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How to prepare children for a hurricane, is to let them know what's going on without frightening them. When a hurricane threatens land, there's always enough time to prepare. Explain to them what a hurricane is, according to their age and level of understanding, then assure them that with proper preparation, they should be able to stay safe and comfortable.

Also, explain evacuation to them and let them know that in the event of a direct hit by a major hurricane, the family may have to leave the area for a day or so. Many children have seen on television the devastation a hurricane can cause.

Therefore, you can assure them that you are monitoring the storm and will take them out of the area if the storm heads your way. Also make sure they understand that hurricanes are slow movers so there's no need to be afraid as there will be plenty of time to act.

Including the children in preparations can go a long way in helping to ease any anxiety they may have over the situation. Helping to fill sandbags is a good project for them. Most people visit their local fire station and get sandbags to stop flood waters from entering the home. The bags and sand are usually free and people help themselves.

Another good project for children is food preparation in the event of a power outage. Eggs can be boiled and stored in the refrigerator the first day of the power outage, and then they can be put into the cooler once the refrigerator is no longer cold enough. Popcorn can be popped and stored in tight plastic bags. Snacks such as cookies and brownies can be stored as well.

The children can help you collect items outside which could be caught in the high winds of a hurricane, becoming a missile that could seriously hurt someone or damage property. You certainly don't want your garbage can to come careening through your living room window, or your neighbor's.

They can take lounge chairs and other patio furniture to the garage along with toy rides, lawn ornaments, and any object that could be swept up by the wind.

In summary, when a child doesn't know what is going on, they can become frightened. We as adults want to know what's going on and they are no different. Including them in the preparations not only helps to ease their anxiety, it also teaches them the importance of being prepared.

However, as with any kind of threat, things can happen suddenly. The storm can turn during the night and speed up while you're sleeping, catching you unprepared. As a Christian, my children learned about Jesus at an early age and were saved and baptized. Our top priority, when preparing for any kind of threat, is prayer. And since clouds come with hurricanes, we pray that Jesus is coming with them.

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7

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