Preparing Kids for Hurricanes

Hurricane season is already gearing up as we kept an eye on Elsa. Here are some tips from KidsHealth® on how to help prepare your family and help your kids deal with the stress and emotions of an impending and possible storm. ________________________________________

Hurricanes can be scary — for grown-ups and kids alike. Kids learn how to respond to situations based on the behaviors and attitudes of those around them.

Here are some tips to help them — and you — be ready during hurricane season.

Talk About Hurricanes

Kids might be confused about what a hurricane is, so use simple age-appropriate descriptions of what to expect if one is coming your way. For a younger child, you might say, “A hurricane is a tropical storm with very strong winds and lots of rain, lightning, and thunder.” It’s also important to tell kids that grown-ups will do their best to keep them safe.

Try to Remain Calm Yourself

Kids can easily sense the emotions of those around them. When a parent seems overly upset or worried, this can make a child’s own fears or worries worse.

Let Kids Help With Pre-storm Preparations

Keeping them busy can help keep kids’ minds off of their worries. Helping prepare in ageappropriate ways also can increase a child’s sense of control over the situation.

To involve your kids:

Prepare a family disaster emergency kit. Kids can help collect canned goods and get flashlights ready.

Have your kids help bring outdoor items inside. Discuss your family’s disaster plan together. Will you need to evacuate — and what would that look like? Which grown-ups will do what? This

During the Storm

Let kids pick a few comfort items, nonelectronic games, and toys in case of power outages. Try to keep as normal a routine as possible. This can help children feel calm and safe.

Encourage kids to talk about their feelings or thoughts about what’s happening. Some kids might prefer not to talk right away — and that’s OK too. Spend time together and let them know that you’re there when they’re ready.

After the Storm

Monitor media exposure. There can be “too much coverage” leading up to and especially after a hurricane hits. These images might be too much for young eyes and sensitive hearts. Let children help with clean-up. Pay attention to signs of stress, including nightmares, regressive behavior/acting younger than their age, and extra clinginess. These are common in children who’ve gone through a traumatic event. If you see any of these signs, talk to your doctor and know that trained counselors can help.

© 1995-2021. The Nemours Foundation/ KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Dr. Daniel Elgut attended University of Florida and earned a BA degree in Health Sciences. Aft er which, he attended Podiatry School at Barry University in Miami Shores where he graduated with honors followed by a residency at JFK Hospital. He is Board Qualifi ed American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Dr. Elgut is very involved in the community including Fit Feet Screenings for Special Olympics and US Marine Corp Toys for Tot Program. Dr. Joshua P. Daly grew up in the small town of Grenada, Mississippi. He followed the family tradition and attended Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in Microbiology. Aft er graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science his natural interest in business and leadership led him to business school where he obtained his MBA degree. He attended medical school at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan, NY.

Non-Surgical & Surgical treatments for people of all ages included but are not limited to: Foot & Ankle Pain • Sports Injuries • Pediatric Flat foot • Point Evaluations Toenail and Skin conditions • Custom orthotics • Diabetic foot care

Dr. Jonathan M. Cutler attended Washington University in St Louis, MO, and earned a BA degree. Aft er which, he attended Podiatry School at Dr. William M Scholl College of Podiatry, followed by a surgical residency at Johns Hopkins, Liberty Medical in Baltimore, MD. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Board Certifi ed Foot Surgeon and has been a respected part of the medical community for over 25 years. Dr. Brett Fried was born and raised in New York. Watching his grandfather deal with diabetes he started to appreciate the fi eld of medicine. Aft er obtaining his BS degree he went on to attend medical school at the prestigious New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan, NY., followed by surgical residency in NYC and Georgia. He is a a Board Certifi ed Foot Surgeon. During 9/11, he volunteered his skills to help the rescue workers injured during the recovery eff orts. Five South Florida Foot and Ankle Centers To Serve You!

Royal Palm Beach....................................11412 Okeechobee Blvd. Phone: (561) 793-6170 Palm Beach Gardens..............................3375 Burns Rd., Suite 107 Phone: (561) 691-4682 Lake Worth.........................................3618 Lantana Rd., Suite:102 Phone: (561) 967-4999 Belle Glade....................................... 1100 S. Main Street Suite 200 Phone: (561) 993-9968 Palm Beach Lakes.............................2047 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Phone: (561) 793-6170

Visit our website - www.SFFAC.com

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation) • Food (min. 3 day supply of shelf stable food) • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert • Flashlight with Extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle (to signal for help) • Plastic sheeting and duct tape • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) • Manual can opener (for food) • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers/backup battery • Prescription medications • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives • Infant formula, bottles, diapers and wipes • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Cash or traveler’s checks • Important family document • Sleeping bag or blanket for each person • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes • Fire extinguisher and matches in a waterproof container • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Additional Emergency Supplies

The CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus Consider adding the following items: • Cloth face coverings (for ages 2 and above), • Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces