Part 7 of our Hurricane Smart Kids series.
Here is something important that adults sometimes forget to tell kids: you are not just someone to be taken care of during a hurricane. You can actually help. Having a job makes scary things less scary. When you know what to do and you are contributing to your family's safety, you feel strong instead of helpless.
The 5 Things Every Family Hurricane Plan Needs
1. Know Your Risk
Does your family live in a storm surge evacuation zone? Your family can check their zone at our Storm Surge Lookup. Write it down. Every family member should know it. Kid's job: Ask your parents, "What zone are we in?" and help write it on a notecard to post on the fridge.
2. Know Your Evacuation Plan
If your family needs to leave: Where will you go? What route will you take? If you have pets, how will you bring them? Kid's job: Help look up the address of where your family will go. Help locate it on a map. Practice the route with a parent.
3. Know Your Shelter-in-Place Plan
Which room is your safe room? Where will everyone meet if things get scary? Where are the flashlights, the weather radio, and the supplies? Kid's job: Find the flashlights and check that they work. Help gather blankets and pillows for the safe room. Know how to turn on the weather radio.
4. Have a Communication Plan
Designate an out-of-state contact person that everyone can call or text. Know every family member's phone number by heart — not just saved in a phone. Kid's job: Memorize one parent's cell number and your designated out-of-state contact's number. Write them on a piece of paper to keep in your go-bag.
5. Know Your Pets and Animals
Pets cannot be left behind. Kid's job: Help pack the pet kit — food, bowls, leash, carrier, any medications, and a photo of your pet (in case you get separated).
Hurricane Prep Jobs by Age
Ages 6–8: Help fill water containers, organize flashlights and batteries, draw and post the family meeting spot, help pack stuffed animals or comfort items for the safe room kit.
Ages 9–12: Help build or check the supply kit (food, water, medicine), learn to use the weather radio, help write down important phone numbers, research the evacuation route on a map.
Ages 13+: Take ownership of a specific supply category, learn to turn off utilities if instructed by a parent, monitor the weather forecast and relay updates to the family, help pack the car if evacuating.
For parents: Our Prep Checklist Builder generates a personalized supply list based on your household. Do it together with your kids as a family activity.