Raising kiddos in North Carolina meant many seasons of hurricanes filled with worry and anxiety. Kids are filled with so many questions and concerns, just like adults. Sometimes they might get overlooked as families are prepping for the storms and getting things in place to create safest possible outcomes. With Hurricane Dorian headed up the coast, I decided to share an idea that worked for us. I find that including kids in the process of preparing for possible disaster creates a sense of security and belonging. It also teaches responsibility and teamwork. Hurricane Prep for Kids can really be a difference maker in creating a calmer experience.
You can download the activity sheet FREE. It has two pages, one with ideas already filled in and one blank to be personalized to meet your needs. Kids that are younger might be better collecting stuffed animals for comfort while older kiddos can be closing windows and shutters.
Hurricane Prep for Kids should include a little understanding of what is happening. Here is a simple explanation. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a basically calm center known as the “eye” of the storm. Hurricanes bring heavy rains, gusty winds, floods, and storm surges as they get closer and closer to land. The rains from the outer bands can drench communities that are many miles inland from the storm. Sometimes the hurricane cyclone actually goes inland too. Here is a fun little activity to help understand the hurricane cyclone an movements.
- Fill the jar up 1/3 of the way with soap.
- Slowly add water to fill up the remaining space, letting it overflow until all of the bubbles are gone.
- Add 2 drops of food coloring.
- Put lid on jar and shake it up.
The movements inside the jar are hurricane like if you get the liquids spinning.
Have you ever wondered where hurricanes get their names? Hurricanes are given names by the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) that they can be kept track of. Each year, tropical storms are named in alphabetical order according to a list that is made by the the WMO. That name stays with the storm if and when it grows into a hurricane. HURRICANE FUN FACT: The names of hurricanes can only be repeated every six years.
The words in this word search puzzle are all relevant to learning about hurricanes. It might be fun to look some of them up and learn about what makes them important.
Prepping meals is a good idea before a storm too, especially ones that can easily be reheated. Here are a few of my favorite casseroles.
- Chicken Divan
- Cheesy Carbonara Potato Casserole
- Tuna Casserole
- Spaghetti Pasta Supreme
- Waffle and Egg Casserole
- Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
For lots of great information of Hurricane Prep for Kids and Families, visit Healthy Children’s website.
Be Safe,
Laura
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