Hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. While we are hoping for the best this hurricane season, it is always a good idea to have a plan ready should a storm come our way.
For new or experienced mothers, hurricane season can throw a wrench in your world, especially if you’re coordinating preparation efforts and caring for children simultaneously. To help you prepare, we have created this checklist of recommended supplies to have on hand in case of a hurricane.
Evacuation
In the event of a severe storm, you and your family may need to evacuate. Coordinate ahead of time if you’ll be seeking refuge with other family members, friends, or in a hotel/motel. Stay updated on the hurricane’s path and progress, fill your car with gas ahead of time, and have your hurricane kits ready to go to make evacuating easier. Leave behind any non-essential items.
Staying Home
If the storm is not severe, you may opt to stay home instead of upending your family’s routine by evacuating. This allows you and your family to stay within your comfort zone and potentially maintain a sense of normalcy.
If you already have young children, it is helpful to have indoor activities or games prepared to distract them and ease any fear or anxiety they may be feeling. In the event of a power outage, entertainment that does not rely on electricity would be best. This can range from board games and easy science experiments to crafts or books.
Feeding Your Family
Whether you’re staying or evacuating, it is important to have enough food on hand for your family. For the adults and toddlers in your family, non-perishable food, snacks, and clean drinking water will do. When it comes to feeding your baby, breastfeeding is best during a disaster for the following reasons:
- Readily Available: Even when supply chains are disrupted, breast milk is always on hand. It also does not require preparation or special storage conditions, making it incredibly convenient during power outages and when resources are limited.
- Sanitary: It reduces the risk of contamination that can occur with formula feeding, especially when clean water and sterilization options are scarce and boil advisories are in place.
- Nutritional and Immune Support: Breast milk provides complete nutrition and helps boost your baby’s immune system. This helps protect infants from diarrheal illnesses (which could occur with unsafe water) and from respiratory infections (common in shelters and crowded conditions).
- Comfort and Stress Regulation: Breastfeeding helps calm babies during chaos and promotes bonding and emotional security, which is helpful during stressful times.
Ask for Help
If you are feeling overwhelmed from having to coordinate your family’s evacuation or stay, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or neighbors. You don’t have to manage everything on your own. Whether it’s help with gathering supplies, watching your children while you prepare, or simply having someone to talk through your plan with, support can make a big difference.