If you live in a tornado-prone area, no doubt you will be instructed to seek cover many times during "tornado season". As scary as it is, remember that most warnings do not results in tornadoes. Even still, tornado warnings should always be taken seriously. If you have children, they may panic when the tornado warning sirens go off. The first and foremost rule for helping your children stay calm during a tornado warning is to stay calm yourself. The moment your children see you panic, they will panic. You are their role model. You are their guide.

How do you avoid panicking yourself? Have a plan, and practice that plan before you need it. The plan doesn't need to be complex. In fact, when involving small children, the simpler the plan is, the easier it will be to implement.

Prior to "tornado season" determine where in your home is the safest place to wait out a tornado warning. The safest location will be the lowest point in your home (basement if you have one) and preferably in a room that has no windows. If you do not have a basement, the bathroom is a good alternative. Once you have determined your tornado warning location, designate a spot (a closet or cabinet perhaps) and assemble the following items: flashlight with fresh batteries, battery-operated radio, blankets and pillows, bottled water, shelf-stable snacks (such as crackers or pretzels), and a few books.

Before involving your children, practice gathering your bag of "stuff" and getting to your dedicated location. Once you are confident in your plan, sit your children down and explain it to them. If they are old enough, you can assign them an item to remember to bring. One could pick the books, one could grab the snacks and one could get the blankets and pillows. Tornado warnings can be scary. Giving children an assignment will keep them focused and reduce their fears during the event.

After everyone understands the plan, practice it repeatedly until it goes smoothly. Pretend a tornado warning siren has gone off. Ask the children what they should do first. Have the children practice being in different locations in the house when the siren goes off. If they are alone in their bedroom, what do they do? If everyone is watching tv together, what do they do? After everyone gets to the designated tornado warning location, sit for a while. Practice listening to the radio for weather updates. Read a book. Then end the drill and put all the items back before beginning another drill. Come up with as many scenarios as possible and practice them all.

When the sirens go off for real, remember not to panic. Remind yourself that you have planned for this, and then put that plan into action. If you have practiced your plan, you will be amazed at how quickly and smoothly everyone is able to get to the designated location. After everyone gets to the designated location safely, remember to remain calm. You may have to sit there for a while before the "all-clear" is sounded.

Once the "all-clear" is sounded, return all items to their spots and congratulate yourselves on responding appropriately. Children will feel empowered by the knowledge that they participated in protecting their family.

Teaching your children to remain calm in serious situations will benefit them all their lives. They will carry these skills into adulthood and pass them on to their own children someday. Do not shirk this duty. Swallow any fears you may have (hide them if you must) and get started on your family's tornado warning plan today!

Learn more about this author, Ma Picard.
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