HURRICANE GUIDE - FAMILY PREPARATIONS

You And Your Family

• Prepare and plan. Know what you and your family will do; then do it without delay when you become aware of a storm threat.
• Establish a network. Notify relatives or friends of your plans by phoning one of them before the hurricane hits. Another quick way to contact family and friends is by internet e-mail. One e-mail can reach several people at a time.
• Assign an emergency meeting place in case your family gets separated.
• Review your plan at the beginning of every hurricane season and then rehearse it to assure that everyone knows what will be expected of them and how long it will take to accomplish each task.

Helping Your Child Cope

• Develop a family disaster plan to help your children cope with a storm. Teach your children to recognize hurricane danger signals and show them how to call 911 for help.
• Concentrate on your children's needs by explaining disruptions to their routines. Maintain control - calm words and actions can reassure children that everything will be all right.
• Keep your children with you at all times. The more they feel safe and secure, the better they will cope.
• Provide play experiences to relieve tension.
• Encourage children to talk about their concerns and include them in recovery activities.