Handle children with care during storms

Children look to their parents for guidance, support and assurance that they will be cared for.

Here are some different steps you can take to speak to your children when a storm threatens your area:

Children under the Age of Three

+ Even young babies have emotional and behavioral responses to their parents being anxious or depressed

+ Try to maintain normal routines and favorite activities

+ If evacuating, be sure to bring familiar play toys, music and stuffed animals

+ Provide a calm, peaceful environment without conversations of crisis and disaster

+ Limit exposure to television coverage of the storm

Preschool-Age Children

+ Many pre-school children believe that all hurricanes that enter the Gulf of Mexico will cause the same devastation as Rita or Katrina. "Magical Thinking" at this age will cause children to mix fantasy with reality.

+ Listen and watch your child. Children will express their feelings through play and words.

+ Do not ignore your child's questions about the storm. If you do not answer them, they will make up their own answers that are inaccurate.

+ Do not ignore your child's feelings as being silly or unreasonable. If your child is afraid of your house being flooded, then talk to them about these feelings and the realities of flooding in your neighborhood

+ Limit exposure to television coverage of the storm and conversations of crisis and disaster

School-Age Children

+ School-age children understand what is real and what kind of damage and disruption a hurricane can cause. Children at this age want and need to help when a storm is approaching.

+ Give your child a few small tasks to assist the family in preparing for a storm. This will give them a sense of control and comfort as well as promote a feeling of cohesiveness within the family.

+ Respond to your child's questions and feelings in conversations that include your own thoughts and feelings. In little amounts, share your worry about the storm so show that being afraid is normal.

+Limit exposure to television coverage of the storm and conversations of crisis and disaster

Teenagers

+ Because friends are so important to teenagers, they often have the additional worry about their friends when a storm approaches. To heighten their worry, the "ups and downs" of natural teenage moodiness can be more dramatic because they are learning how to manage their emotions at a time when their world appears out of their control

+ Teenagers can easily be overwhelmed by their emotions. Give teenagers "alone time" so that they can organize their thoughts and emotions

+ Limit exposure to television coverage of the storm; you may also have to monitor their internet usage with regard to storm tracking, instant messaging and e-mail.

+ Include teenagers in conversations about the storm when appropriate Pack a kid's survival kit

If you have kids and leave your home during a hurricane they may tend to get homesick. Let them have their own Kid's Activity Survival Kit so they will have things to do.

You can keep their items in a backpack or duffel bag. Here are some suggested items:

A few of their favorite books; Crayons, pencils or marking pens and paper; Scissors and glue; Two favorite toys such as a doll or action figure; One or two board games; A deck of cards; A puzzle; Small people figures and play vehicles; Favorite stuffed animal or puppet; Favorite blanket or pillow;

Pictures of family and pets; A "keep safe" box with a few treasures that make them feel special