.
Spending time looking at the clouds with your kids can be a really fun experience. While you try to decide what shapes you see, talk about how to identify storm clouds. Make sure they understand that fast-moving, dark or green-tinted clouds mean it is time to head inside. Introduce them to the sounds of thunder, and talk about what lightning is.
As you talk about how storms look and sound, make sure you also explain the sounds of safety as well. Play tornado sirens on your phone for them, and then find out the next time they will be tested around town. Take the kids outside to hear them well, and then make a game out of it—whoever hears the siren first wins. Keep it light, but make sure they understand that noise is there so they can safely get to shelter ahead of a storm.
If you don’t already have a family storm emergency plan, it’s time to make one. Gather everyone together and start talking about what will happen when the weather starts getting rough.
Let the kids tell you what they think the safest part of your home is, and talk about why a spot on a low level without windows is a good choice. Walk them down to where your safe space will be, and let them add some comfort items. Comfy blankets, pillows, books and toys can help ease stress levels when you do have to wait out a warning.
Make an emergency kit together to keep near that space. Include flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. Choose some shelf-stable snacks that everyone likes, and keep plenty of water available as well. Make your kit kid-friendly with fun band-aids, and give them their own flashlights to use as well.
While most items can live in your kit permanently, when storms are predicted add your prescription medications, candles and matches in order to be fully prepared for potential damage or power outages.
You might want to stock up on non-electronic toys like board games, activity books and other fun items. If your power is out for an extended amount of time these will be a great way to keep everyone happy and distracted.
Fear of storms is common in all ages, but children can be particularly nervous when lightning and thunder are picking up. For many children, offering them solid facts can quell a lot of concerns.
Tell them the low likelihood of experiencing extreme damage during a thunderstorm or tornado. While you can never rule out damage, most homes primarily suffer roof, siding and damage in the yard.
Most importantly, find ways to keep yourself calm so that you can focus on the safety of your family. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the easier riding out every severe weather event will be.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.