How to Teach Your Children About Hurricane Safety

If there had been anyone left who didn't realize how an atrocious hurricane season can affect the entire country, I'm sure the images of Katrina's aftermath have left no one in doubt. It is important to educate ourselves and our children about this potentially dangerous weather event far before it is imminent and everyone is running around in a panic. 


When Should I Be Prepared?


Hurricane season starts on the 1st of June and lasts all the way through the end of November. It is much too easy when September arrives and the air feels cool and crisp, to forget that the hurricane risk is still very high. By the time October arrives, we usually are thinking of all kinds of things that do not involve hurricanes at all. And forget it during November because we are preparing for the holidays or upcoming snow storms. Keep in mind that the hurricane season does not end until the last day of November and you won't get caught unprepared. 


I Don't Live Along the Eastern Seaboard, Why Must I Know?!


Perhaps two years ago, this question would be valid, but after Katrina dealt out her demolition it became everyone's problem. You don't need to live along the eastern coast or the Gulf Coast to be affected by this monstrous show of nature's might. We all watched the devastation, we all wanted to help. 

Another concern is that although a hurricane hits the coastline, tornados can be spawned quite far inland due to the unstable air conditions. Later, even though it generally turns into a tropical storm force, the remnants can travel all the way through the Midwest or Northeastern states, through New England, and so on. Often flooding comes along with those traveling remnants of a hurricane. 


Okay, So Get On With It, Educate Me!


There are a few things to do immediately so that you and your family are prepared for a hurricane event. Be sure that everyone in the family knows the plan so that if you are not all together when an evacuation is called, you will know where to meet. Set up a "phone tree" so that not only family in the stricken area, but also family members in other parts of the country or world will know that you are safe.