Are you ready for hurricane season? If you’re anywhere in Florida, you’re likely getting ready, just like we are. Everybody’s starting to watch the tropics. Waiting and watching to see what this season’s going to be like. Getting ready for hurricane season and for a hurricane can be nerve-wrecking, especially when you have kids. We made it through Hurricane Irma in 2017 with 4 kids and one in the womb. We were pretty well prepared then, but still learned a few things to make our prep for this storm go a little more smoothly. I’ll share with you my best tips for surviving a hurricane with kids.

Prepare your Kids

Growing up in South Florida, I’ve been used to hurricane preparation, and am honestly almost numb to it. But, I have to remind myself that my kids aren’t in the same boat. They get anxious about storms, just like I was as a kid. I have to remind myself that they need reassurance.

While you can’t guarantee your kids that everything will turn out OK, you can at least reassure them that you’ve done everything you can to keep them safe. Answer any questions that they have, as honestly as you can. Just try not to make their anxiety any worse. Be sure that they know how to dial 911 in case of an emergency during or after the storm.

Get your kids involved

If your kids are nervous about an impending hurricane, they can benefit from being involved in the preparations. Make a list of the things you need to be prepared. Have your kids help you gather the items from around the house or when you go shopping for them. If they’re old enough, your kids can help to secure things around the house. Be sure your children know where the important items are, in case you need them to get something quickly in an emergency. The more involved your kids are with the preparations, the more reassured they can be about their safety during the storm.

Load up on food & snacks

Of course, as a Pediatrician, I should tell you to eat as healthy as possible at all times. But, in reality, during a major hurricane when everyone’s stressed out, comfort food is what we really need. This is one of those times in life when we’re all allowed to have a little junk. So, while you’re loading up on shopping carts full of water and batteries, don’t forget favorite foods and snacks for yourself and your kids. Just try not to overload on sugary foods, since you don’t want to be locked in the house with hyper kids for 24-48 hours!

But don’t rely on just snacks alone. Make a plan for meals that don’t require electricity, just in case the power goes out. If you’re breastfeeding, be sure to plan for adequate meals and hydration, since you’ll need to keep yourself and your baby well-fed. Stock up on formula and bottled water if you’re formula-feeding your baby, since there may not be a lot of stores open right after the storm.

Get the wiggles out

I recommend spending the day before the storm outdoors. While it’s still safe outside, go to the park, go swimming – just have your kids play outside for as long as they want. Again, they’ll be trapped indoors for an extended period of time, so it’s helpful to burn off some of that energy beforehand. If your kids are getting restless while stuck indoors, do something physical. Have a dance party, do some push ups or jumping jacks. Anything fun and active will help.

Plan for indoor fun

Kids can get bored very easily. Especially when they aren’t free to run about and do the things they would normally do. So, make a plan of fun things for your children to do indoors. Make a list of their favorite indoor activities that they can do with or without power and internet. Be sure to keep electronics well-charged for when the power does go out.

Some of the things I try to keep on hand for my kids are: favorite toys, coloring books, crayons, markers, paint, stuff to make slime (this is the ONLY time they’re allowed to make slime in the house!), scissors, glue, books, board games, card games (UNO, etc). Get creative and make up your own games! You can set up a tent, make smores, and go “camping” in a safe window-less room in your home. Tell stories. Play dress-up. Paint nails and put on make up. Make up “challenges”. Talk about upcoming trips or fun activities. Anything to keep your children occupied, and to keep their mind off the storm.

Have a backup plan

With kids, it’s hard to just “go with the flow” when you’re dealing with a hurricane. It’s important to always have a back up plan, because you’re not just preparing for yourself – you have other little souls that are relying on your as well. Plan where you’ll go in case you need to evacuate. Have a plan for comfort just in case the power goes out – a generator is usually a great idea, especially if you have kids! Think about the possible dangers from the storm, and prepare for them in advance.

Don’t stress the mess

The reality is that if your whole family will be inside for an extended period of time, things can get messy. So, if you’re usually a little obsessive about having a clean house, try to throw that out the window during the storm! Of course, your kids should still have rules and still clean up after themselves. but, don’t stress if there are crayons, papers, or toys in places they shouldn’t be. A hurricane isn’t the time to stress yourself out about these little things.

Keep your kids comfortable

Do what you can to keep your kids as comfortable as possible during the storm. White noise may be helpful to block out the sound of winds, rain, and thunder outside. Be sure their favorite blanket or toy is on close-by for comfort. Snuggle up with your kids if you need it. Sometimes it takes a major storm to give you that much-needed quality time with your kids. So take advantage of it – in the midst of the craziness!

If you’re currently preparing for a storm, I’m praying for you! Please do what you can to keep your family safe and comfortable during and after the storm.

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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 170+ page digital library, which includes my Hurricane Planning With Kids Checklists along with the step-by-step instructions and tools you need to create effective routines, manage your time, prepare meals,  clean your home, care for your kids – and so much more!