Hurricane-Ready with Little Ones: A Calm, Practical Guide

At All Superstars Preschool, our goal is to help families feel confident and prepared—not worried. Hurricanes can be intense, but a simple plan, practiced calmly, goes a long way. Use the steps below to build your family’s plan, with extras tailored for toddlers and preschoolers.

Stay informed: For school-specific updates, closures, and safety notes, please check All Superstars Preschool’s Facebook page before, during, and after any storm.

Quick-Start Checklist (Print or Save)

• Decide where you’ll go: stay home (if safe) or evacuate (know your route).

• Pack a 72-hour family kit plus a kid comfort kit for each child.

• Charge phones, tablets, power banks; download offline entertainment.

• Gather key documents (IDs, insurance, medications list) in a waterproof folder.

• Confirm your communications plan (who you’ll text first, meeting place).

• Car seat ready? Keep it installed and accessible for a quick departure.

Before Hurricane Season (Set it & forget it)

• Contacts list: Save emergency numbers and a trusted out-of-area contact in everyone’s phone and on a wallet card.

• Go-bags: Pre-pack child-sized backpacks (diapers/wipes, change of clothes, snack, water, comfort item).

• Practice drill: A 3-minute “storm practice” (lights off, grab bag, meet at safe spot) once a month—make it a game.

• Home basics: Check flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, weather radio, and childproof window locks.

• Pet plan: Food, leash, carrier, and a copy of vet records.

48–72 Hours Before the Storm

• Top off: Fuel vehicles, refill prescriptions, charge power banks.

• Water & food: Aim for 1 gallon of water per person per day (3 days minimum). Choose no-cook, kid-friendly foods (pouches, crackers, nut butters, shelf-stable milk).

• Laundry & dishes: Run final loads so everything starts clean.

• Freezer tip: Freeze water bottles (dual purpose: ice + drinking water) and move items to the coldest section.

24–36 Hours Before

• Secure the home: Bring in outdoor toys/furniture, close interior doors, and set fridge/freezer to the coldest setting.

• Charge & download: Offline shows, music, and story apps; turn on device low-power mode.

• Label everything: Write your child’s name and a contact number on bags and comfort items.

• Prep a safe zone: Interior room away from windows (stock with pillows, books, and calm activities).

During the Storm (Shelter-in-Place)

• Keep routines: Snack times, quiet time, and a simple schedule help children feel safe.

• Use “storm voices”: Speak slowly and softly; narrate what’s happening in simple, reassuring words.

• Lights-out fun: Flashlight story time, sticker books, puzzles, coloring, and play-dough.

• Limit window time: Close curtains/blinds; avoid rooms with large windows.

If You Need to Evacuate

• Leave early if advised. Buckle every ride—car seats travel even on buses or with friends when possible.

• Bring the essentials: Go-bags, car seats, medications, comfort items, device chargers, and documents.

• Kid ID: A simple name-and-contact wristband or card in each child’s pocket.

• Snack strategy: Offer small, frequent snacks and sips of water to reduce nausea and stress.

After the Storm

• Stay cautious: Avoid flood water and downed lines. Keep children close and shoes on.

• Check food safety: When in doubt, throw it out.

• Reassure & reset: Return to routines; let kids help with simple clean-up tasks to restore normalcy.

What Older Helpers (Ages 4–6) Can Do

Give preschoolers “real jobs” so they feel proud and involved:

• Water counters: Count and line up water bottles for the family.

• Flashlight captains: Help test flashlights and put them in the safe zone (with supervision).

• Comfort-kit packers: Choose one book, one stuffed friend, and one quiet activity for their bag.

• Label helpers: Add their name stickers to bags and water bottles.

• Pet pals: Help measure pet food and place it in a labeled container.

• Tidy team: Collect loose toys indoors and help close curtains/blinds.

• Calm-space decorators: Arrange pillows/blankets and set out a puzzle or coloring set.

Tip: Make Hurricane Helper badges with paper and tape—kids love the responsibility!

Special Tips for Little Ones (Ages 1–3)

• Snack cups & sippy lids: Spill-proof is your friend in tight spaces.

• Diaper math: Pack extras (at least 8–10/day for toddlers) plus rash cream and disposable bags.

• Familiar scents: A parent’s unwashed T-shirt or favorite blanket can be deeply soothing.

• Ear protection: Soft ear muffs can reduce fear during loud winds.

• Simple scripts: “The wind is loud, but we are safe. We’re together.”

Build a Kid Comfort Kit (One per Child)

• Mini blanket or stuffed animal

• Small book + coloring pad and crayons

• Nonperishable snacks (and a treat)

• Water bottle (labeled)

• Headphones + downloaded stories/music

• Change of clothes in a zip bag (double as a wet bag)

• Wipes and hand sanitizer

• Copy of key phone numbers

Family Communication Plan (Kid-Friendly)

• Who we text first: (Name + number)

• Where we meet if phones die: (Simple place kids know—“Grandma’s house” or “Library”)

• Who we can ask for help: (Trusted neighbor/friend)

Practice once with a calm, playful tone—turn it into a “mission” rather than a test.

Reassurance for Grown-Ups

• Children mirror adult emotions. Breathe, smile, and speak slowly—your calm becomes their calm.

• Focus on what you can control: routine, connection, and simple steps.

• You’re not alone—our team is here for you.

Stay Connected with All Superstars Preschool

For closures, reopening times, and hurricane-related school updates, please check our Facebook page. We’ll post timely information there to help you plan with confidence.

If you have questions about your child’s needs or your family’s plan, reach out to us—we’re happy to help. Stay safe, stay calm, and remember: prepared = empowered.