A hurricane is a frightening experience for everyone, but for a young child, it can be extremely threatening. An extra amount of understanding and patience is usually necessary for a child who may have difficulty coping with the situation. Consider how your children might react in a disaster, what your own reactions might be and how the crisis could affect emotional and physical well-being. University of Florida/IFAS – Pinellas County Extension offers these suggestions:

Making plans for the family

• Involve children in emergency planning, such as checking supplies and writing a shopping list.
• Follow suggestions or warnings by emergency services for the care and safety of your child.
• Use simple and matter-of-fact language to discuss safety steps.
• Play “let’s pretend...” games with young children to help them work out “what if” situations.

Evacuating with your family

• Pack a small bag or box of supplies with games, books and hobby items.
• Remember diapers, food and drinks for kids.
• Bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal to help children feel more secure.

Coping with emotions

Even after families are out of danger, children may remain afraid. Research indicates that fears vary with age, maturity and previous experiences. Four major fears common in children are: death, darkness, animals and abandonment. Children are likely to experience three of these major fears during a storm which impacts their ability to cope for some time. Emotional support from parents is critical, well after the storm is over.

• Children mirror their parents’ anxieties, so be calm to help reduce your children’s fears.
• Listen to fears and reassure children often and repeatedly.
• Encourage them to talk and ask questions, but limit discussion to basic facts.
• Spend extra time before bedtime; leave a door open and night light on.
• Maintain close contact. Hold and touch your child.
• Don’t discipline for unusual signs of anxiety during a crisis, like bedwetting or thumb sucking.
• Do not lie to children about the dangers. Reassure them that you are focused on their safety.
• Be cautious of permitting young children to watch or listen to news.
• Allow for mourning and grieving over the loss of meaningful items.

If you must leave your child

Children who have been through a disaster are afraid of being separated from family and left alone. Avoid separation, even to go to the store. If you must leave children with friends or relatives, reassure them:

• Let your child know how long you will be away.
• Let your child know how often you will be in touch with him or her.
• Keep in touch with your child frequently and as regularly as you promised.
• Make sure your child’s needs are being met.

Stay tuned in to your child

Some children may need additional help in coping with a hurricane. Their behaviors may indicate additional problems. Following a disaster some children may:

• Be upset at the loss of a favorite toy, blanket or pet.
• Be angry. They might hit, throw, kick to show their anger.
• Become more active or restless and experience nightmares.
• Be afraid of the hurricane recurring.
• Want to sleep with a parent or other person.
• Have symptoms of illness such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, lack of appetite.
• Be quiet and withdrawn.
• Become easily upset, crying and whining frequently.
• Feel guilty that they caused the disaster because of some previous behavior.
• Feel neglected by parents who are busy trying to clean up and rebuild.
• Refuse to go to school or to child care.
• Become afraid of loud noises, rain, storms.
• Not show any outward signs of being upset.

Hurricane Handbook Table of Contents