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Preparing your children to survive a disaster
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Emergency food kit from Costco.com
Snow and now floods, talk about an unpredictable weather! Many people (include us) were housebound for days, some without electricity. It got me thinking about just how prepared we would be if a disaster were to hit.
Obviously, the best way to survive a disaster is to be prepared. Children are a special concern as they not only have special needs but will be depending on you to make sure they are met. By taking a few extra steps, you can help your family adjust during a very stressful situation.
Food and Water
Every person in your family needs to have a minimum of a two-week supply of water and food. Dehydrated food can be stored for years and easy to find both locally and online. Fill in with canned goods, jerky, dried fruit and nuts. Stock foods that you know your family will eat, including snacks. Find a dry, cool, storage space (box, cabinet) and rotate the contents as you buy more.
Children
Try and have some of your children's favorite foods available for daily meals, even if they are a bit different than what they are use to. For example: instant potatoes, rice and oatmeal can be made with just water.
Add a supply of powder milk, tang, and/or Kool-Aid which can be added to the bottled water to encourage them to drink more. Don't forget to add in a few of their favorite treats such as M&Ms or Twinkies.
Basic Supplies
You may not be able to run to the supermarket to pick up toothpaste, dish soap or toilet tissue. Keep all the supplies together: candles and matches, flashlights with extra batteries, etc. in the same spot as your food supply.
You will of course need a well stocked first aid kit. Add pain reliever, sleeping medicine, vitamins as well as Pedicare and Ensure. Don't forget a minimum 2-week supply of all prescriptions.
Children
Your children may be scared and confused and will need the comfort of familiar items and rituals. If you read a book before bed, pick up a few new ones and tuck them away with the supplies. A new Webkinz, play dough, Barbie or Lego's can give them hours of worry free fun. Add in some playing cards, color books, puzzles and a few family board games.
Since your children may be confined, it is important to prepare for that as well. Have some school supplies available: even if it is just workbooks, so their education (and routine) can continue.
In addition, don't forget your pets! Make sure you have enough water, dry and canned food for all of them as well.
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