What can you do to keep your child healthy and safe during a hurricane? What do you do if they happen to get sick during this crazy time? Where do you take them when your Pediatrician isn’t available? Here, I’ll answer these questions, by sharing 10 brief tips for keeping your kids safe and healthy during a hurricane.

1. Have all of your child’s prescription and basic over-the-counter medications on hand.

Be sure that you have enough medication to get through the storm and at least a week after. Remember your child’s daily medications, and don’t forget about as-needed medications like Albuterol or their Epi-pen. If your child has asthma, it’s helpful to have an Albuterol inhaler with a spacer on hand, just in case the power goes out and you can’t use a nebulizer machine.

I usually have Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, cold medications (for children older than age 4), and anti-nausea medications on hand. Saline nasal drops or spray and a bulb suction or Nose Frieda are helpful to keep around for younger children in case of cold symptoms. If you still have power, a cool mist humidifer can also make a big difference in case of a cold.

2. Have a thermometer on hand

This is especially helpful if you have a young baby. Document your child’s fevers. This way, you know if your child truly needs to be seen emergently. A baby who is 2 months and younger with a temp of 100.4 or higher should be seen right away. Older, healthy children can usually wait 3-4 days with fevers, unless they’re really acting ill. An unimmunized child with a fever could have a serious illness, so they should also be seen quickly. 

3. Keep a basic first aid kit close-by

I keep mine stocked with the basics: bandaids, neosporin, hydrocortisone cream, alcohol swabs, and hand sanitizer. This is helpful in case of any accidents or injuries.

4. Reach out to your Pediatrician via telephone for advice.

Most Pediatricians should still have a way for you to contact them after-hours, in the midst of a storm. This can be your go-to for urgent questions – like whether or not you should take your child in to be seen. It’s important to save non-urgent questions for when things are back to normal. Keep in mind we’re also taking care of our own families, if you don’t hear back from us quickly. We also may have lost power or phone service. So, please be patient and understanding.

5. The ER is always open

As long as your local ER and hospital has not been significantly damaged and still has power, it will be open for true emergencies. Remember that most childhood illnesses can be treated at home. Don’t risk your child’s safety by going out into a dangerous storm for a minor illness.

Children with shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or irritability, seizures, severe vomiting, dehydration, serious injuries – or anything else outside of the ordinary – should be seen as soon as possible.

6. Keep milk stocked for your baby

Keep enough breast milk and formula on hand for your baby. If you’re nursing, take care of yourself so that you can continue to feed your baby. Remember, stress can decrease your milk supply, so try to relax!

Use bottled water to prepare formula in these situations, since the cleanliness of the water can be a concern during and after a major storm. Don’t give your baby spoiled breast milk or formula.

7. Keep your kids hydrated

Have plenty of bottled water on hand for each person. Stock up enough water for at least a week after the storm.

8. Don’t serve spoiled or unknown foods

If your power goes out, be sure to throw away food that has spoiled or has been at the wrong temperature for too long. Also, stay away from trying new foods or any new exposures during and after the storm. An unexpected allergic reaction is no fun when medical care is limited!

9. Get out of a dangerous situation

If you’re faced with major damage and/or injuries, get out as soon as you can. Use first aid when available, and keep wounds clean to prevent infection. Be sure your child’s Tetanus vaccine is up to date, in case they get a puncture wound!

10. After the storm, stay inside until it’s safe

Don’t let your kids go near downed trees or power lines. Animals may be out of their usual habitat, so stay inside to prevent animal bites (and possible rabies). Get rid of any standing water to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika.

It’s so important to practice these tips for keeping your kids safe and healthy in a hurricane. These can be applied to any dangerous weather situation. I want you all to come out safe and healthy on the other side!

Check out my post on Surviving A Hurricane With Kids for tips on making it through 24+ hours indoors with your kids. Also, in Getting Ready For Hurricane Season With Kids I share tips on getting your house and kids ready for the entire hurricane season itself. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has helpful Hurricane Preparedness Tips For Families.

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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!